The use of online resources in the treatment of three cases of simple phobia.

Numerous creative methods have been developed to incorporate computer technology into cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety disorders. In contrast, little has been written about the role that computer technology might play in therapy with hypnosis. This article is an exploration of some basic ways that clinicians can use images from computer search engines and YouTube to enhance exposure therapy for phobias. These adaptations may be particularly useful for the subgroup of patients who have difficulty re-creating and experiencing vivid and compelling aversive imagery in hypnosis, and consequently are reluctant to pursue in vivo exposure. Three cases are presented that illustrate ways in which computer images of fear inducing stimuli can be used with traditional permissive hypnosis to amplify exposure therapy.

Am J Clin Hypn. 2012 Oct;55(2):174-83. Spiegel SB. shaspi@gmail.com