Hypnotic Pain Control for Healthcare Professionals February 2011

Recently, the LCCH presented an experiential one-day workshop entitled Pain Management Through Clinical Hypnosis at the inaugural collaborative conference held by the Association of Family Practitioners of Malaysia (AFPM) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). This oversubscribed workshop proved extremely popular to the 110 enthusiastic healthcare professionals who travelled from all over the world to attend. LCCH CEO and Director of Studies, Peter Mabbutt, introduced delegates to hypnotherapy and to the role that it has to play in the management of pain. Throughout the day many sceptics became ardent advocates of hypnotherapy as they came to the realisation that it can help improve patient care in their very busy medical practices. Delegates were awarded CPD points for attending the workshop.

Delegates at the Pain Management Through Clinical Hypnosis Workshop

The LCCH is pleased to announce that this popular workshop is once again going to be held in London on the 26th February 2011.

It is open to all healthcare professionals, therapists and professionals from other disciplines working in the field of pain management who wish to learn how hypnotherapy can be used to augment and enhance pain management.

A Demonstration of Glove Analgesia

With its hands-on approach delegates will both learn and experience basic hypnotic induction and deepening techniques along with common hypnotherapeutic approaches to pain management.

Practicing Glove Analgesia

Undoubtedly psychological factors are an important aspect of pain management that affect a person’s pain threshold. These are explored from the hypnotherapeutic perspective, as is the concept of secondary gain that can hinder effective pain management.

Delegates Practicing Self-hypnosis

The AFPM/RACGP conference and workshop afforded a great opportunity for the LCCH to introduce hypnotherapy to the many key players in medicine who were in attendance from the Asia-Pacific region. These included the Director General of the Malaysian Department of Health (the equivalent of the Minister for Health in the UK) and both heads of the AFPM and the RACGP, all of whom were enthusiastic in expressing a wish to work with the LCCH in expanding public awareness of hypnotherapy.

For further details of the workshop telephone the LCCH on 020 7402 9037 or email info@lcch.co.uk

www.lcch.co.uk

The colour of hypnotherapy: colour choice predicts response to IBS treatment

Studies show that approximately two thirds of people with IBS respond well to hypnotherapy. However, researchers from Manchester have looked into ways of making the intervention more time and cost-effective by seeing whether there is a way to predict who will be most likely to respond well to treatment using hypnotherapy. Based on previous studies showing that IBS patients respond better to hypnotherapy where colour images of their illness are used, they hypothesised that the relationship between colour and mood might be a predictor to therapeutic outcome.

 The researchers measured mood colour relationship using the Manchester Colour Wheel (MCW). This device has been validated to measure the positive, neutral and negative attributions of colour perception as it relates to mood. The study also measured a number of other parameters that included anxiety and depression levels using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD) and high, medium or low hypnotisability using the Tellegen Absorption Scale (TAS).

 Looking at a cohort of 156 IBS patients they discovered that those who had a positive mood colour rating responded significantly better to hypnotherapy than those with a neutral or negative mood colour rating. Independent of the mood colour rating the researchers also found that those presenting with a high TAS score or a score of anxiety on the HAD also achieved significantly better outcomes.

Reference: Carruthers HR,  Morris J, Tarrier  N and Whorwell PJ (2010) Mood color choice helps to predict response to hypnotherapy in patients with irritable bowel syndrome BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 10 (1):75

Hypnotic Language in Occupational Safety and Health

LCCH tutor Kate Beaven-Marks has been invited by the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) to present a workshop at their conference to be held at the ExCel Centre, London in March 2011. She will be combining her knowledge of hypnotic language patterns and communication skills to teach delegates the art of effective communication and its relevance to Occupational Health and Safety. 

Kate Beaven-Marks

 For further information visit the IOSH conference website: www.ioshconference.co.uk
  

Report from the annual confrence of the Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy

The annual conference of the Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy held its eighth annual conference at The Thistle Hotel, Marble Arch, London.
 
When attending events such as these, one never knows quite what to expect. Benefits include networking with other professionals and training providers as well as picking up useful and interesting information.
 
This was the first year I attended and I was impressed by the organisation and range of speakers, though two of the speakers could have occupied the whole of the weekend as far as I was concerned.
 
