Age progression in hypnosis for pain and fatigue in individuals with disabilities

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe in detail a specific age progression approach that we use in our clinical practice and clinical trials in interventions including hypnosis for chronic pain and fatigue in individuals with disabilities. Moreover, we present preliminary evidence regarding the effects of the hypnosis sessions that use age progression suggestions compared to hypnosis sessions that provide different suggestions, as well as to sessions that did not include hypnotic procedures. Findings indicate that age progression suggestions for pain management with individuals participating in hypnosis treatment resulted in substantial immediate reductions in pain intensity, which were greater than pain reductions associated with treatments sessions providing pain education or cognitive therapy. In addition, age progression sessions provided to individuals receiving online hypnosis treatment for fatigue resulted in immediate large reductions in fatigue severity. Although the design of these two studies does not allow to report specific or long-term effects of the age progression techniques, findings indicate that including age progression suggestions to hypnosis protocols for pain and fatigue management is effective for reducing the immediate level of both symptoms. The development and continued evaluation of hypnotic interventions that increase or restore hope in, and optimism, for the future has the potential for enhancing the psychosocial well-being and quality of life of individuals with pain and fatigue.