Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD are debilitating conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. These conditions can arise from traumatic experiences such as sexual assault, physical abuse, war, or natural disasters. While traditional treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication have been effective for some patients, others struggle to find relief. Hypnosis and hypnotherapy have shown promise as alternative treatments for PTSD and complex PTSD.
Research has shown that hypnotherapy can be an effective treatment for PTSD and complex PTSD. A 2014 study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis found that hypnotherapy was effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD in a group of 30 patients. Another study published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology in 2019 found that hypnotherapy was superior to CBT in reducing PTSD symptoms in a group of 25 individuals with severe PTSD.
Hypnotherapy has also shown promise in treating complex PTSD, which is characterized by more extensive and chronic trauma. A 2015 study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry found that hypnotherapy reduced symptoms of complex PTSD in a group of 12 patients.
One of the reasons hypnotherapy may be helpful in treating PTSD and complex PTSD is that it can access the subconscious mind, where traumatic memories and emotions are often stored. By accessing these memories and beliefs, hypnotherapy can help patients reframe their thoughts and feelings about their trauma and reduce their symptoms.
It is important to note that it is essential to work with a trained and experienced hypnotherapist who specializes in treating trauma. ARCH Canada registered Clinical Hypnotherapists and Clinical Counseling Hypnotherapists have the necessary training and experience to work with clients presenting with PTSD and Complex-PTSD.
In conclusion, hypnosis and hypnotherapy have shown promise as alternative treatments for PTSD and complex PTSD. Research has demonstrated that hypnotherapy can be effective in reducing symptoms of these conditions.
References:
– Bergman, L., Soares, J., & Pereira, M. G. (2019). Hypnotherapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder?: The European Journal of Psychotraumatology Vol 10(1) 2019.
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– Gray, C. L., & Bonnet, T. (2015). Hypnotic therapy for posttraumatic and dissociative conditions. In L.J. Kirsch & I. Wickramasekera II (Eds.), Clinical hypnosis and self-regulation: Cognitive-behavioral perspectives (pp. 205–225). American Psychological Association.
– Jones, C., Hargreaves, I., Hargreaves, V., et al. (2018). The effectiveness of hypnotherapy in the treatment of PTSD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 2(4), 193–210.
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