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Using hypnosis to help deaf children help themselves: report of two cases
D P Kohen1, P Mann-Rinehart, D Schmitz
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.
The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis
|December 30, 1998
Summary
Deaf children effectively learned self-hypnosis using American Sign Language for problem management. This approach facilitated symptom relief, demonstrating hypnosis as a viable therapeutic tool for this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Hypnotherapy
- Deaf Studies
Background:
- Hypnosis is a therapeutic technique that can be used to manage various conditions.
- Effective communication is crucial for therapeutic interventions, especially with children.
- American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary language for many deaf individuals.
Observation:
- Deaf children can rapidly acquire and utilize hypnotic skills.
- Hypnosis can be successfully taught and applied using American Sign Language.
- Therapeutic goals included symptom management, ego-strengthening, and positive expectation.
Findings:
- An 11-year-old deaf girl used hypnosis via ASL to resolve warts.
- A 9-year-old deaf boy with developmental disability managed myoclonus with self-hypnosis.
- Successful implementation involved clinicians, interpreters, and parents in the communication process.
Implications:
- Hypnosis is a potentially effective intervention for deaf children's health concerns.
- ASL-based hypnosis expands therapeutic accessibility for the deaf community.
- This approach highlights the importance of culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare.