MAY 2008, VOLUME 36, NUMBER 1, Abstract 4
Hypnosis to Enhance Time Limited Cognitive –Behaviour Therapy for Anxiety
Maria Nolan, Psychologist in private practice, Port Macquarie, N.S.W.
This case demonstrates the use of CBT and hypnosis in managing the symptoms of anxiety experienced by a retired registered nurse. Her symptoms included panic attacks and heightened blood pressure when she visited medical specialists. Therapy was time limited to five sessions under the Enhanced Primary Care program. A research question was posed about the possibility of achieving success in this time frame, using CBT enhanced by hypnosis for exposure to both the symptoms of panic and situational anxiety. On completion of the sessions, there was a marked decrease in anxiety symptoms, and the patient was able to visit her doctors without undue elevation of blood pressure.