Uses of hypnosis in treating anxiety states

Hypnosis has come to be recognized as a potent antianxiety intervention which can be incorporated into a wide variety of psychotherapeutic models. It can play an important role in facilitating treatment of anxiety states, whether the treating clinician's orientation is biological, dynamic, interpersonal, cognitive or behavioral. The primary focus of this article is one the use of hypnosis in treating generalized anxiety disorder. An emphasis is placed on a behavioral or learning perspective. A specific treatment approach using this orientation is outlined and a case example is presented.