Tim Brunson DCH

Welcome to The International Hypnosis Research Institute Web site. Our intention is to support and promote the further worldwide integration of comprehensive evidence-based research and clinical hypnotherapy with mainstream mental health, medicine, and coaching. We do so by disseminating, supporting, and conducting research, providing professional level education, advocating increased level of practitioner competency, and supporting the viability and success of clinical practitioners. Although currently over 80% of our membership is comprised of mental health practitioners, we fully recognize the role, support, involvement, and needs of those in the medical and coaching fields. This site is not intended as a source of medical or psychological advice. Tim Brunson, PhD

Guided Imagery, Illusions, and Vision

Posted At : July 29, 2008 4:33 PM | Posted By : Tim Brunson, PhD
Related Categories: General


by Tim Brunson DCH

Often when speaking to groups I refer to guided imagery as "consensual hallucinations." With 70% of the brain's neurons somehow serving the visual system, one cannot help but appreciate the enormous influence of vision on our mental and physical well-being. Therapists who use any form of guided imagery are taking advantage of these facts in their efforts to re-sculpt the inner workings of the mind and brain.

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Sound Medicine: the Complete Guide to Healing with the Human Voice

Posted At : July 29, 2008 2:57 PM | Posted By : Tim Brunson, PhD
Related Categories: Publications


A Book Review by Tim Brunson DCH

Ever since I enjoyed the multi-phonic chants of the Tibetan monks of the Drepung Loseling monastery, I was not aware of any Westerner equally talented in vocal complexities. That was until I had the opportunity to meet and hear the remarkable Wayne Perry. As a key note speaker and workshop leader at the 2004 American Board of Hypnotherapy convention, Mr. Perry awed the audience with his unusual presentation skills and enthralled us with his unique views concerning the use of the human voice as a tool for mental and physical healing.

Wayne Perry is an unparalleled speaker, workshop leader, and healer. Having availed myself of the opportunity of having a private session with the master and as I cross paths with him usually once or twice a year, I have learned to appreciate his many skills. For those of you who have not had this opportunity, I highly recommend that your purchase and read his latest book: Sound Medicine: The Complete Guide to Healing with the Human Voice. This comprehensive how-to-manual not only explains the intriguing world of sound healing, but gives you a great autobiographical picture of the person who is the living embodiment of this innovative theory.

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Relationship of headache-associated stressors and hypnosis therapy outcome in children.

Posted At : July 29, 2008 1:08 AM | Posted By : Tim Brunson, PhD
Related Categories: Pain Management


This study examined potential psychosocial stressors of 30 children with headaches (mean age, 15 years), and the role of insight generation in the outcome of hypnosis therapy. The mean duration of headache occurrence was 3 years. All of the patients were instructed in how to use hypnosis-induced relaxation and headache-related imagery to improve their symptoms. Thirty-seven percent reported their headaches were associated with fixed stressors, defined as caused by events over which patients had no control, while 63% reported variable stressors, defined as modifiable by the patients' actions. Four patients were lost to follow-up. Overall, 96% (25/26) reported a decrease in headache frequency and/or intensity following use of hypnosis. However, prior to insight generation patients reporting fixed stressors were significantly less likely to improve than those reporting variable stressors (p = 0.018). Thus, insight generation may be more important for achievement of improvement in children whose headaches are associated with fixed stressors.

Am J Clin Hypn. 2008 Apr;50(4):335-41. Anbar RD, Zoughbi GG. Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, State University of New York Upstate Medical University Syracuse, NY 13110, USA. anbarr@upstate.edu

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Evaluation of dentists' perceived needs regarding treatment of the anxious patient.

Posted At : July 29, 2008 1:07 AM | Posted By : Tim Brunson, PhD
Related Categories: Dentistry


BACKGROUND: With regard to the management of dental anxiety in general dental practice, it has been considered that general dental practitioners (GDPs) are well placed to treat adults with mild forms of dental anxiety. However, little is known about the specific anxiety management techniques being used by GDPs in the UK.Aim To determine the views and experiences of dental practitioners in their current use of anxiety management techniques, their undergraduate and post-graduation training in these techniques and future training needs. METHODS: A postal questionnaire was sent to a sample of GDPs working in the Midlands region (n = 750) in the UK. Dentists were randomly selected using lists provided by the primary care trusts for each locality. RESULTS: The response rate was 73% (n = 550). Of these, 90 were not included in the final analysis due to exclusion criteria set prior to questionnaire release. This left 460 questionnaires for analysis. Eighty-five percent of respondents agreed that dentists had a responsibility to help dentally anxious patients (n = 391). Dentists were asked their reasons for not using anxiety management techniques in practice. Psychological techniques, sedation (oral, inhalation, or intravenous) and hypnosis were reported as not having been used due to the paucity of time available in practice, a shortage of confidence in using these techniques and the lack of fees available under the NHS regulations. Also, 91% reported feeling stressed when treating anxious patients. When asked about the quality of teaching they had received (undergraduate and postgraduate), 65% considered that the teaching was less than adequate in the use of psychological methods, whereas 44% indicated that they would be interested in further training in psychological methods if financial support was available. CONCLUSION: The need for further training in managing the dentally anxious patient is supported by dentists' lack of confidence and inadequate training in treating such patients, as determined from the results of a postal questionnaire to UK GDPs.

Br Dent J. 2008 Apr 26;204(8):E13; discussion 442-3. Epub 2008 Apr 18. Hill KB, Hainsworth JM, Burke FJ, Fairbrother KJ. University of Birmingham, School of Dentistry, St Chad's Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6NN. K.B.Hill@bham.ac.uk

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