Hypnosis, Pain and the Context of Therapy

Abstract

The therapeutic use of hypnosis in pain syndromes assumes that organic pain can be brought under control through hypnotic techniques. Although it might be inferred from laboratory experiments that the hypnotic control of pain is in direct proportion to the individual''s hypnotizability, clinical work would indicate that most motivated patients can achieve sufficient levels of hypnosis to alleviate pain. The psychological state of the patient, regardless of whether the pain was initially organic or psychogenic, modifies the patient''s response to therapeutic hypnosis. An approach to the patient that helps insure that the context of hypnotherapy will be optimal was presented. Many patients who might otherwise be classified as unhypnotizable can in the appropriate context be helped to utilize hypnosis for the control of their pain.