Application of cognitive-behavioural hypnotic treatment for anxiety management in the Chinese

Abstract

This paper reports a treatment group, including four Chinese participants, run for general anxiety management with the aid of hypnosis, principally derived from the three-session stress management programme devised by the Hypnosis Unit of University College London. Instead of exploring the deep history in relation to the aetiology of the present problems, this group focussed on intervening in the vicious cognitive-behavioural-physiological cycle of anxiety problems. A total of three sessions spread over three weeks was undertaken, including brief assessments of anxiety, psychoeducation of stress and of the use of hypnosis, hypnotic intervention, and counselling. Hypnosis was utilized as an adjunct to counselling, ego-strengthening, stress management, and in facilitating cognitive restructuring. Both formal assessments and subjective reports reflected a significant improvement in management of stress. On the whole, as measured by the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, the participants were satisfied and cherished the hypnotherapeutic experience. This paper demonstrates the possible application of hypnosis in the Chinese population as well as the efficacy of hypnosis for anxiety management. Copyright © 2005 British Society of Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis