By Tim Brunson PhD
I recently made a comment to a local university psychology instructor that even poorly done hypnosis can produce positive results. This statement was made based upon reading several thousand research articles and summaries outlining studies which discussed the efficacy of hypnotherapy for physiological or medical pathologies. Although I welcome the fact that most of the results indicate the value of such mind-body techniques as an adjunct to therapy, psychology, and medical protocols, I often cringe when I notice the incomplete application, limited approaches, or the relative inexperience of the hypnotic operator.
To come to the conclusion that hypnosis is indicated for any pathology the frequency, depth of trance, operator versus auto-hypnosis application or mix, the propensity of the subjects to accept specific depth, and other factors are just some of the independent variables, which must be applied. Unfortunately, the researchers select one set of conditions, compare these against a non-hypnotized group, and then publish findings which may or may not confirm the value of hypnosis. Strangely enough, however, these poorly designed efforts have normally supported hypnotic interventions.
Unfortunately professional prejudices coupled with the legacy of the Erickson-Elman rivalry of the 1950's, have divided the hypnotherapy world into two or more camps. One centers on the use of indirect linguistic patterns and/or guided imagery. The second tends for favor the more rapid or instant techniques of the Estabrook, Bernheim, and Elman, which is an eclectic mixture of medical doctors, psychologists, and stage hypnotists. The first group is represented my a vast majority of even minimally trained psychologists, psychotherapists, counselors, and medical and dental professionals such as Ernest Rossi Ph.D., Mark Weisburg Ph.D., Belleruth Naparstek, Bill O'Hanlon, Daniel Handel MD of the NIH and others for whom I have the greatest personal and professional respect. (Please note that Rossi's latest foray into the psychobiology of gene therapy is a digression from this statement.) On the other side, you find Paul Durbin Ph.D., Tad James Ph.D., Anne Spencer Ph.D., Ron Eslinger CRNA, and Gerald Kein, who are trained in the rapid and instance varieties of techniques. (However, I must point out that this latter group is more comprehensively trained in all of the various schools and techniques of hypnosis.) Unfortunately, most of the studies that I have reviewed are limited to the Ericksonian and guided imagery methodologies. While these techniques are great for most psychodynamic issues regarding integrative behavior and medicine, they are not efficacious when it comes to emergency situations or any pain-related cases where anesthesia or analgesia is required.
Obviously, some hypnotic operators have more skill and talent than others. Is this true also of medical doctors? However, lack of standardization of hypnotherapeutic training (ranging from 20 to 300 hours for a credentialed certification) and qualifications are an issue. No, having a medical or psychology degree does not confer hypnotic qualifications. For instance, the findings of forensic court cases highlights that such degrees in and of themselves do not qualify the holder as a hypnotist. On the other hand there are brilliant psychology and medical hypnotic operators who have excelled in hypnosis due to formal training obtained through various associations and institutions. Still, despite many organizations self-styled insistence upon imposing their guidelines on the profession, the lack of generally acceptable standards limits the relevance of much of the hypnosis research performed in this modern era. It is my hope that we move toward a more comprehensive, inclusive definition of standards that respects the entire breadth of this field of study.
Nevertheless, while I fully embrace the current interest in hypnosis as an adjunct to psychological and medical protocols, I sincerely hope that the issues of applications, approaches, and experience are promptly addressed so that the value of suggestion, altered states of mind, and attitudes can quickly find their place in the healing profession.
The International Hypnosis Research Institute is a member supported project involving integrative health care specialists from around the world. We provide information and educational resources to clinicians. Dr. Brunson is the author of over 150 self-help and clinical CD's and MP3's.
Posted: 01/14/2013
