Clinical Hypnosis

Introduction

Hypnosis has been used in various forms as a therapeutic tool for thousands of years. However, the formal term hypnosis was coined as recently as the 18th century. Traditionally, hypnotherapy has been used within the medical field and its use has been approved by the British Medical Association (BMA) and the American Medical Association (AMA). Hypnotherapy has become an established, evidence-based treatment for a number of common conditions and a recent report by the British Psychological Society (BPS) states “Hypnosis is a valid subject for scientific study and research and a proven therapeutic medium” (BPS, 2001, p 2). Hypnosis is one of the most commonly used therapies, with an estimated 353,000 patients visiting a hypnotherapist, resulting in nearly one-and-a-half million private and NHS appointments every year in England. To meet this demand, more and more sole practitioners and health professionals are being trained in its use.

Clinical Hypnosis - The terms Clinical Hypnosis & Clinical Hypnotherapy refers to both the diagnosis of problems and the application of hypnotherapeutic approaches to treat others within a clinical and structured framework.

Clinical Hypnotherapist - A clinical hypnotherapist is typically a qualified professional in hypnotherapy who uses hypnosis, or employs it as part of a treatment regime for a variety of psychological and physiological problems. When professionally trained in the skills of hypnotherapy, the practitioner possesses an effective and profound therapeutic tool to help others. Hypnotherapy is utilised in many diverse areas including conventional medicine, clinical psychology, psychotherapy, counselling, sports psychology, self-development and in business.

Hypnotic Experience - Hypnosis is a highly receptive therapeutic learning state which the individual accesses in order to make positive changes. In a therapeutic setting this process is facilitated by the hypnotherapist. The naturally relaxed state of hypnosis allows individuals to make rapid enhancements to their lives through a process of learning appropriate new beliefs, breaking unwanted habits, changing negative behaviour patterns and overcoming learned limitations. In addition many individuals naturally experience an enhanced feeling of well being and a more positive outlook after each hypnotic experience.

BST Foundation Approach to Training

The principle method of training developed by the BST Foundation is the Context Dependent Training format (CDT). The CDT theory states that we can learn and recall information most easily and effectively when new information is placed in a pre existing context and that learning is consolidated by practical experience. Therefore the demonstration of hypnotherapeutic techniques and practical exercises to enhance therapeutic skills, augmented with clinical case histories and life examples, are integral elements of the training programme.

There is a high practical content within the course, necessary to gain patient centred skills. Theoretical information is presented in a modern easily assimilated format together with course notes, although additional note taking is recommended. The combination of theoretical and practical aspects makes this course stimulating, fascinating and very enjoyable.

The course is designed to take into account the particular needs and circumstances of mature students and professional people. Therefore, all courses are held on interspersed Saturdays and operate on an intensive study system where relevant information is taught in a relatively short period of classroom study. Recommended literature and practical homework assignments are set between training days to augment studies. We have found this training approach to be the most effective for students to gain confidence and proficiency in the practical and theoretical aspects of treating patients.