Book Review

Barabasz,A, F., Olness, K., Boland, R and Kahn, S. (2010) Medical Hypnosis
Primer: Clinical and Research Evidence. Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-415-87178-5.
pp. v-133.
This book on Medical hypnosis comprises of 12 chapters written by some of
the leading scholars and researchers from the field of hypnosis research and
its application to medical disciplines.
The subjects covered are the concept of hypnosis, hypnosis testing, and the
application of hypnosis to the medical treatment of acute and chronic pain,
childhood problems, Post-traumatic stress disorder, surgery, childbirth, sleep,
depression, stress and anxiety and finally Procedural hypnosis.
The aim of the text is to outline in a clear fashion the fundamental concepts of
contemporary medical hypnosis, to encourage medical practitioners in the
use of hypnosis as an adjunct to general medical care and to develop the
teaching and practice of hypnosis in medicine, nursing and within clinical
psychology.
Chapter 1 by Barabasz and Christensen elaborates the general concept of
hypnosis in terms of the definition of hypnosis, hypnotizability, a description
of hypnotic experience and an introduction to hypnotic induction.
In Chapter 2 Spiegel outlines the psychometric aspects of hypnotic experience
dealing with measurement and clinical tests of hypnotizability, clinical scales,
the context of treatment and the method of self hypnosis.
Chapter 3 by Patterson addresses the use of hypnosis in the treatment of
acute pain. The empirical evidence for the hypnotic control of acute pain is
discussed along with patient evaluation, treatment plans and hypnotic
procedures for pain.
Jensen in Chapter 4 deals with chronic pain with reference to patient
experience, evaluation, treatment planning, hypnotic inductions for chronic
pain, suggestions to enhance outcomes and suggestions for analgesia.

In Chapter 5 Olness and Kohen are concerned with the use of hypnosis in
problems of childhood. The issues covered are teaching self hypnosis to
children, the research regarding hypnosis with children, child assessment and
self hypnosis and pain management.
Chapter 6 by Vermetten and Christensen deals with Post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). Diagnostic categories are discussed along with assessment
and treatment, hypnosis and the release of unbound affect, EMDR, and
abreaction.
Thomson in Chapter 7 deals with the application of hypnosis to surgery.
Thompson outlines current research findings, patient history, and trancework
as preparative to surgical procedures.
Childbirth is considered by Irland in Chapter 8. Irland focuses on self
hypnosis in childbirth, pain management, hypnosis in operative childbirth
and the cultural and religious aspects of natal hypnotherapy.
In Chapter 9 Yapko writes on hypnosis and sleep. The relationship between
insomnia and depression is highlighted. There is a discussion of the role of
rumination in insomnia. Hypnotic interventions are discussed along with
reference to indications and contraindications with regard to treatment.
Alladin in Chapter 10 focuses on hypnosis and depression. Major depression
is outlined in the context of cognitive behavioural therapy. An outline of
cognitive hypnotherapy sessions for depression is described systematically.
Kahn in Chapter 11 deals with hypnotic interventions with stress and anxiety.
Current research is discussed and a 4 stage model for treatment is elaborated.
The last Chapter by Lang is on Procedural hypnosis for those undergoing
medical procedures of any kind.
There are 4 appendices which are a glossary of hypnosis terminology,
contributor contact addresses, the contact details of International and
National societies of hypnosis and finally a brief list of bibliographical

material suggested for further study.

The book is thoroughly referenced throughout the text and an index is
provided.
Although The Medical Hypnosis Primer is intended for those practitioners
involved in medical treatment I think it is a valuable resource for practising
hypnotherapists in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Moreover, the book
would be a very clear and concise resource for hypnotherapists in training.
Edward Gardner
In Private Practice.
Contact: ipnoetic@gmail.com
09/01/2014