This course consists of two components:
1. Before commencing their formal training, all trainees must complete the BSCAH Module on Therapeutic Communication. This module, which typically takes approximately two hours to complete, offers crucial insights into:
- Avoiding nocebic language
- Enhancing positive suggestion techniques
- Building effective rapport
- Utilising trance-equivalent states
- Applying informal hypnotic techniques in your current practice
The link to this module will be sent to you once you have booked a place on the training.
2. Face to zoom Online Learning Component: Delivered in a live online format over three days
Day one: Hypnosis for relaxation
Day two: Hypnosis for symptom management
Day three: Applying hypnosis to accompanying symptoms and in practice
Programme
NB: Students should only treat with hypnosis those conditions that they are qualified to treat without hypnosis
Supportive Reading list
Brann L., Owens J., Williamson A.(eds): (2012). The Handbook of Contemporary Clinical Hypnosis: Theory and Practice: John Wiley & Sons
(The BSCAH book. Recommended. Multi-author, a variety of styles, oozes practical clinical experience)
Jones C & Novak L (2023) Creating story and metaphor in clinical hypnosis.
Relevant papers:
- Vasant DH, Whorwell PJ. (2019) Gut-focused hypnotherapy for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Evidence-base, practical aspects, and the Manchester Protocol. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 31(8): e13573.
- OS Palsson (2006) Standardized Hypnosis Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The North Carolina Protocol. Int J Clin and Exp Hypnosis, 2006. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00207140500322933
Palsson OS, van Tilburg M. (2015) Hypnosis and Guided Imagery Treatment for Gastrointestinal Disorders: Experience with Scripted Protocols Developed at the University of North Carolina. Am J Clin Hypn. 2015;58(1):5-2
Adler et al (2025) Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Neurogastroenterol Motil https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40179285/
Dipesh H, Jane Boissiere & Peter J. Whorwell (2025) Training Allied Healthcare Professionals Maybe the Answer to Upscaling Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy https://doi.org/10.1002/ueg2.70051
Gillan C. (2021) Review article: the effectiveness of group and self-help hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome and the implications for improving patients’ choice and access to treatment. Aliment Pharmacol Ther;54(11-12):1389-404
Hasan SS, Whorwell PJ, Miller V, Morris J, Vasant DH. (2021) Six versus twelve sessions of gut-focused hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized trial https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33662389]
Hasan SS and Vasant D. (2023) The emerging new reality of hypnosis teletherapy: A major new mode of delivery of hypnotherapy and clinical hypnosis training. Int J Clin Exp Hypn ; 71(2): 153-164.
Keefer, L Palsson O S & Pandolfino J E (2018) Best Practice Update: incorporating psychogastroenterology into management of digestive disorders. Gastroenterology, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29410117/
Lövdahl J, Törnblom H, Ringström G, Palsson OS, Simrén M. (2022) Randomised clinical trial: individual versus group hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment Pharmacol Ther;55(12):1501-11.
How will the course be delivered?
You will be given guided access to curated online resources (available for three months) which cover all aspects of the Core Curriculum.
There will be experiential learning and practice in breakout rooms in small groups, supervised by an experienced hypnosis practitioner.
This course is made up of self directed study and organised face to zoom sessions and breakout rooms.
All tutors are Healthcare professionals with experience of integrating clinical hypnosis within their area of specialism.