MAY 2005, VOLUME 33, NUMBER 1, Abstract 6
The Use of Hypnosis in the Treatment of PTSD
Christine Carter, Psychologist
This study describes the application of hypnosis in the treatment of a woman, Jackie, with post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from her experience of having large glass doors collapse and shatter on top of her at work on two separate occasions. She was referred by her general practitioner and through the use of hypnosis achieved her goals of returning to work and abolishing distressing flashbacks, feelings of not being safe, inability to leave her home, loss of appetite, panic attacks, and sleep disturbance which she had been experiencing. The doctor had not prescribed any medication at the time of referral, but was waiting to see how the counseling treatment progressed. The implications of using hypnosis, should Julie wish to seek legal action in the future, were discussed. She stated adamantly that she did not wish to pursue the matter legally and signed a disclaimer stating that she understood the implications.