Broadly speaking there are three main areas in which clinical hypnosis may be readily incorporated into a medical and dental environment to benefit the patient.

 

In conjunction with Medical/ Dental Treatments- This is where hypnosis and therapeutic communication may be utilised prior to and in preparation of a treatment or procedure. During and in conjunction with any treatment and as part of the process of recovery and maintaining wellbeing. The main focus when hypnosis is utilised in this way is to directly influence the patient’s internal focus and reduce anxiety whilst also enhancing their overall positive experience of treatment.

 

Enhancing Patient Attunement  – This is where elements of hypnosis and therapeutic communication may be utilised to directly enhance and positively influence the patient/ practitioner therapeutic alliance and relationship (Rapport) throughout their treatment journey. This includes how verbal and non-verbal communication, levels of empathy, compassionate intent, positive expectation, trust and openness, all of which can significantly and positively impact the patient’s experience and treatment journey. Perhaps more than any other therapeutic based approach, Clinical Hypnosis has focussed on the structure, process, and positive influence of our communication and interaction upon others.

 

Patient Resources & Coping Strategies- This is where the patient’s anxiety and fear responses may inadvertently impede or inhibit their successful medical or dental procedure. In such circumstances the patient may simply not have had the opportunity to acquire such coping strategies in their prior life experience. Or due to the magnitude of fear and anxiety relating to their treatment they may be unable to access pre-existing resources that might help them to cope. In such circumstances Clinical Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy can be employed to provide a highly focused therapeutic state in which the patient can be guided to access positive resources, whilst also providing the opportunity to develop and learn new supportive coping strategies, all of which can rapidly reduce unhelpful anxiety or fear whilst simultaneously empowering the patient and enhancing treatment outcomes.