The Hypnosis for Chronic Pain group offers a unique and powerful approach to pain management by teaching participants how to harness the potential of self-hypnosis. Through guided hypnosis practices, both in-session and via recordings for home use, individuals learn to make lasting changes in how their brain processes pain signals. This process fosters a shift in perception, reducing the intensity and bothersome nature of chronic pain. Participants will also learn to independently induce a state of hypnosis, characterized by focused attention, reduced peripheral awareness, and heightened responsiveness to suggestion. This skill allows for self-regulation and the ability to effectively manage pain on their own terms.
This group is designed to empower individuals with a practical and accessible tool for pain relief. Each session combines education about hypnosis, group check-ins to support home practice, and guided hypnosis exercises that target specific pain management skills. If you are interested in learning new relaxation and self-regulation techniques, or if you find benefit from guided visualizations, yoga nidra, or other similar practices, this group may be a valuable addition to your pain management strategy. No prior experience with hypnosis is needed, making this an introductory course suitable for anyone dealing with chronic pain. While generally beneficial, discussing your participation with your Osher medical provider is always recommended to ensure hypnosis is a good fit.
Key Features of Hypnosis for Chronic Pain:
- Teaches self-hypnosis for independent pain management: Participants learn to induce a hypnotic state themselves, empowering them to manage pain outside of formal sessions.
- Provides guided hypnosis practices for in-session and at-home use: Participants experience guided hypnosis during sessions and receive recordings to reinforce learning and practice techniques regularly at home, ensuring consistent application of the skills.
- Aims to create long-lasting changes in brain processing of pain information: By repeatedly engaging in hypnosis, participants can rewire neural pathways associated with pain perception, leading to a sustained reduction in pain intensity and distress.
- Enhances relaxation and self-regulation skills: Participants learn to access a deep state of relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety, which often exacerbate chronic pain. They also develop self-regulation skills to manage emotional responses to pain.
- Suitable for individuals dealing with various chronic pain conditions: The techniques taught can be applied to a wide range of chronic pain conditions, offering a versatile approach to pain management.
- Complements existing pain management strategies: Hypnosis can be used alongside other medical treatments and therapies, enhancing their effectiveness and providing a holistic approach to pain relief.
Experiential Exercises:
- Guided Imagery: Participants are led through vivid mental visualizations designed to promote relaxation, reduce pain, and enhance well-being, utilizing the power of the mind-body connection.
- Guided Hypnosis Practices: Participants experience structured hypnosis sessions that target specific pain management goals, such as inducing relaxation, altering pain perception, changing mood states, and increasing well-being.
- Self-Hypnosis Training: Participants learn step-by-step techniques to induce a hypnotic state independently, enabling them to apply these skills in their daily lives whenever needed.
| Type | Group Therapy |
| Format | Telehealth (sometimes in-person) |
| Duration | 8 weeks (90-min sessions) |
| Facilitated by | Nurse Practitioner or Health Psychologist |
| Home practice (time spent outside of group) | Listening to 20-minute recordings between group sessions (at least 3 times per week). |
| Insurance Based? | Yes |
| Referral | Osher Provider - as part of an integrative health plan |
FAQ
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Hypnosis for chronic pain works by guiding you into a state of focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, enhancing your responsiveness to suggestion. In this state, you learn to alter your perception of pain, reducing its intensity and emotional impact. Through guided practices and self-hypnosis techniques, you can rewire neural pathways associated with pain processing, leading to long-lasting changes and improved pain management.
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This group may be helpful if you're looking for new relaxation and self-regulation skills, enjoy guided visualization or similar practices, and are open to exploring mind-body approaches to pain management. The techniques taught can be applied to a wide range of chronic pain conditions, helping to reduce pain intensity, improve emotional well-being, and enhance overall quality of life. To get the most from this group, practicing with the 20-minute recordings at least three times a week between sessions is recommended. The best way to determine if Hypnosis for Chronic Pain is right for you is to talk to your Osher medical provider.
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This group may be beneficial for anyone experiencing chronic pain. There are some rare cases in which hypnosis may not be a good fit, so it is best to discuss with your Osher medical provider.
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No, this is an introductory course accessible to beginners.
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To get the most from this group, practicing with the 20-minute recordings at least three times a week between sessions is recommended.
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Hypnosis for Chronic Pain is designed to complement, not replace, existing pain management strategies and medical treatments. It can be used alongside medication, physical therapy, and other therapies, enhancing their effectiveness by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving coping skills. It offers a holistic approach to pain management, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain.
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Patients, to learn more about Hypnosis for Chronic Pain, speak with your Osher medical provider.
For more information on hypnosis: https://www.sceh.us/what-is-hypnosis-