Clin Psy

INNOVATIVE/MYSTICAL THERAPIES

A MODERN HEALTH PROFESSION

by

Wolfgang Linden and Paul L. Hewitt

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Defining Treatment Specificity and Uniqueness

• Because clinical psychology is not a static field, new innovations to change behavior and end patient suffering are being introduced all the time.

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Defining Treatment Specificity and Uniqueness (cont'd)

• When new treatment techniques are introduced, it makes sense to ask if the treatment previously existed under another name or if the treatment is unique.

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Defining Treatment Specificity and Uniqueness (cont'd)

• Newspapers often run advertisements of innovative treatments that are being offered in a community.
• These ads may make unbelievable claims or are filled with vague and esoteric descriptions of the treatment.

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Defining Treatment Specificity and Uniqueness (cont'd)

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Defining Treatment Specificity and Uniqueness (cont’d)

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Defining Treatment Specificity and Uniqueness (cont'd)

• When new approaches are presented, there are questions that should be asked:
• Why does the treatment work?
• Are there measurable benefits from pre- and post-treatment?
• Is the claimed rationale testable?

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Defining Treatment Specificity and Uniqueness (cont'd)

• How does the new treatment measure up against existing treatments?

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Hypnosis

• Hypnosis is a heightened state of relaxation and a reduced level of environmental awareness
• Hypnosis is seen as mysterious and scary because hypnotists have so much power over the patient

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Hypnosis (cont’d)

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Hypnosis (cont'd)

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Hypnosis (cont'd)

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Hypnotic Susceptibility

• Hypnotic susceptibility is the degree to which someone is able to be hypnotized.
• Some believe hypnotizability remains stable over time, while others disagree about how much hypnotizability can be affected.

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Understanding and Measuring Hypnotic Trance

• There are many different methods of hypnosis.
• Some involve giving relatively indirect instructions to gradually relax.
• Others involve tools like a rhythmically moving pendulum.

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Understanding and Measuring Hypnotic Trance (cont’d)

• Ways to determine if a trance is present include
• observing motor behavior
• using quantifiable physiological activity to document a unique event
• seeking self-reports

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The Method

• Common hypnotic phases are
• preparation
• induction
• deepening
• purpose
• awakening

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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EDMR) is the brief exposure to finger movements that are supposed to reduce the negative effects of traumatic events.
• During this process, patients think about these events as they watch the therapist’s finger movement.

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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a treatment that involves the therapist working to convince the patient to accept human suffering.
• This is based on the idea that attempts to avoid painful experiences will make the suffering worse.

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Mindfulness Meditation

• Mindfulness meditation encourages patients to explore the full range of physical experiences inherent in posture and a full range of positive and negative thoughts.
• This technique has its roots in ancient Buddhist practices.