May 2007, VOLUME 35, NUMBER 1, Abstract 5
Using Hypnosis With a Battered Woman With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Maggie Wai-ling Poon, Clinical psychologist, Hong Kong
This report describes the successful hypnotic intervention with a battered woman who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The treatment basically consists of three phases: The first is stabilization by reducing stress and building up personal resources, the second is re-exposing the client to the trauma by graded approximation, and the last is consolidation of the therapeutic gains. Data obtained by the client’s verbal reports, the therapist’s observations, and objective measures at one month and three month post-treatment follow-ups provides evidence of maintenance and continued improvement in symptoms. This suggests that hypnosis may be an effective adjunct to therapy for battered women with PTSD.