Cognitive-Behavioral therapies enjoy considerable empirical support as effective treatments for depression. Actively teaching cognitive and behavioral skills is essential to these therapies . Hypnosis has been shown to enhance client skill acquisition and to manage common depressive symptoms. In this workshop, we will explore ways hypnosis can assist in treating depressed clients.
Hypnosis has been shown to enhance the effects of treatment in general, and CBT in particular, making treatment more effective and with more enduring results. Hypnosis as a field is supported by a body of scientific literature that is broad, deep and fascinating, addressing issues such as information processing, the relationship between the brain and the mind, the dynamics of interpersonal influence, and how suggestions become realities. As practicing clinicians, we have a great deal to learn from studying hypnosis whether we ever intend to become "hypnotists" or not. The role of suggestion - influential communication - is so basic to any healing technique that to ignore, avoid, or underestimate its impact in the therapy process weakens our ability to practice therapy effectively.