Overview of Integrated Psychotherapy
Integrated psychotherapy combines principles from diverse therapeutic approaches to offer tailored treatment. Unlike singular methods, it acknowledges the complexity of human experience, aiming to address various aspects of psychological well-being.
Overview of Theoretical Frameworks
Integrated psychotherapy blends various theoretical perspectives, including cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, humanistic, and systemic theories. This approach offers a flexible and comprehensive model that addresses the complexity of human experience.
Hypnosis as a Base for Integration
Hypnosis serves as a central element in integrating psychotherapeutic approaches. By inducing a trance state, hypnosis enhances therapeutic effectiveness by promoting relaxation, receptivity to suggestion, and exploration of subconscious processes. It acts as a bridge for combining different therapeutic modalities within an integrated framework.
Complementary Nature of Theories
Integrated psychotherapy recognizes the complementary nature of different theories. Cognitive-behavioural therapy focuses on thoughts and behaviours, psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious conflicts, humanistic approaches emphasize personal growth, and systemic perspectives examine social dynamics. By integrating these theories, therapists develop holistic treatment plans tailored to individual needs, enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
The Importance of Research
Research plays a crucial role in evaluating the effectiveness of integrated psychotherapy. It provides evidence-based insights into outcomes and mechanisms, guiding clinical practice and ensuring accountability within the field.
Purpose: Curated Research Resource
This page serves as a curated repository of research papers on integrated psychotherapy. Our goal is to provide a centralized source for professionals and researchers to explore empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of integrated approaches, fostering informed decision-making and scholarly inquiry.
List of Research Papers
Clinical research on cognitive-behavioural hypnotherapy
Access: Free
This research comprehensively explores the scientific foundation, efficacy, and integration of Cognitive-Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH). Emphasizing findings from a meta-analysis of 57 randomized controlled trials, the study highlights hypnotherapy’s robust evidence base, particularly in anxiety treatment (d=0.69). The amalgamation of hypnotherapy with Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is . . . discussed, showcasing an additive effect and increased efficacy across diverse conditions.
Practical examples vividly illustrate the versatility of hypnotherapy, addressing conditions such as insomnia, chronic pain, and PTSD. The study concludes by strongly underlining hypnotherapy’s potential in treating anxiety and depression, substantiated by research findings, establishing it as a valuable therapeutic approach.
Visit Research Paper
Cognitive Hypnotherapy in Addressing the Post traumatic Stress Disorder
Access: Free
The article presents a case study in which the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was approached in an integrative, psychiatric and psychotherapist manner. The client, a highly hypnotizable person aged 65, diagnosed with PTSD and panic attacks, required, on the psychiatrist’s recommendation, specific pharmacotherapy combined with psychotherapy. The psychotherapeutic intervention consisted of 23 . . . sessions using cognitive-behavioural hypnosis techniques that led gradually to treating the symptoms, while the psychiatric treatment was no longer needed. This case study highlights the characteristics of an integrative approach that combines psychological and psychiatric intervention techniques.
Visit Research Paper
Cognitive hypnotherapy for psychological management of depression in palliative care
Access: Free
The prevalence of psychiatric disorders in palliative care is well documented, yet they often remain undetected and untreated, adding further to the burden of suffering on patients who are already facing severe physical and psychosocial problems. This article will focus on depression as it represents one of the most common psychiatric disorders treated by psychiatrists and psychotherapists in . . . palliative care. Although depression in palliative care can be treated successfully with antidepressant medication and psychotherapy, a significant number of depressives do not respond to either medication or existing psychotherapies. This is not surprising considering depression is a complex disorder. Moreover, the presentation of depression in palliative care is compounded by the severity of the underlying medical conditions. It is thus important for clinicians to continue to develop more effective treatments for depression in palliative care. This article describes cognitive hypnotherapy (CH), an evidence-based multimodal treatment for depression which can be applied to a wide range of depressed patients in palliative care. CH, however, does not represent a finished product; it is a work in progress to be empirically validated and refined by advances in cancer and clinical depression.
Visit Research Paper
Music performance anxiety: A clinical outcome study into the effects of cognitive hypnotherapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing in advanced pianists
Access: Free
This study explores implicit processes in alleviating music performance anxiety (MPA) using cognitive hypnotherapy (CH) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). Involving advanced pianists, the intervention groups showed a significant reduction in state anxiety and performance improvement, particularly in the EMDR group where trait anxiety decreased below baseline levels. The . . . research highlights the effectiveness of therapies targeting implicit processes in addressing MPA, providing valuable insights for music psychology and beyond.
