Book
Review
Barabasz,A,
F., Olness, K., Boland, R and Kahn, S. (2010) Medical Hypnosis
Primer: Clinical and Research Evidence. Routledge. ISBN:
978-0-415-87178-5.
pp.
v-133.
This
book on Medical hypnosis comprises of 12 chapters written by some of
the leading scholars and researchers from the field of hypnosis
research and its application to medical disciplines.
The
subjects covered are the concept of hypnosis, hypnosis testing, and
the application of hypnosis to the medical treatment of acute and
chronic pain, childhood problems, Post-traumatic stress disorder,
surgery, childbirth, sleep, depression, stress and anxiety and
finally Procedural hypnosis.
The
aim of the text is to outline in a clear fashion the fundamental
concepts of contemporary medical hypnosis, to encourage medical
practitioners in the use of hypnosis as an adjunct to general medical
care and to develop the teaching and practice of hypnosis in
medicine, nursing and within clinical psychology.
Chapter
1 by Barabasz and Christensen elaborates the general concept of
hypnosis in terms of the definition of hypnosis, hypnotizability, a
description of hypnotic experience and an introduction to hypnotic
induction.
In
Chapter 2 Spiegel outlines the psychometric aspects of hypnotic
experience dealing with measurement and clinical tests of
hypnotizability, clinical scales, the context of treatment and the
method of self hypnosis.
Chapter
3 by Patterson addresses the use of hypnosis in the treatment of
acute pain. The empirical evidence for the hypnotic control of acute
pain is discussed along with patient evaluation, treatment plans and
hypnotic procedures for pain.
Jensen
in Chapter 4 deals with chronic pain with reference to patient
experience, evaluation, treatment planning, hypnotic inductions for
chronic pain, suggestions to enhance outcomes and suggestions for
analgesia.
In
Chapter 5 Olness and Kohen are concerned with the use of hypnosis in
problems of childhood. The issues covered are teaching self hypnosis
to children, the research regarding hypnosis with children, child
assessment and self hypnosis and pain management.
Chapter
6 by Vermetten and Christensen deals with Post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). Diagnostic categories are discussed along with
assessment and treatment, hypnosis and the release of unbound affect,
EMDR, and abreaction.
Thomson
in Chapter 7 deals with the application of hypnosis to surgery.
Thompson outlines current research findings, patient history, and
trancework as preparative to surgical procedures.
Childbirth
is considered by Irland in Chapter 8. Irland focuses on self hypnosis
in childbirth, pain management, hypnosis in operative childbirth and
the cultural and religious aspects of natal hypnotherapy.
In
Chapter 9 Yapko writes on hypnosis and sleep. The relationship
between insomnia and depression is highlighted. There is a discussion
of the role of rumination in insomnia. Hypnotic interventions are
discussed along with reference to indications and contraindications
with regard to treatment.
Alladin
in Chapter 10 focuses on hypnosis and depression. Major depression is
outlined in the context of cognitive behavioural therapy. An outline
of cognitive hypnotherapy sessions for depression is described
systematically.
Kahn
in Chapter 11 deals with hypnotic interventions with stress and
anxiety. Current research is discussed and a 4 stage model for
treatment is elaborated.
The
last Chapter by Lang is on Procedural hypnosis for those undergoing
medical procedures of any kind.
There
are 4 appendices which are a glossary of hypnosis terminology,
contributor contact addresses, the contact details of International
and National societies of hypnosis and finally a brief list of
bibliographical material suggested for further study.
The
book is thoroughly referenced throughout the text and an index is
provided.
Although
The Medical Hypnosis Primer is intended for those
practitioners involved in medical treatment I think it is a valuable
resource for practising hypnotherapists in both clinical and
non-clinical settings. Moreover, the book would be a very clear and
concise resource for hypnotherapists in training.
Edward
Gardner
In
Private Practice.
Contact:
ipnoetic@gmail.com
09/01/2014
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