In this article, we describe how cognitive hypnotherapy can be used in conjunction with evidence-based practices for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We review cognitive-behavioral interventions for PTSD, including mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches, and contend that (a) empirical support for the use of hypnosis in treating a variety of conditions is considerable; (b) hypnosis is fundamentally a cognitive-behavioral intervention; (c) psychological interventions with a firm footing in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are well-suited to treat the symptoms of PTSD; and (d) hypnosis can be a useful adjunct to evidence-based cognitive-behavioral approaches, including mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions, for treating PTSD.

Lynn SJ, Malakataris A, Condon L, Maxwell R, Cleere C. Am J Clin Hypn. 2012 Apr;54(4):311-30. Psychology Department, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, New York 13902-6000, USA. stevenlynn100@gmail.com

Dr. Robert Coben received his Ph.D. in 1991 and has been a licensed psychologist in the state of New York since 1994 (www.op.nysed.gov/psych.htm). He is the Director and Chief Neuropsychologist of NRNS. His post-doctoral training in clinical and rehabilitation neuropsychology was done at the UCLA Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in California.

His experience in rehabilitation neuropsychology includes directing two separate inpatient programs. He is former director of inpatient and outpatient brain rehabilitation at Staten Island University Hospital.

Dr. Coben is board-certified in EEG biofeedback and a Diplomat of the QEEG Certifcation Board. He is a member in good standing of the American Psychological Association, International Neuropsychological Society, International Society for Neurofeedback and Research, and the American Association of Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.