Visit Research Paper
Can hypnosis and virtual reality reduce anxiety, pain and fatigue among patients who undergo cardiac surgery: a randomised controlled trial
Access: Free
This study investigates the potential benefits of a novel technique called virtual reality hypnosis (VRH) in the context of cardiac surgery. Non-pharmacological methods, such as hypnosis and virtual reality, are commonly used to address anxiety, acute and chronic pain. However, the specific benefits and underlying mechanisms of VRH remain unclear. The research aims to enhance understanding by . . . conducting randomized and controlled trials with 100 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Participants will be assigned to one of four conditions: control, hypnosis, virtual reality (VR), or VRH. Each patient will undergo two sessions of their assigned technique, one before and one after surgery. Physiological assessments and patient-reported measures of anxiety, fatigue, pain, absorption, and dissociation will be collected. The study, registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, seeks to contribute insights into the application of VR, hypnosis, and VRH in the cardiac surgery context, evaluating their impact on patient experiences and outcomes.
Visit Research Paper
Cognitive hypnotherapy for psychological management of depression in palliative care
Access: Free
Psychiatric disorders are prevalent in palliative care, often undetected and untreated, intensifying patient suffering. This article focuses on depression, a common issue in palliative care. Despite treatment options like antidepressants and psychotherapy, a substantial number of patients don’t respond, given depression’s complexity and the severity of underlying medical conditions. Clinicians . . . need to develop more effective treatments. Cognitive hypnotherapy (CH) is proposed as an evidence-based multimodal treatment for depression in palliative care, but it requires empirical validation and refinement through advances in cancer and clinical depression.
Visit Research Paper
Music performance anxiety: A clinical outcome study into the effects of cognitive hypnotherapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing in advanced pianists
Access: Free
The study by Elizabeth Brooker investigates the efficacy of cognitive hypnotherapy (CH) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) in reducing music performance anxiety (MPA) in advanced pianists. In a two-week intervention with 46 participants, both CH and EMDR groups showed significant reductions in state anxiety and improved performance compared to the control group. The research . . . suggests that implicit processes targeted by CH and EMDR can positively impact MPA. The study highlights the need for further research in music psychology and underscores the potential benefits of therapeutic interventions in addressing cognitive anxiety associated with music performance.
Visit Research Paper
The Impact of Virtual Reality Hypnosis on Pain and Anxiety Caused by Trauma: Lessons Learned from a Clinical Trial
Access: Free
The study investigated the impact of hypnosis delivered through immersive virtual reality (VR) on pain, anxiety, opioid use, and hospital stay in trauma patients. Conducted as a randomized controlled trial, participants were assigned to receive VR-induced hypnosis, VR for distraction, or usual care during hospitalization. Despite utilizing an early version of VR technology for hypnosis induction, . . . the study found no significant differences between experimental and control conditions across outcome measures. The mean number of treatment sessions was three, involving 153 participants. The research emphasized challenges in implementing VR technology for hypnosis and provided insights for enhancing its clinical use. Funded by NIH grants, the study contributes valuable lessons for future applications of VR hypnosis in healthcare settings.
Visit Research Paper
Can hypnosis and virtual reality reduce anxiety, pain and fatigue among patients who undergo cardiac surgery: a randomised controlled trial
Access: Free
This study explores the efficacy of non-pharmacological techniques, including hypnosis and virtual reality (VR), in reducing anxiety, pain, and fatigue among patients undergoing cardiac surgery. A novel approach, Virtual Reality Hypnosis (VRH), combining VR hardware/software with hypnotic induction, is investigated for its clinical benefits. The study, conducted at Liège University Hospital, . . . randomly assigns 100 cardiac surgery patients to four groups: control, hypnosis, VR, and VRH. Each patient undergoes two sessions, one pre-surgery and one post-surgery, and physiological assessments are monitored alongside patient-reported levels of anxiety, fatigue, pain, absorption, and dissociation. The research aims to enhance understanding of VRH combination effects in the context of cardiac and intensive care procedures. Results from this randomized controlled trial will contribute valuable insights into the application of VR, hypnosis, and VRH, potentially influencing future trials and clinical practices. The study, registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03820700), commenced recruitment in October 2018 and is anticipated to complete by December 28, 2020.
