Format: Audio MP3 file download $25 - Compact Disc $30

Presenter: Carolyn Daitch, PhD; KentMassie, LPC

Pre-surgical and surgical anxiety not only leads to considerable distress prior to surgery, but can affect post-surgery outcomes. Pre-surgery anxiety and panic is common, and specific phobias including fear of blood, contamination and anesthesia are often seen in our practices. These anxiety-based issues can lead to avoidance of surgery that, in some cases, can even threaten a patient?s survival. This workshop presents innovative hypnotic techniques to mitigate presurgery anxiety and lessen surgery avoidance. Special emphasis will be on the complications that arise if the client suffers from PTSD. A history of trauma can make routine surgical procedures particularly daunting. For example, onset of anesthesia can mimic sensory components of the freeze response (aka ?tonic immobility?). Lying in a prone position can mimic components of a sexual assault. Following victimization at the hands of a trusted other, lack of trust can generalize to the medical team. Through mediation of the flight or fight response and bolstered ego strength, hypnotic therapeutic techniques can lead to increased patient participation (conscious and subconscious) in the surgical process resulting in enhanced outcomes. The presentation will illustrate hypnosis can be effective for decreasing anxiety, reframing past negative experiences, increasing tolerance for pre-surgical medical visits, and managing the days prior to the surgery itself, as well as post-surgical recovery. Specific hypnotic interventions will be taught to increase positive expectancy, enhance trust, and to manage fears and worries. A case presentation will also address the treatment of PTSD in which the precipitating trauma occurred in a medical setting.