NOVEMBER 2004, VOLUME 32, NUMBER 2, Abstract 4
Hypnotic Preparations of a Mother-to-Be
Easter German, Psychologist
This paper outlines the hypnotic preparation of a mother-to-be, Poppy, who presented for anxiety management of panic attacks of moderate severity. These panic attacks predated the pregnancy and related to a fear of no escape and lack of mobility. A recent panic attack when the client was having fetal monitoring initiated the referral from her obstetrician. Initially, Poppy requested assistance to deal with the panic attacks in general. Later on, the focus of treatment changed when she and her husband in consultation with the obstetrician decided to change delivery plans and attempted a natural delivery instead of an elective caesarian. Poppy requested assistance to have a “panic-free delivery.” The therapeutic interventions combined general psycho-education about anxiety, learning about hypnosis, and self-hypnosis on agreed cues and environmental manipulation to ensure an optimum delivery environment.