Visit Research Paper
Hypnosis Associated with 3D Immersive Virtual Reality Technology in the Management of Pain: A Review of the Literature
Access: Free
This review explores the integration of hypnosis and 3D immersive virtual reality (VR) technology in pain management. Eight studies, combining hypnosis and VR, were examined for their impact on acute and chronic pain. The search encompassed PubMed, Taylor & Francis Online, and ProQuest databases, revealing varied outcomes. Short-term results indicated significant reductions in pain intensity, . . . unpleasantness, anxiety, and opioid use, but consistency across patients and days was lacking. VR alone demonstrated pain reduction, independent of hypnotizability levels. Some studies suggested interactive effects between VR and hypnosis, while others proposed facilitation through visual imagery. The review underscores the need for additional randomized clinical trials to establish the effectiveness of virtual reality hypnosis (VRH) in clinical practice and delineate guidelines for pain management. The limitations of current literature, including diverse study designs and variable VRH protocols, emphasize the necessity for further research to comprehensively evaluate the potential benefits of VRH in different contexts.
Visit Research Paper
Virtual Reality Hypnosis: A Case Report
Access: Free
This preliminary case report investigates the application of hypnosis induced through a 3-dimensional, immersive, computer-generated virtual reality (VR) environment as a therapeutic approach to alleviate pain and anxiety in a patient with a severe burn injury. Conducted by David R. Patterson, Jennifer R. Tininenko, Anne E. Schmidt, and Sam R. Sharar, the study focuses on a patient experiencing . . . uncontrollable pain and anxiety on hospitalization Day 40. The patient underwent hypnotic induction while immersed in a virtual world, receiving posthypnotic suggestions for reduced pain and anxiety during subsequent wound-care sessions.
Following VR hypnosis on Day 41, the patient reported a significant 40% reduction in both pain and anxiety, as assessed using a Graphic Rating Scale. Subsequent interventions on Day 42, employing an audio-only version of the hypnosis, maintained pain reduction levels. However, pain returned to baseline on Day 43 without further intervention. This case report suggests that virtual reality hypnosis may be a promising adjunctive tool for managing pain and anxiety in severe burn injury patients. Further research is warranted to explore the broader applicability and long-term efficacy of this innovative therapeutic approach.
Visit Research Paper
Hypnosis and Art Therapy
Access: Free
This research delves into the intersection of hypnosis and art therapy, examining the potential synergies between these therapeutic modalities. The study draws on the author’s participation in a transformative “Healing Through Hypnosis” workshop led by Mary Ellen Bluntzer MD and Roxanna Erickson-Klein PhD, daughter of renowned therapeutic hypnosis pioneer Milton Erickson. The workshop introduced . . . novel insights applicable to the field of art therapy, emphasizing the use of trance, client empowerment, the placebo effect, and guided imagery.
The “Hypnotic Art Therapy” workshop, based on experiential activities, intertwines interactive games and art creation. Highlighting the parallels between hypnosis and art-making processes, the study explores how both induce a hypnotic state fostering relaxation, altered perceptions of time, and access to the unconscious mind. The research underscores Milton Erickson’s perspective on therapeutic trance, wherein clients navigate a state between consciousness and unconsciousness, enabling receptivity to alternative mental patterns.
Furthermore, the study delves into the empowering nature of hypnosis, placebo effects, and guided imagery in therapy, emphasizing the client’s role in shaping their healing journey. A workshop activity is detailed, involving participants addressing personal issues through three temporal perspectives, linking past experiences, present strengths, and future potential. The incorporation of art materials representing strength emphasizes the therapeutic power of nature in fostering resilience and inner strength.
In conclusion, this research illuminates the incorporation of hypnotic elements within art therapy practices, offering a comprehensive exploration of their shared therapeutic benefits. The study contributes to the evolving landscape of integrative therapeutic approaches, shedding light on the potential of combining hypnosis and art therapy for enhanced client outcomes.
