MASTERCLASSES
Dr Michael Yapko
Older conceptions about both depression and hypnosis that are
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS:
COMPELLING REASONS TO EXPLORE THE FIELD
now obsolete previously prevented such a union for a variety of
reasons, but here is a new realm in which superstition can be
February 14 2004, Imperial College
replaced with fact.
Our knowledge of depression has greatly improved in recent
Hypnosis isn't a therapy in its own right, it's a vehicle for
years, firmly establishing the essential role of psychotherapy in
delivering therapeutic ideas and establishing therapeutic
treatment. Whenever psychotherapy is indicated, so are
associations in the client's subjective experience. Is there
specific identifiable patterns of hypnotic influence, since the two
empirical evidence that hypnosis enhances treatment
are fundamentally inseparable.
outcomes when employed in psychotherapy? The unequivocal
answer is yes. Hypnosis has been shown to enhance the
Drugs alone are not and can never be an entirely adequate
effects of established approaches (such as cognitive-
reply to the growing rates of depression. "Adjusting" individuals
behavioural therapies), making treatment more deliberate and
chemically while individuals and families face life challenges
providing more enduring results.
they are not adequately prepared to meet means that for every
person who gets medicated, many more sink into depression
What is hypnosis and how does it enhance psychotherapy? In
that is untreated. We as health professionals can do a great
this one day overview, we will explore the phenomenon of
deal to address this issue much more realistically than leading
suggestibility that is inherent in any psychotherapy, and focus
people to believe "a pill a day will keep the depression away."
on how suggestion may be used to elicit hypnotic responses in
people that empower them in a variety of ways. We will
In this Masterclass, I will describe the latest depression
consider the relationship between suggestion and memory (i.e.
research and associated clinical implications. I will focus on the
age regression), the malleability of sensory perceptions that
relationships between cultural values, parenting styles, family
permit natural pain management (i.e. hypnotic analgesia), and
dynamics, individual perceptual and behavioural styles, and
other significant applications of clinical hypnosis.
depression. I will broaden the simplistic view of depression as
only an individual biologically based disorder in order to
Hypnosis as a field is supported by a body of scientific literature
recognize how depression is often a direct response to
that is broad, deep, and fascinating. Many important questions
interpersonal hurtful life situations that people don't cope with
about the nature of human consciousness and how people
learn and make changes have been well addressed in the
very well.
research literature, while many others remain unanswered. As
We will explore specific strategies of hypnotic intervention in the
practising clinicians, we have a great deal to learn from
treatment of depressed individuals. Depression has proven to
studying hypnosis whether we ever intend to become
be highly treatable with directive, active, and experiential
"hypnotists" or not. The role of suggestion - influential
interventions, like hypnosis. The small-group learning
communication - is so basic to any healing technique that to
environment of this Masterclass will also provide ample
ignore, avoid, or underestimate its impact in the therapy
opportunity to do case supervision, group problem-solving,
process weakens our ability to practice therapy effectively.
supervised practise sessions, and more in-depth consideration
Learning Objectives
of attendees' interests. Previous experience with hypnosis is
essential.
Three different conceptual and practical models of
Learning Objectives:
clinical hypnosis
The neuroscientific findings regarding brain functions in
Identify the most and least relevant theoretical models for
hypnosis and their practical implications
understanding the disorder of depression
Types of hypnotic inductions, both structured and
Understand what we actually know about depression
naturalistic
from biological, psychological and sociological
What the classical hypnotic phenomena are and how
perspectives
they can be used in psychotherapy
Identify key patterns that cause and maintain depression
The legal and ethical implications of integrating hypnosis
List and describe the role of attributional style patterns as
into clinical practice
depressive risk factors
Develop specific active hypnotically based intervention
strategies for facilitating recovery
Identify opportunities for implementing preventive
TREATING DEPRESSION WITH HYPNOSIS
strategies
February 15 2004, Imperial College
Depression is the most common mood disorder affecting
people not only in the U.K., but in the world. It is a disorder that
Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and marriage
is still growing steadily across all age groups. Depression is
and family therapist in private practice in Solana Beach,
also one of the most treatable disorders, as long-term treatment
California. He is internationally recognized for his work in
and follow-up studies indicate. Why, then, is depression so
depression and outcome-focused psychotherapy, routinely
prevalent?
teaching to professional audiences all over the world. To date,
he has been invited to present his ideas and methods to
This Masterclass breaks new ground, formally bringing
colleagues in 25 countries across six continents, and all over
together depression as a problem and hypnosis as a solution.
the United States.
London College of Clinical Hypnosis
Autumn 2003
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