Elgan L. Baker

An hypnotherapeutic approach to enhance object relatedness in psychotic patients.

Abstract The present paper develops a conceptual rationale for utilizing hypnosis in the intensive psychotherapy of acutely psychotic patients which emphasizes deficits in object relatedness and associated ego pathology stemming from impaired internalized object representations. From this perspective, specific hypnotherapeutic techniques are suggested to enhance the positive aspects of the emerging transference in psychotherapy and to support the patients capacity to establish and maintain real connections with the external environment. Special attention is directed toward the hypnotherapeutic management of various aspects of psychotic ambivalence and “primitive splitting” as significant sources of dynamic and structural resistance in work with these patients. Case material is presented to illustrate aspects of this conceptual and technical approach.

The state of the art of clinical hypnosis.

Abstract This paper reviews the contemporary status of clinical hypnosis in light of the current emphasis on briefer, pragmatic forms of therapy and consumer demands to demonstrate effectiveness. Conceptual shifts and an expansion of clinical applications are related to changes in hypnotic strategies and technique. Suggestions for future avenues of clinical research are outlined and the importance of the continued integration of scientific rigor, empirical clarity, and clinical acumen and sensitivity is emphasized.

Applications of Hypnosis in the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa

Historic and current reports in the literature involving applications of hypnosis with anorectic patients are reviewed and integrated to explicate core aspects of hypnotic interventions in treating anorexia nervosa. A comprehensive hypnotherapeutic approach is delineated which emphasizes the use of hypnotic strategies to reduce tension, enhance self-control, support increased and realistic body awareness, alter distorted body image, and foster appropriate autonomy and individuation. Preliminary data are also reviewed which support the clinical efficacy of this approach.

The use of hypnotic dreaming in the treatment of the borderline patient: Some thoughts on resistance and transitional phenomena

Abstract This paper examines some phenomena of resistance to learning and utilizing self-hypnosis which may occur in the treatment of patients with borderline level ego organization and pathology. Conflicts around separation, individuation, and the constancy of selflother representations are highlighted as significant dynamic factors central to this resistance. The use of hypnotic dreams and the facilitation of transitional relatedness through dream processes and symbols are suggested and discussed as avenues for the clinical management of resistance to auto-hypnosis in hypnotherapy with these patients.

Resistance in Hypnotherapy of Primitive States: Its Meaning and Management

Abstract This paper examines various aspects of resistance that become manifest in hypnotherapy with borderline, narcissistic, and psychotic patients. Specific clinical presentations are described and contrasted with forms of resistance encountered in work with neurotic patients. An ego psychology theoretical perspective is presented to conceptualize these more primitive resistance phenomena in terms of transference issues and dynamics relating to separatiod attachment conflicts, and specific suggestions for management are outlined. 2 case examples are presented to demonstrate both conceptual and technical aspects of this approach.

Use of hypnosis following training in a psychiatry residency and psychology internship program: a brief communication.

Despite growing numbers of internships and residencies offering training in hypnotherapy, no systematic attempt has been made to assess hypnotherapy beliefs and use among former trainees in these settings. This study investigated posttraining hypnotherapy use and effectiveness beliefs in a sample of 77 former psychiatry residents and psychology interns. Over 50% of the study sample had sought additional hypnotherapy training beyond the standard lectures and seminars, and almost 30% had attended external hypnotherapy workshops or presentations. Beliefs in hypnotherapy effectiveness were high, but use of hypnotherapy in clinical practice was very low. Former residents and interns who had received supervised training with patients, who had attended hypnosis workshops, and who had a colleague using hypnotherapy were more likely to use hypnotherapy following training.

Attitudes and Practices Regarding Clinical Hypnosis with Psychotic Patients — A Survey: A Brief Communication

Attitudes toward and actual use of hypnotherapeutic techniques with psychotic patients were assessed. Results are discussed in light of historical and current attitudes toward the use of hypnosis with psychotics. Respondents were selected from the 1980 membership directory of the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH). 80 respondents completed and returned the survey. Results indicate that the perceived usefulness of hypnosis with psychotics is currently quite high and negative attitudes toward its use quite low. The growth of the use of hypnotherapeutic techniques and the need for further research are discussed.

Yearning for the Vastness of the Sea: Reflections and Commentary on Professional Training in Hypnosis

Educational programs are a major focus of most professional hypnosis societies. Many of these programs rely on traditional curricula and teaching strategies with variable success. The articles in this special issue examine and critique these training models and suggest innovative approaches to professional education with an emphasis on more uniform course content and goals and more dynamic and effective educational processes. A convergence of themes is noted and examined including the need to continue to expand the acceptance and utilization of clinical hypnosis, the importance of attending to broader clinical competence beyond hypnosis skills, the need for faculty development and evaluation, and the imperative that course content reflects academic rigor and contemporary science as well as providing for demonstration and supervised clinical practice. These themes are explicated for the development of new training paradigms and for continued programs in the field of clinical hypnosis.