Formats: MP3 Download $16   |   Compact Disc $20

Presenter: Dan Kohen, MD, ABMH

As many as 11% of children 5-15 years and as high as 28% of adolescents 15-19 years are affected by recurrent headaches, and nearly 20% of children have migraines, reflecting one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood. Self-hypnosis (SH) has been shown to be an effective therapeutic approach for the [self] management of headaches in children and adolescents (Olness, et al, 1987). Along with others, we have described the efficacy of self-hypnosis training in 144 consecutive children with headaches (Kohen and Zajac, 2007), the long-term value of self-hypnosis training for recurrent headaches (Kohen, 2010), and the successful application of this training for those suffering from chronic daily headaches (Kohen, 2011). Through lecture, discussion and video vignettes of children and youth discussing and demonstrating their self-hypnosis, this workshop will review the effective approach reflected in these studies. Opportunity will be provided for practice of the strategies described and demonstrated.

During and at the conclusion of this session, the attendee will be able to:
-> Demonstrate how to incorporate hypnotic approaches and language into history-taking regarding recurrent headaches;
-> Describe 3 effective components to teaching youth self-regulation for headaches;
-> Articulate hypnotic suggestions that help children help themselves in decreasing intensity, duration, and frequency of recurrent headaches; and
-> Develop an individualized approach to children and adolescents with headaches, to help them recognize and capitalize upon their internal resources for headache prevention and modulation.