The Handbook of Contemporary Clinical Hypnosis: Theory and Practice

The Handbook of Contemporary Clinical Hypnosis is an authoritative resource designed to underpin the use of clinical hypnosis within the medical and psychological fields, and to support training and research in the area. Published in association with the British Society of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis (BSCAH), book draws on the expertise and experience of a wide range of health professionals including doctors, dentists, nurses, psychologists and counsellors, all of whom use hypnosis techniques in their practice. Theoretical rigour is provided by contributions from academics currently conducting research into hypnosis and its applications.

This unique collection is an invaluable resource for those interested in acquiring the basic skills of hypnosis, as well as those exploring more advanced applications in specialized areas. Written by clinicians for clinicians, The Handbook of Contemporary Clinical Hypnosis is the definitive reference text for our current understanding of hypnosis and its application in clinical settings.

Coming from the capable hands of editors Brann, Owens and Williamson, this book will be a valuable source of information for those interested in hypnosis as a serious and effective tool in clinical settings.
Claudia Nielsen, Psychotherapist and Vice–President of the Scientific and Medical Network, UK

The Handbook of Contemporary Clinical Hypnosis highlighted for me what is often lacking in most hypnosis works: a truly integrative effort to enable the clinician to appreciate the theoretical and experimental underpinnings of the clinical techniques. Beginning with an outstanding introduction and continuing with an excellent series of chapters elucidating the different areas and techniques of hypnosis, the various authors share their approaches in a succinct yet comprehensive manner. I am delighted to recommend this contribution to the hypnosis literature.
Shaul Livnay PhD, Chairperson, The Committee for Educational Programs in Europe, European Society of Hypnosis, Israeli Society of Hypnosis

About the Editors xi

About the Contributors xiii

Foreword xvii

Preface xix

Part One Hypnosis: The Fundamentals 1

1. Hypnosis: The Theory behind the Therapy 3
Dr Peter Naish

2. Hypnotic Phenomena and Hypnotisability 19
Dr Ann Williamson

3. History of Hypnosis 31
Dr Ann Williamson

4. Imagery and Visualisation 41
Mrs Jacky Owens

5. Use of Language and Metaphor 51
Dr Ann Williamson

6. Safety 77
Mrs Jacky Owens

Part Two The Stages of Therapy 87
Dr Les Brann with contributions from Dr Geoff Ibbotson, Mrs Jacky Owens and Dr Ann Williamson

7. Initial Steps 89

8. Explanation of Hypnosis: The Working Model 97

9. Induction and Deepening 107

10. Establishing the Problem 123

11. Resolving the Problem 131

12. Ego Strengthening, Anchoring and Re–alerting 141

13. Self Hypnosis and Other Homework 151

Part Three Specific Disorders 155

14. Self Esteem and Self Confidence 157
Dr Ann Williamson

15. Anxiety and Panic Disorder 169
Dr Ann Williamson

16. Depression 195
Dr Alastair Dobbin

17. Phobias 211
Dr Les Brann

18. Medically Unexplained Symptoms 229
Dr Michael E.Y. Capek

19. Specific Psychosomatic Disorders 247
Dr Les Brann

20. Dermatology 281
Dr Mhairi McKenna

21. Pain 293
Dr Les Brann

22. Anaesthesia, Surgery and Invasive Procedures 315
Dr David Rogerson, Mrs Jacky Owens and Dr Les Brann

23. Oncology 333
Mrs Jacky Owens and Dr Leslie Walker

24. Cancer Care 351
Mrs Phyllis Alden and Mrs Jacky Owens

25. Death, Dying and Loss 375
Dr K K Aravind, Mrs Jacky Owens and Dr Ann Williamson

26. Post–traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 389
Dr Geoff Ibbotson

27. Adjustment Disorders 413
Peter J Hawkins

28. Eating Disorders 425
Dr David Kraft and Dr Peter J Hawkins

29. Habit Disorder and Addiction 441
Dr David Medd and Dr Ann Williamson

30. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 457
Mrs Phyllis Alden and Dr Ann Williamson

31. Obstetrics 463
Mrs Diana Tibble and Dr Les Brann

32. Infertility 483
Dr Les Brann

33. Psychosexual Problems 493
Dr Peter J Hawkins and Dr Les Brann

34. Children 507
Dr David Byron and Dr Sobharani R Sungum–Paliwal

35. Learning Disability and Autistic Spectrum Disorder 525
Mr Cliff Robins

36. Sleep Disorders 537
Dr Les Brann

37. Performance Enhancement 547
Dr Barry Cripps

38. Informal Hypnotic Techniques 567
Dr Caron Moores, Dr Grahame Smith and Mr Martin Wall

39. Working Transculturally 575
Dr Geoff Ibbotson

40. Commissioning, Providing and Auditing a Hypnotherapy Service 583
Dr Les Brann

Appendix 1: Life History Inventory 591

Appendix 2: What goes in must come out 593

Glossary 595

Author Index 599

Subject Index 621

Les Brann is President of the British Society for Clinical and Academic Hypnosis (BSCAH), and Clinical Lead for Chelmford NHS Medical Hypnosis Unit, UK. He is the author of Just Close Your Eyes and Relax (1988).

Jacky Owens is a Past President of the Royal Society of Medicine s Section of Hypnosis and Psychosomatic Medicine. She worked for more than thirty years in the NHS before becoming independent practitioner running a company providing holistic services and support for cancer sufferers. Jacky retired from active practice in 2014 but remains on the Council for Royal Society of Medicine s Section of Hypnosis and Psychosomatic Medicine.

Ann Williamson has used hypnosis for more than 15 years to tackle stress and anxiety. An accredited member of BSCAH, she is the author of several books including Brief Psychological Interventions (Wiley–Blackwell, 2008).