Professor Peter Whorwell, Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of Manchester provided a comprehensive account of the impact of IBS and its treatment, providing compelling evidence for the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. This information has certainly altered my perception of the condition.
 
The other inspiring speaker was Devin Hastings. His talk on diabetes challenged many previously held assumptions and also provided some compelling arguements for the benefits of using hypnosis within treatment and maintenance of the condition. Diabetes really is of epedemic proportions and may well be a factor in many weight control patient's lives.
 
Also worth mentioning was David Uri. His messsage was quite simple. Nutrition has an impact on cognition and emotion. So before diving into some intriguing psychoanalytical regression or parts therapy, it might be worth checking on your patient's dietary habits. Mineral depletion can take place over quite long periods of time, and as creatures of habit we are inclined to restrict our diets without realising the effect it is having. Perhaps your patient is in greater need of a sandwich, than ten sessions of psychotherapy.
 
There is so much to learn, and so little time. Enjoy!

By George Houguez

LCCH on LBC 97.3

After a story appeared in the Daily Mail about a woman who tried to have her husband arrested because he snored too loudly, LCCH CEO Peter Mabbutt was interviewed by Iain Dale on LBC 97.3 about the problems associated with snoring. Having expressed denial over his own snoring (as do most snorers!), Peter went on to describe the difference between snoring and sleep apnoea and explained why people should take the latter seriously. He then explored ways to help alleviate snoring before describing how hypnotherapy can help both the snorer and the snorers partner.

Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK Conference 2010

As a result of our placement scheme at the Royal Brompton Hospital, the LCCH were invited to speak at the Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK’s annual conference held at the Hilton Hotel Manchester in October 2010. This proved to be a very inspirational experience as we met many people living with this debilitating condition as well as the friends, family and medical personnel who look after them. A consistent concern kept being raised as we talked to people during the conference, and that was  “who looks after the carers?” A very vocal cohort of conference attendees kept highlighting this often overlooked aspect of care, bringing into focus the problems that carers face when living with and caring for someone with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Despite the love with which care is given, the carer also has emotional issues that need to be addressed. Several attendees talked of the strain that being a carer places on relationships, their ability to sleep (as they are constantly listening out for their partners breathing) and their levels of stress in general.

 

The Hilton Hotel Manchester

 

 The needs of PH patients were very much highlighted during the two talks we presented introducing hypnosis. The need to be able to talk to someone who was not a family member and who had time to listen was a very important aspect for many with PH. A discussion on the importance of holding a positive outlook despite the severity of the condition focussed attention on the need for schemes such as ours that gives PH patients the opportunity to have access to professionals who can help with coping with symptoms, setting goals, building the ability to focus on the present with positivity, whilst dealing with issues of mortality should they arise.

 During two sessions in the afternoon, Peter Mabbutt gave a brief overview of hypnosis and hypnotherapy that was followed by Thomas van Berckel who explained the aims and objectives of the placement scheme. Jana Stanton also had the opportunity to share her experience as a clinical hypnotherapist working with PH patients, which allowed for some very positive Q&A at the end of each session.

Jana and Thomas

 The day was very successful and has left us with the potential to strengthen ties with the Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK and so open up further doors of opportunity to help improve patient care whilst at the same time creating an avenue of care for the carers.

Mahadevan Travelling Fellowship

The LCCH in Malaysia has recently seen the launch of the Mahadevan Traveling Fellowship and is acting as custodian for the scheme. It is presented in collaboration with Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), one of the worlds most prestigious hospitals.

The announcement of the candidates with Tun Siti Hasmah (centre) and Tan Sri Dr Mahadevan (far right) 

The Fellowship has been established to facilitate study and research and is created to recognise the work and commitment of Tan Sri Dato Seri Dr Mahadevan, one of Malaysia's most famous psychiatrists and clinical hypnotherapists. The scheme opens the way for a Malaysian Psychiatrist holding a significant interest in clinical hypnosis to visit Harvard and undertake one month of funded study.

The first recipient of the Mahadevan Exchange Traveling Fellowship was  Dr Sharifah Eliza Jamalullail.  Currently, Dr Gayathri K. Kumarasuriar  is visiting MGH. The other selected candidates are Dr Zainal Abdul Rahman, and Ng Khian Boon. All of the candidates are LCCH graduates. 

Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohd Najib presenting Dr Sharifah Eliza Jamalullial with the Fellowship

The Fellowship also paves the way to invite Harvard University experts on psychiatry and clinical hypnosis to visit Malaysia. The Harvard team visited in March 2010 and among the highlights of the visit was a workshop on psychological trauma presented to the Malaysian medical profession by Dr John Tan from University Malaya, Dr Henderson from Harvard University and Peter Mabbutt CEO/Director of Studies from the London College of Clinical Hypnosis. Peter Mabbutt and Dave Henderson went on to present their work at Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital in Sungai Petani

The Fellowship continues a historic precedence that was set over 50 years ago by the mystery benefactor to a young Malaysian psychiatrist following an act of remarkable ability at emergency medicine and hypnosis. In 1965 as a junior psychiatrist working in Dublin, Tan Sri Dr Mahadevan came across a terrible roadside accident. The only method he had to stabilise the patient was hypnosis. With remarkable presence of mind and technique the patient’s life was saved. The person he saved went on to fund Tan Sri Dr Mahadevan studies throughout the UK and the USA where he had the honour of working with some of the greats in hypnotherapy. Dr John Hartland invited Tan Sri to collaborate with him on a project looking at haemorrhage management through hypnosis at Hammersmith Hospital. He later traveled to the USA and worked with the father and son team Herbert and David Spiegel before returning to Malaysia where he is now known as the founder of Malaysian psychiatry.

Hypnotherapy and Hay Fever

As summer fades and autumn moves towards winter so memories of hay fever are swiftly forgotten. For many the winter months provide much needed relief from the itchy eyes and sneezing that accompanies what the medical world calls allergic rhinitis. Research from Switzerland is offering a new beacon of hope for sufferers of this sometimes debilitating condition. They conducted a study that took place over 2 pollen seasons where 66 volunteers were randomly allocated to one of two groups. The first group (A) regularly practiced self-hypnosis whilst continuing to take anti-allergy medication over the two seasons, whilst the second group (B) took anti-allergy medication only. After the first season group B were then asked to practice self-hypnosis whilst continuing to take their medication.

Results showed that after the first year group A reported fewer hay fever symptoms than group B. At the end of the second year group B (who had started to practice self-hypnosis) also reported fewer symptoms. Both groups cut down the amount of medication they were taking whilst practicing self-hypnosis. According to the study, self-hypnosis also improved nasal airflow when the volunteers were exposed to allergens. The authors of the study hypothesise that this may be the result of hypnosis’ ability to alter blood flow to the mucous membranes of the nose thus reducing congestion.

Even though some the findings of the study were not conclusive the results were encouraging. This has led to the authors and other authorities on allergy to recommend that further research be carried out to examine the true potential of hypnosis in the management of allergic symptoms.

Source: Langewitz W, Izakovic J, Wyler J, Schindler C, Kiss A and Bircher AJ (2005) Effect of Self-Hypnosis on Hay Fever Symptoms – A Randomised Controlled Intervention Study Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics 74(3) 165-172

Planning for the Conference on Clinical Hypnosis

The planning continues apace for the Conference on Clinical Hypnosis: Challenges in Healthcare in the 21^st Century. It will be held on the 25^th and 26^th of June 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As yet the venue has to be decided, all boiling down to a choice between two very nice hotels. Most speakers have now been confirmed and the pre-conference workshop themes decided. Keep an eye out for the official 1^st announcement that will be given later this month (October). Perhaps you fancy a busman’s holiday in a beautiful and exotic part of the world – learn a little more about hypnosis whilst immersing yourself in a warm and welcoming culture. 

Keep an eye out for the official web site and the announcements coming via the conferences official web site (details published soon). email, Facebook and Twitter.

LCCH receives international recognition

Recognising the college’s work in both education and research, the LCCH has been awarded the Best College of Clinical Hypnosis by Brand Laureate. At the same time LCCH Founder and Principal, Michael Joseph, was awarded Best Brand Personality. He is in good company as this award has previously been given to luminaries such as Earth, Wind and Fire, Sir Cliff Richard, Anton Mosiman and Deep Purple.

Hypnotherapy and dementia

Dr. Simon Duff, a forensic psychologist from the University of Liverpool, has shown that hypnosis can slow down the impact of dementia and improve the quality of life of those living with this debilitating condition. Comparing hypnotherapy with mainstream treatments, the results showed that the hypnosis group had a significant improvement in concentration, memory, the ability to relax, motivation and engagement in daily living activities.

