Therapists

Hypnotherapy starts with hypnosis -the induction of a deeply relaxed state, with increased suggestibility and suspension of critical faculties. Once in this state, sometimes called a hypnotic trance, patients are given therapeutic suggestions to encourage changes in behaviour or relief of symptoms. For example, in a treatment to stop smoking a hypnosis practitioner might suggest that the patient will no longer find smoking pleasurable or necessary. Hypnotherapy for a patient with arthritis might include a suggestion that the pain can be turned down like the volume of a radio.

Which patients or conditions may benefit

" The primary use of hypnosis is in: -anxiety -disorders with a strong psychological component such as asthma and irritable bowel syndrome. There is some evidence that younger patients (under the age of 50) have a greater response rate" -conditions that can be modulated by levels of arousal such as pain."

Qualifications

Medically qualified hynotherapists There are no recognised, registerable qualifications in hypnotherapy. Doctors and dentists may be trained through the British Society of Medical and Dental Hypnosis. Accreditation qualifies the member for admission to the referral list of practitioners. To remain accredited the individual is expected to attend at least one advanced course in three years.

Non medically qualified hypnotherapists There is no standard qualification or training for hypotherapists. Individual practitioners may indicate an affiliation with a particular professional organisation.

Finding a therapist

Medically qualified hynotherapists

The British Society of Medical and Dental Hypnosis has entries in Yellow Pages and BT phone books. Further information is available from the referral secretary who can offer advice for doctors or members of the public who would like to find a local practitioner: British Society of Medical and Dental Hypnosis 23 Broadfields Heights or: 17 Keppel View Road 53/58 Broadfields Avenue Kimberworth Edgware HA8 8PF S61 2AP Tel: 020 8905 4342 Tel: 07000 560309 email: valentine.la@talk2l.com

Non medically qualified hypnotherapists There are a large number of hynotherapy registers and a lack of a single regulating body which makes selecting a non medically qualified practitioner difficult. A recent move has been the formation in 1998 of the United Kingdom Confederation of Hypnotherapy Organisations (UKCHO) which acts as an umbrella body bringing together registering, accrediting and training organisations. The UKCHO is working to introduce a core curriculum and training standards throughout its training organisation members. Advice about finding a local practitioner may be obtained from: The UK Confederation of Hynotherapy Organisations Suite 401 302 Regent Street London W1 R 6HH Tel: 0116 212 0306 Freephone (for members of the public) 0800 9520506 Alternatively, advice may be obtained from the Foundation for Integrated Medicine.