Visit Research Paper
Self-esteem reinforcement strategies in ADHD: Comparison between hypnosis and art-therapy
Access: Free
This study explores self-esteem reinforcement strategies in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) children, focusing on hypnosis and art therapy. The research involves two groups of ADHD patients aged 6 to 12, undergoing a 3-month intervention with either six hypnosis sessions or six art therapy workshops. All participants were under methylphenidate therapy. Subjective questionnaires and . . . self-esteem rating scales were administered to parents and subjects before and after each intervention. While favorable changes were observed in parents’ subjective assessments three months post-intervention, subjects’ self-evaluations remained relatively poor. Both self-esteem rating scales used did not show significant variations in either group.
The findings suggest that modern art therapy and medical hypnosis may offer promising opportunities to enhance self-esteem in ADHD children. However, the study acknowledges the need for replication in a larger population and the use of more adapted rating scales. Notably, parental involvement is emphasized, indicating that self-esteem in ADHD is not solely linked to the stigmatization and behavioral consequences of the condition. Further research is warranted to validate and expand upon these initial observations.
Visit Research Paper
Integrating Play Therapy and Heart-Centered Energetic Psychodrama: A Profound Treatment for Traumatized Children
Access: Free
The research paper titled “Integrating Play Therapy and Heart-Centered Energetic Psychodrama: A Profound Treatment for Traumatized Children” by Mariko Prigel, published in the Journal of Heart Centered Therapies (Autumn 2017), explores the efficacy of combining Play Therapy and Heart-Centered Energetic Psychodrama for traumatized children. Recognizing the limitations of verbal expression in . . . children, the paper emphasizes the significance of play as a tool for understanding and problem-solving. Play Therapy, a validated intervention for children, is integrated with Psychodrama—a three-dimensional, active, and creative therapy form—to facilitate exploration and resolution of problems. The novel approach of Heart-Centered Energetic Psychodrama, blending psychodrama with hypnotherapy, is highlighted for its effectiveness in treating traumatized children.
The abstract underscores the importance of children expressing themselves through play and how the combination of Heart-Centered Energetic Psychodrama and Play Therapy proves highly effective in the treatment process. The research contributes valuable insights into innovative therapeutic approaches for addressing the unique challenges faced by traumatized children. This paper, with a length of 12,486 words, provides a comprehensive exploration of cases and outcomes supporting the integration of these therapeutic modalities.
For full access to the content and features, the paper recommends logging in through a library that offers Gale resources, emphasizing its commitment to education, lifelong learning, and academic research. The source citation, adhering to MLA 9th Edition, APA 7th Edition, Chicago 17th Edition, and Harvard formats, is provided for reference. The research abstract provides a concise overview of the paper’s focus, methodology, and contributions to the field of child therapy.
Visit Research Paper
The Use of Hypnosis in Children with Dissociative Disorders
Access: Free
The research paper explores the use of hypnosis in treating children with dissociative disorders, authored by Daniel T. Williams, MD, and Louis Velazquez, MD, MPH. Published in the April 1996 issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics, the authors discuss the historical context, rationale, and techniques of applying hypnosis in this population. While clinical experience and opinions support . . . the use of hypnosis, the paper acknowledges the lack of established therapeutic efficacy through controlled clinical trials.
The abstract highlights the importance of considering therapeutic strategies reported as effective by experienced clinicians, pending further validation. The article provides a comprehensive review of the subject, encompassing historical perspectives, rationales, and practical applications of hypnosis. Notably, the authors emphasize the need for more definitive research to establish therapeutic efficacy. Access to the full article requires payment, offering options for academic, personal, or corporate access. The references cited in the paper cover a range of topics related to dissociative disorders and hypnotherapy, contributing to the broader understanding of these conditions.
Visit Research Paper
Hypnosis in a Primary Care Practice: Developing Skills for the “New Morbidities”
Access: Free
This research explores the integration of hypnotherapy skills into a solo general pediatric practice to address prevalent sources of childhood morbidity, including stressful life events, psychophysiological symptoms, chronic disease, and behavioral problems. Authored by Dr. Laurence I. Sugarman, this study emphasizes the importance of training primary care practitioners in hypnotherapy to . . . effectively manage the evolving landscape of pediatric healthcare.
The paper outlines specific hypnotherapeutic techniques employed during pediatric encounters, providing insights into approaching and examining young patients and their associated problems. Preliminary data from a prospective chart review of children and adolescents utilizing hypnosis within the practice are presented. The study also emphasizes the need for further research to evaluate the efficacy of hypnotherapeutic methods within the primary care setting.
