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The development of a hypnotherapy service for children
1Department of Psychological Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, London.
Child: Care, Health and Development
|July 1, 1990
Insights
A Pain and Symptom Management Team used hypnotherapy to treat children
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Pediatric Psychology
- Complementary Therapies
Background:
- A dedicated Pain and Symptom Management Team was established in September 1988.
- The team aimed to integrate hypnotherapy into pain, discomfort, and anxiety treatment protocols for children.
- Self-hypnotherapy skills were a key component of the therapeutic approach.
Observation:
- The team received 51 referrals for treatment.
- Hypnotherapy was initiated for 36 of the referred cases.
- Treatment involved an average of two to three hypnotherapy sessions per child.
Findings:
- A significant majority of children receiving hypnotherapy showed positive outcomes.
- 29 out of 36 children treated with hypnotherapy were rated as improved or much improved.
- The study highlights the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in pediatric symptom management.
Implications:
- Hypnotherapy presents a viable therapeutic option for managing pain, discomfort, and anxiety in children.
- The findings support the integration of self-hypnotherapy skills into pediatric care.
- Further research into the application and potential pitfalls of hypnotherapy in pediatric settings is warranted.
Abstract:
In September 1988, a Pain and Symptom Management Team was set up to offer hypnotherapy as part of the treatment of pain, discomfort and anxiety. Children are taught self-hypnotherapy skills. Of the first 51 cases referred, 36 were taken on for hypnotherapy and after two to three sessions 29 were rated as improved or much improved. An account is given of the approach of the team and of some of the possible pitfalls.