by Tim Brunson, PhD

Just about every aspect of human communication alters the frequency of a person's brainwaves and results in various parts of the brain activating, idling, or being inhibited. When this results in a type of focused attention during which certain mental resistances are reduced and selective imagination is enhanced, we can say that a hypnotic process has occurred. Clearly, this can happen on purpose when a skilled clinical – or stage – operator communicates with the intention of creating such a result. However, the truth is that this happens unintentionally all the time. When a hypnotic process is in employed for the express purpose of achieving a desired secondary gain – such as improving health or happiness, as well as achieving self-actualization – we can regard it hypnotherapy. But, does every endeavor that produces a hypnotic effect warrant the label "hypnotherapy" or its recognition as a new school of hypnotherapy ? Such is the case when considering what is popularly called Ericksonian Hypnotherapy.

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Case studies suggest hypnosis with a virtual reality (VR) component may be an effective intervention; although few follow-up randomized, controlled trials have been performed comparing such interventions with standard hypnotic treatments. Thirty-five healthy participants were randomized to self-hypnosis with VR imagery, standard self-hypnosis, or relaxation interventions. Changes in sleep, cortisol levels, and mood were examined. Self-hypnosis involved 10- to 20-min. sessions visualizing a healthy immune scenario. Trait absorption was also recorded as a possible moderator. Moderated regression indicated that both hypnosis interventions produced significantly lower tiredness ratings than relaxation when trait absorption was high. When trait absorption was low, VR resulted in significantly higher engagement ratings, although this did not translate to demonstrable improvement in outcome. Results suggest that VR imagery may increase engagement relative to traditional methods, but further investigation into its potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy is required.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2011 Jan;59(1):122-42. Thompson T, Steffert T, Steed A, Gruzelier J. Department of Psychology & Counselling, University of Greenwich, London, UK. t.thompson@gre.ac.uk

When a person experiences a problem integrating one or more disturbing or life-threatening events, clinicians have a wide range of tools with which to assist their recovery. The phenomena, which is called a trauma, is the topic covered by a new book by psychologist Robin Shapiro, PhD. In The Trauma Treatment Handbook: Protocols Across the Spectrum, she addresses practically all protocols currently available – to include pharmacology. I tend to agree with the charge made in the preface by trauma authority Daniel Siegel, MD as to the lack of scientific research regarding many of the presented modalities. However, I also concur that due to the complexity of traumas the various approaches warrant significant discussion. In this volume Shapiro has done so brilliantly.

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by Joyce-Anne Locking

If you had to name the most valuable thing in your life at this moment, you may come up with all sorts of different answers. You may name loved ones, friendships or material things such as cars, houses or bank accounts. Perhaps you might think of objects of art, private yachts, or summer get aways. Some may name pets, pianos or possessions.

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What does music have to do with hypnotherapy and change work? The answer has to do with how powerful music can be – whether guiding a listener in a certain direction or enhancing his or her emotions.

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