Description:

Milton H. Erickson was a pioneer in understanding and managing chronic pain, even in his own life. He developed a variety of original and very effective hypnotic approaches to deal with pain. Acute pain is different from chronic pain, as recent research shows. The persistent of pain causes changes that permanently alter various areas in the brain and their communications. Chronic pain does not respond well to typical acute pain treatments and should be approached differently, with a more global and integrated approach. Research has validated most of Erickson´s strategies and recent findings offer new ways and possibilities to greatly improve and systematize the treatment of chronic pain.

In this workshop we will review Ericksonian hypnotic approaches, showing new ways to take advantage of latest research, such as brain imaging, expectations management or olfactory stimulus. Some techniques and considerations applied in and out of the hypnotic session, can have a great impact on client´s expectations, pain perception, anxiety level and perceived self-efficacy. Participants will learn some practical guidelines and techniques to treat chronic pain, that will help to increase client´s expectations and to better tailor hypnotic procedures and suggestions to each case.

Educational Objectives:

1. Define what are the differences between acute and chronic pain conditions and their implications in the treatment.
2. Describe effective hypnotic procedures and strategies for chronic pain treatment and how to tailored them to each case.
3. List at least three techniques to increase client´s expectations and perceived self-efficacy in chronic pain management.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*