Hypnosis For PTSD

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, can be a debilitating and overwhelming experience. Imagine reliving a traumatic event over and over again, feeling intense emotions such as fear and anger, and feeling on edge, anxious and irritable all the time. Imagine struggling with nightmares and flashbacks, avoiding things that remind you of the traumatic event, and feeling detached or estranged from others.

Imagine feeling hypervigilant, easily startled, and having difficulty sleeping or concentrating. These are just a few of the many ways PTSD can manifest, making it a daily struggle to simply exist. It's a painful and isolating experience, but it's important to remember that you are not alone and there are tools and resources available to help you through it.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious condition that affects a lot of people around the world. It can be caused by all sorts of traumatic events, like being in a war, experiencing sexual assault, or going through a natural disaster. The symptoms of PTSD can be really tough, like having flashbacks or nightmares and feeling anxious or depressed.

There are different ways to treat PTSD, like therapy and medication, but sometimes they don't work for everyone. Recently, there's been a lot of research that suggests hypnosis can be a really effective way to treat PTSD. It might sound a little strange at first, but using hypnosis to treat PTSD is based on sound scientific principles. Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation where the mind is more open to suggestions. This makes it a great tool for getting to the root of the emotional and psychological issues that can cause PTSD.

One of the key ways that hypnosis is used to treat PTSD is by helping individuals to process and integrate traumatic memories. This can be done through techniques such as guided imagery, where individuals are guided to imagine the traumatic event in a safe and controlled environment, and cognitive restructuring, where individuals are helped to reframe their thoughts and beliefs about the event in a more positive light.

Another technique that is often used in the treatment of PTSD is hypnoanalysis. This is a form of hypnosis that is based on the principles of psychoanalysis. It involves the use of hypnosis to access unconscious memories and emotions related to the traumatic event. Through hypnoanalysis, individuals can gain insight into the underlying causes of their PTSD symptoms, and develop new coping strategies to manage them.

A third approach is the use of hypnosis for emotional regulation. Trauma can cause emotional dysregulation, meaning that people with PTSD may have difficulty managing their emotional responses to triggers. Hypnosis can help individuals to learn techniques such as self-hypnosis, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing which can help them regulate their emotional responses.

Hypnosis can also be used to help individuals with PTSD to improve their sleep. Nightmares and flashbacks are common symptoms of PTSD, which can cause individuals to have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Hypnosis can be used to teach individuals relaxation techniques and visualization exercises that can help them to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer.

Overall, hypnosis is a powerful tool for treating PTSD. It can be used to help individuals process and integrate traumatic memories, gain insight into the underlying causes of their symptoms, and improve emotional regulation and sleep. It's important to note that hypnosis is not a standalone therapy, it should be used in conjunction with other evidence-based therapies such as talk therapy and possibly medication.

Three Treatment Options

We offer three different treatment options to meet the unique needs of our clients.

The first option is talk therapy only, which typically includes 8 or more sessions. These are 1-hour sessions and include an assessment, diagnosis, and regular talk therapy approaches. This option is generally covered by insurance or can be paid out-of-pocket at the time of service. To book this option see "Important Note" below.
The second option is blended therapy, which also typically includes 8 or more sessions. These sessions include an assessment, diagnosis, and a combination of talk therapy and hypnosis sessions as needed. Like the first option, these are 1-hour sessions that are also generally covered by insurance or can be paid out-of-pocket at the time of service. To book this option see "Important Note" below.
The third option is intensive hypnosis sessions that can be scheduled for 2, 3, or 4-hour segments, depending on availability. Longer sessions can be beneficial in reaching deeper states of trance and addressing multiple issues in a single session. This can lead to significant changes in the individual's mental and emotional state. These are only available on Mondays and Thursdays and are not covered by insurance and must be paid at the time of the appointment at the regular hourly rate of $200 per hour. Also, please note that I personally handle all appointment scheduling for option 3. And while they are only available on Mondays and Thursdays, I will make every effort to accommodate your schedule. I can be reached at 316-844-1215, and can answer any questions you might have about hypnosis. Texting is preferred as it allows for prompt and convenient communication, even if an immediate phone call is not feasible.

Important Note: To book options 1 or 2 call 316-945-5200. This is the scheduling desk of Adult, Child, and Family Counseling. They will be able to take all your information, verify your insurance info, and find a suitable time on my schedule. Also, these sessions are only available on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday. Please understand they will not be able to answer any questions about hypnosis. If you have questions, you can reach out to me, Drew Amend, LMSW via call or text. Texting is preferred as it allows for prompt and convenient communication when I'm unable to take calls. You can reach me directly via text at 316-844-1215.

References:

"Hypnosis in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder" by J. R. Olness and K. Kohen-Raz in the Journal of Child Neurology (1999)

"Hypnotherapy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder" by J. R. Crawford and J. C. Barabasz in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (2010)

"A randomized controlled trial of hypnotherapy in the management of post-traumatic stress disorder" by J. R. Barber, J. C. Connolly, and M. Critchley in Journal of Traumatic Stress (2001)

Bibliography:

Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.

Resick, P. A., & Schnicke, M. K. (1992). Cognitive processing therapy for sexual assault victims. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 60(5), 748–756.

Rothbaum, B. O., Astin, M. C., & Marsteller, F. (2005). Prolonged exposure versus eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD rape victims. Journal of

Traumatic Stress, 18(6), 607–616.