Clinical Hypnotherapy
Core Mechanism
Trance state increases suggestibility and access to automatic processes; targeted suggestions modify pain perception, habits, or anxiety responses
Ontology
Automatic processes (pain, anxiety, habits) can be modified through suggestion in altered states of consciousness
Therapeutic Voice
"As you relax more deeply, imagine yourself in a place where you feel completely safe and at ease."
View of the Person
A being with automatic processes (pain, habits, anxiety) modifiable through suggestion in altered states
Evidence
NICE: referenced for IBS
Multiple RCTs for pain, IBS
Cochrane reviews for specific conditions
Strong evidence for pain management, IBS. Less evidence as standalone psychotherapy.
Conditions
Epistemology
Blind Spots
Suggestibility varies widely; misconceptions about control create resistance; narrow evidence base beyond pain and IBS
Contraindications
Active psychosis, dissociative identity disorder without stabilization, severe PTSD where trance induction risks retraumatization, epilepsy (relative), clients with strong objections to altered states of consciousness, forensic contexts where suggestibility concerns apply
Training
Licensed health professional (psychologist, physician, social worker, counselor, dentist, nurse). Training through ASCH (American Society of Clinical Hypnosis) or SCEH (Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis).
ASCH — Certification in Clinical Hypnosis: basic workshop (20 hrs) + advanced workshop (20 hrs) + 20 hrs consultation + 2 years clinical practice with hypnosis + examination.
ASCH: 40 hrs workshop training + 20 hrs consultation + 2 years practice minimum
$1.5K–4K for workshop training; consultation fees additional; certification application ~$250
Find a Trained Therapist
Philosophical Roots
Erickson (utilization — use whatever the patient brings); Mesmer (historical); Janet (dissociation); James (subliminal consciousness); Milton model (indirect suggestion as respectful influence)
Related Modalities
Clinical Hypnotherapy in 1 Comparative Clinical Vignette
Each vignette presents the same client through multiple theoretical lenses side by side — showing how Clinical Hypnotherapy formulates presenting problems, sets treatment focus, and sounds in the consulting room compared with other approaches. This comparative pedagogy is unique to Epoché Clinical; no other clinical reference systematically formulates the same case across traditions.
Test Yourself
Ericksonian vs. direct hypnosis?
Show answer
Direct: formal commands. Ericksonian: indirect, conversational, utilizing what client brings.