Keywords: Primary care, Health supervision, Behavior, Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy
The findings suggest that hypnotherapy training equips practitioners with valuable skills to address emerging challenges in pediatric healthcare. This research contributes to the understanding of hypnosis applications in primary care and advocates for continued exploration of its effectiveness in enhancing the well-being of children and adolescents.
Visit Research Paper
Efficacy of clinical hypnosis in the enhancement of quality of life of terminally ill cancer patients
Access: Free
This study investigates the effectiveness of clinical hypnosis in improving the quality of life for terminally ill cancer patients. The research, conducted by Christina Liossi and Paul White, involved 50 participants randomly assigned to two groups: standard care and hypnosis. The standard care group received routine medical and psychological care, following the World Health Organization’s model . . . of palliative care. Additionally, they received supportive counseling based on the cognitive existential therapeutic tradition. The hypnosis group, in addition to standard care, underwent weekly hypnosis sessions with a therapist for four weeks. Outcome measures included quality of life, assessed through The Rotterdam Symptom Checklist, and levels of depression and anxiety, measured by The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
Results indicated that patients in the hypnosis group experienced significantly better overall quality of life and lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to the standard care group. The study concludes that hypnosis is an effective intervention in enhancing the quality of life for terminally ill cancer patients. This research contributes valuable insights into the potential benefits of incorporating clinical hypnosis as part of comprehensive palliative care for individuals facing advanced stages of cancer.
Visit Research Paper
Existentialism and hypnotherapy
Access: Free
This research delves into the intersection of existentialism and hypnotherapy, exploring the potential of hypnosis as a therapeutic tool to address existential anxieties and empower individuals to live authentically. The article, authored by Haren Sthalekar and published in the Australian Journal of Clinical Hypnotherapy and Hypnosis (Vol. 21, Iss. 1, Mar 2000), sheds light on the underutilization . . . of the existential approach within therapeutic settings. Drawing on surveys indicating its scant preference among psychologists and counselors, the author contends that existential therapy, often associated with complex philosophical ideas, holds relevance in today’s world.
The article provides a concise overview of existentialism, existential therapy, and their historical development. It emphasizes existential therapy’s integrative potential, allowing therapists to incorporate principles from psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic approaches. The author argues that existential therapy, particularly suited for hypnotherapists, addresses core existential anxieties without the need for elaborate logical theories or extensive laboratory studies.
The research aims to contribute to the understanding of existential therapy, offering insights into its application alongside hypnotherapy. By elucidating the core existential anxieties and outlining therapeutic approaches using hypnosis, this work advocates for the integration of existential perspectives into contemporary therapeutic practices. Access to the full article is encouraged through institutional logins, fostering a deeper exploration of the symbiotic relationship between existentialism and hypnotherapy.
Visit Research Paper
Hypnosis: A Psychodynamic Perspective
Access: Free
The relationship between hypnosis and psychoanalysis has always been complex, and often acrimonious. When Freud abandoned hypnosis as both the foundation of his theory building and his clinical intervention of choice, the two approaches and the theories associated with them have often seemed separated by enormous rifts, theoretical, clinical, and political. Yet throughout their considerable . . . estrangement for over more than a century, each has much to offer to the other. In this contribution, I briefly review efforts by psychoanalysts to conceptualize and understand hypnosis, offer an introduction to the relatively new post-modern intersubjective approach to psychoanalysis, and demonstrates how the relational concepts associated with that perspective can be of significant help in preparing patients for hypnosis, and in crafting interventions geared to the dynamics of the individual patient, which enhance the likelihood of clinical success. Key relational elements are illustrated with clinical vignettes.
Visit Research Paper
Cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and hypnosis as treatment methods for generalized anxiety disorder
Access: Free
Individuals suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) experience a broad range of physical, emotional, and cognitive distress. A hallmark of GAD is anxiety around making decisions. Many clinicians notice improvements in patients through specific modalities, such as mindfulness, hypnosis, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); however, these individual methods sometimes fall short. . . . Clinicians and researchers alike note that it can be more effective to combine these three methods into an integrative treatment protocol. This article demonstrates the efficacy of an integrative model through the case study of a client who suffers from GAD and acute fear of decision making. Competent use of mindfulness, hypnosis, and CBT helps the client build the skills necessary to self-soothe, diminish worry, access resources, and enhance hope for the future. Through the article, clinicians interested in integrated treatment models will gain insight into how to apply these methods.
Visit Research Paper