(Source: European Journal of Clinical Hypnosis 7(1))

Hypnotherapists help improve patients hospital stay

Hypnotherapy graduates volunteer in a groundbreaking scheme to help improve patient’s hospital experience

The London College of Clinical Hypnosis (LCCH) volunteer scheme is providing a hypnotherapy service to hospitals that is spreading throughout the UK. Thomas van Berckel who develops and runs the program says “the scheme has a two-fold purpose: to bring clinical hypnosis into the primary health care arena and to create effective research looking at the efficacy of clinical hypnosis.” Thomas adds that, “we are involved in the promotion of hypnotherapy and ultimately it’s integration within hospitals throughout the UK.”

The LCCH’s most recent placements include the Cardiology and the Cystic Fibrosis Units at the Royal Brompton Hospital and the Cancer Care Unit at St Georges Hospital. Initially two therapists go into each placement. Feisal Umar, placed at St Georges Hospital says, “the placement scheme complements and integrates with conventional medical approaches. In this way we can help the patient to improve their experience as much as possible during their stay in hospital.”

Maggie Elmore, using hypnotherapy with pulmonary hypertension patients at the Royal Brompton Hospital says “hypnotherapy allows patients to work through personal issues regarding their condition. It also allows them to address any concerns they may have about medical procedures they need to undergo. Having believed that they'd hand over control of their lives to the medical profession forever, hypnotherapy helps patients understand that in a very real and positive way they are part of a team, still in the driver's seat, still in charge, which then helps them cope better.”

Peter Mabbutt, CEO and Director of Studies for the LCCH said “with NICE (The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) now recommending hypnotherapy, the placement scheme will help both the medical community and the general public gain a more realistic understanding of hypnotherapy and its potentials.”

A post-graduate qualification in clinical hypnotherapy that the public can trust

The first graduates of the Post-graduate Certificate in Clinical Hypnotherapy are paving the way for quality assurance for hypnotherapy patients.

The general public has been justifiably concerned for many years as to what constitutes a valid qualification in hypnotherapy. In the absence of statutory regulation many courses that range from a single day to a couple of years have been giving qualifications that purportedly allow a person to practice hypnotherapy. The London College of Clinical Hypnosis (LCCH) is in a collaborative partnership with Thames Valley University (TVU) offering a recognised post-graduate programme in Clinical Hypnotherapy, which can lead to a full Master’s degree.

This collaboration signifies the LCCH’s continuing com­mitment to providing the highest quality training for those wishing to study Clinical Hypnosis whilst at the same time setting a standard that ensures the general public are treated safely and ethically. This higher education training programme offers recognition to hypnotherapy practitioners, raising awareness and quality assurance to the established medical professions and most importantly to the gen­eral public.

The first graduates of the Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Hypnotherapy are now entering into practice. This is the only postgraduate award in clinical hypnotherapy in the UK and to the best of our knowledge the world. This will enable professionals who wish to work as a hypnotherapist or those who wish to add hypnotherapy to their existing medical or therapy skills to gain a prestigious market position, progressing towards the eventual regu­lation of the profession and evidence-based practice. Graduates have professional indemnity insurance and are members of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis who govern their professional conduct.

The entry requirement to these post-graduate studies is the Certificate of Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) in Clinical Hypnosis at Level 6 consisting of 200 hours of study. After the successful completion of this CPPD, students can then progress onto the post-graduate program comprising of three specific exit points. These are:

·      Post Graduate Certificate Clinical Hypnotherapy (PgCert) (Level 7)

This course consists of 600 hours of study, giving practitioners a recognised post-graduate qualification and a certificate to enter professional practice.

·      Post Graduate Diploma Clinical Hypnotherapy (PgDip) (Level 7)

Students may enter this advanced level of study after successfully completing the Post-graduate Certificate and consists of the two following CPPD’s:

 - Practitioner Studies (300 hours study)

 - Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (300 hours study)

·      MSc Clinical Hypnotherapy Level 7

Having attained the PgDip, practitioners can study for the MSc Clinical Hypnotherapy. The award will be given on the successful completion of the following two modules:

-       Research Study Methods

-       Dissertation