Self-hypnosis

Domain VI · Brief, integrative, trauma, hypnosis & coaching

What it is

No source gives one fixed schedule. The phases below combine Thomson's prerequisites and three teaching stages (ASCH), the Osher clinic-then-home sequence, Capafons' graded steps, and the course formats of HYlaDO and the Jensen/Williams VA trial.

Format

• No source gives one fixed schedule. The phases below combine Thomson's prerequisites and three teaching stages (ASCH), the Osher clinic-then-home sequence, Capafons' graded steps, and the course formats of HYlaDO and the Jensen/Williams VA trial.
• Phase 0 – Assessment, screening and consent (session 1, often combined with Phase 1)

Who practises it, and how they are trained or regulated

• Optional: estimate hypnotic responsiveness. Options in the sources: Spiegel's Hypnotic Induction Profile (scored 0–10) and his quick eye-roll sign; Capafons' pre-assessment with falling-backward and interlaced-fingers exercises; the Modified Stanford Hypnotic Clinical Scale (used in the Jensen/Williams trial). Use licensed scales as published; items are not reproduced here.
• An audio recording may be given as temporary support ("training wheels"), to be dropped when the client is ready.
• Jensen/Williams VA trial (chronic pain): manualised group self-hypnosis training, eight weekly sessions of about 90 minutes, with homework. The detailed session content was not available in the protocol excerpt opened.

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Is there physical contact? Was it explained beforehand, and do you feel free to say no or stop at any point?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Does it involve intense or unusual breathing? Have you been told about the medical conditions for which that is not advised?
• Does it involve fasting, a special diet or 'detox'? Have you discussed this with your doctor?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• parental consent and child assent; keep sessions short.
• eyes staying closed on their own is the usual sign of entry.
• headache, anxiety, unexpected memories or images (Section 5).
• fear of stairs or falling; offer a path, lift or slope instead.
• reliance on the recording months later; plan its fading (4.26).

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.