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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bob2 on March 9, 2000, at 12:00:06
Does anyone have any experience in using hypnosis to treat depression? Any input on this?
THanks,
bob#2
Posted by bob on March 9, 2000, at 20:41:37
In reply to hypnosis and depression, posted by bob2 on March 9, 2000, at 12:00:06
> Does anyone have any experience in using hypnosis to treat depression? Any input on this?
Hi there, bob the second,
I've done some hypnotherapy. I worked with a social worker who is so skilled, she works with patients at a major NYC hospital who are candidates for surgery but, for whatever reason, can't use anesthesia. I loved it, and I still practice the self-hypnotic techniques she taught me, particularly when going to bed and trying to fall asleep.
Hypnotherapy really works best, from what I understand, the more specific you can be about the issue you're trying to deal with. My hypnotherapist (HT) did see some people on a regular basis and combined more traditional talk therapy with the hypnosis.
One big thing that has stayed with me from my sessions with her is her explanation of how hypnosis works. She described it as addressing conflicts between the conscious and subconscious minds; as putting some faith in the subconscious' messages that the conscious mind misconstrues; and as quieting the conscious mind so that you can "hear" what your subconscious is saying to you. When I was practicing self-hypnosis on a much more regular basis than I do now, I would often come out of trance with some helpful, even astounding at times, insights into my problems.
So, back to your question ... I didn't do it for treating depression, but I can see it being applicable in many situations. I don't think its even close to being a "first line of defense" against depression, but it can be quite helpful in combination with other approaches (particularly in situations with some anxiety involved).
cheers,
bob the 1.5
Posted by CarolAnn on March 10, 2000, at 8:18:06
In reply to Re: hypnosis and depression, posted by bob on March 9, 2000, at 20:41:37
Hi bob, I would love to hear how you "do" self-hypnosis. Can you post the technique or recommend a book with a good technique? Also, do you know if there are any effective audio tapes, for guided self-hypnosis? Thank you for any info you can post. CarolAnn
Posted by bob on March 10, 2000, at 19:19:22
In reply to Re: hypnosis and depression, to bob 1.5, posted by CarolAnn on March 10, 2000, at 8:18:06
> Hi bob, I would love to hear how you "do" self-hypnosis....
I'd love to be able to tell you (especially as a rabid proponent of the 1st Amendment), but my HT has actually copyrighted her technique and, given how much she helped me, I think I owe her one on this.
Besides, I think the personal touch is worth far more than you can get through a book or tape. Looking at the instructions right now, I also realize that if I typed them out here, you'd probably think you knew what she meant. But there are aspects of her technique, particularly with creating a motivated, focused frame of mind prior to entering trance, upon which I really rely on the personal instructions she gave me. I only saw her for three sessions, but I learned a great deal that I don't think I could ever articulate in those three sessions, as it involves those subconscious processes that hypnosis is all about in the first place.
Part of the fee I paid my HT was for her to make an audio tape specifically for me and the issues that we were dealing with. Between that and what she taught me--well, I never have actually bought a book on self-hypnosis nor have I tried any commercial tapes ... I imagine you can get some mileage out of them, but I can't imagine them being as effective as something designed for you.
Sorry if the answer disappoints, but I guess if you want the real McCoy, there's no shortcuts (just like just about everything else). Check into your health plan and see if they support alternative or non-traditional therapies. Someone who is a licensed hypnotherapist AND a licensed psychologist or social worker might also have sessions covered under normal out-patient health care benefits.
The one thing about seeing a pro ... at least as far as my HT was concerned, she firmly believed there was no one "immune" to hypnosis and no one she couldn't help in five sessions or less ... emphasizing again that it isn't a cure-all, but rather a great technique for coping with a specific issue.
cheers,
bob[PS: no, I don't think that reluctance to tell anyone else her "secret" is caused by some sort of post-hypnotic suggestion.]
[PPS: no, I don't think that defending her as I just did above is the result of a post-hypnotic suggestion either. ;^]
Posted by jane on March 11, 2000, at 21:46:11
In reply to Re: hypnosis and depression, to bob 1.5, posted by bob on March 10, 2000, at 19:19:22
bob2 and bob :-)
I have worked alot with hypnosis even trained as a CHT. Hypnosis has helped me alot,esp as bob said using tape to get to sleep, but I have to say that when I'm depressed I have a difficult time 'letting go' of the darkness to concentrate of the hypnosis process. But I definitely would give hypnosis a try because it is another skill to help you cope with life. jane
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