Format: Audio MP3 file download

Presenter: Sharon Spiegel, PhD; Carolyn Daitch, PhD; Stephen Kahn, PhD

Joining a Threesome? The Joys and Pitfalls of Adjunctive Therapy with Hypnosis

Clinicians who utilize hypnosis in their practices are frequently approached with requests to participate in the care of patients who are currently in treatment with a primary psychotherapist. There is little research to guide the clinician on when and how to enter in such a relationship. In view of the fact that each patientclinician pairing is unique, the relational issues are far more complex when there are three participants. This is particularly true in view of the special hypnotic relationship that develops. This panel of four seasoned therapists (Drs. Spiegel, Daitch, Daniel & Kahn) will discuss these issues, share their experiences, and highlight both the advantages and the potential problems inherent in this triad. We will address the special challenges in such arrangements including appropriate assessment, how to minimize conflict, and how best to structure adjunctive work to maintain ethical practices.

Participants will have a clearer sense of the important variables to focus on in deciding whether to enter into this arrangement. They will be able to identify which requests for therapy with hypnosis are more likely to lead to conflictual situations or problematic outcomes. Participants will articulate ways to develop relational and communication strategies with primary therapists that support both the adjunctive work and the primary therapeutic relationship. Attendees will recognize how to assess the effectiveness of the ongoing triangular relationship.