Issues in the detection of those suffering adverse effects in hypnosis training workshops

Enhancing safety in hypnosis workshops is an issue of significant concern in the progress and promulgation of hypnosis as a facilitator of treatment. In general, hypnosis is a safe modality, but occasional adverse effects are encountered in its use in clinical, research, and professional workshop settings. To develop and implement modifications designed to reduce the number and/or severity of such unfortunate incidents in workshop settings, it is necessary to establish an awareness of the nature and implications of these adverse events. This article describes 9 categories of problem presentations known to have been generated in workshop settings. It also discusses a particular constellation of factors that--without imputing blame to either faculty or to workshop participants--creates powerful forces that minimize the likelihood that adverse effects will either be recognized by faculty or reported by workshop participants.