ICCH Diploma Module 1 - Hypnotic Anaesthesia

What is the primary biological purpose of pain?

It acts as a signal that something is wrong or requires medical attention.

What is the key difference between 'acute' and 'chronic' pain?

Acute pain is intense and short-lived, while chronic pain is persistent over an extended period.

Which 18th-century physician developed the theory of 'animal magnetism'?

Franz Mesmer.

Why did James Braid rename 'mesmerism' to 'hypnosis'?

To distinguish the practice from Franz Mesmer's discredited theories of an invisible force.

What must a clinical hypnotherapist ensure before helping a client switch off chronic pain sensations?

The client must have consulted a medical professional to rule out conditions requiring treatment.

In the 'Mind-Body Split' technique, what is the intended state for the area from the neck upwards?

More alert, awake, and aware.

In the 'Mind-Body Split' technique, what is the intended state for the body from the neck downwards?

Completely relaxed with all physical sensations disappearing.

What is the specific counting procedure to induce a 'Mind-Body Split'?

Count down from 10 to 1 for body relaxation while simultaneously counting up from 1 to 10 for mental alertness.

What is the purpose of using a 'Trance Lever' in hypnotherapy?

To facilitate fractionation and provide the client with a mental tool to control their own depth of trance.

What does the term 'fractionation' refer to in a hypnotic context?

The process of repeatedly taking a subject in and out of trance to achieve a deeper state.

Why are 'minus numbers' used when a client is operating their internal trance lever?

To allow the client to explore deeper levels of trance beyond their initial baseline.

In the 'Dissociation Mirror' exercise, where does the subject mentally transfer their discomfort?

Into their own reflection within a visualized mirror.

What 'convincer' is commonly used to prove the effectiveness of hypnotic anaesthesia to a patient?

Pinching the back of the patient's hand to check for a lack of sensation.

Concept: Ideomotor Response (IMR)

Definition: An unconscious, involuntary physical movement used as a signal from the unconscious mind.

How can a hypnotherapist use IMRs during an online session?

By establishing specific finger movements to represent 'yes' or 'no' responses from the unconscious.

What is the core assumption regarding symptoms in the NLP Six-Step Reframe process?

Every behaviour or symptom has an underlying positive intent.

What is the primary goal of the negotiation phase in the Six-Step Reframe?

To have the unconscious mind find new, healthy ways to achieve a positive intent without the negative symptom.

Where should a hypnotherapist project their voice from to achieve better tonality and volume control?

The chest or diaphragm.

What does a downward inflection at the end of a sentence signal to a subject's unconscious mind?

A command.

In hypnotic language, what does an upward inflection at the end of a sentence typically represent?

A question.

What is the 'Fear-Tension-Pain' theory proposed by Dr Grantley Dick-Read?

Fear triggers tension, which starves birthing muscles of blood and oxygen, resulting in physical pain.

How does the 'Fight or Flight' response negatively impact the uterus during childbirth?

Blood is diverted to the limbs for survival, leaving the uterine muscle to work in a state of ischaemia and pain.

What is the objective of the first session in Tina Taylor's four-week childbirth programme?

Teaching the parents how to access trance and use simple inductions like eye-fixation or fractionation.

What is the focus of the second session in the hypnotic childbirth course?

Addressing anxieties, fears, and reinforcing positive beliefs about parenting and birth.

What is the 'Control Panel' in hypnotherapy?

A mental interface used by the client to adjust their own internal states, sensations, and responses.

How is a 'hypnotic morphine button' established for a client with phantom limb pain?

By anchoring the memory of past pain-relief medication to a specific mental trigger on their control panel.

How did Milton Erickson use the 'Tomato Plant' metaphor to help a cancer patient?

By indirectly embedding suggestions for anaesthesia and relaxation within a story about gardening.

What is 'symptom substitution' in clinical hypnotherapy?

Negotiating with the unconscious to replace a painful sensation with a neutral one, such as tingling or numbness.

Why must a suggestion be included to allow signals to return if medical attention is required?

To ensure the subject does not ignore a genuine new injury or a worsening medical condition.

In the UK, what is the formal term used for individuals receiving clinical therapy instead of 'clients'?

Patients.

What is 'gluteal amnesia' (informally known as 'Zoom bum')?

The loss of sensation or discomfort in the buttocks due to prolonged sitting, often during online sessions.

Technique: Pseudo Orientation in Time (POT)

Definition: A hypnotic method of moving a client's perspective into the future where their goal or problem has already been achieved or solved.

What does 'Voe' (Vogt) fractionation refer to?

An induction technique that involves repeatedly opening and closing the eyes to rapidly deepen trance.

Why is it generally discouraged to read from scripts during a hypnotherapy session?

It prevents the therapist from calibrating to the client's physiological changes and maintaining genuine rapport.

What are the common physiological indicators that a subject is entering a trance state?

Changes in breathing rate, skin colour, and muscle relaxation.

What was James Esdaile's significant contribution to the history of hypnotic anaesthesia?

Performing hundreds of major surgeries in India using only 'mesmerism' for pain control.

According to the source, what is one major benefit of using hypnosis before surgery?

Patients often bleed less during the procedure and heal faster afterwards.

What is the 'Placebo' effect in the context of NLP pain control examples?

The ability of the brain to produce real physiological changes, like pain relief, based on a belief in a neutral stimulus.

What is the purpose of a 'Red Stop Button' on a mental control panel?

To provide the client with an immediate way to halt negative thoughts or unwanted internal sensations.

In the Six-Step Reframe, why is it necessary to ask if any 'part' objects to a new solution?

To ensure ecological congruency and prevent internal conflicts that could lead to a 'hiccup' in the change process.

How does 'expectation' influence the perception of pain, such as with needle phobias?

Focusing on the anticipation of pain can cause the brain to perceive the sensation as much more intense than it is.

Why is it unethical for a hypnotherapist to diagnose conditions like PTSD or insomnia in the UK?

Diagnosis is a regulated medical task reserved for qualified medical professionals.

What role does stress play in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Stress acts as a psychological factor that can exacerbate inflammation and physical discomfort.

What is the 'archival' nature of the unconscious mind as described in the morning trance?

The unconscious mind records and stores all information and experiences, even when the conscious mind is not paying attention.

What is the 'Mind-Body Split' PENULTIMATE slide's specific function?

It provides the unique counting sequence used to separate physical sensation from mental alertness.

Why is conviction and 'authority' necessary when working with a patient in acute pain?

The hypnotist must show confidence so the patient feels safe enough to follow instructions and accept suggestions for relief.

What is the 'Endorphins in the Ocean' metaphor used for in childbirth preparation?

To suggest the natural release of pain-relieving hormones that exist within the body's 'system'.

In the 'Dissociation Mirror' technique, what can be transferred if a subject has no physical pain?

They can transfer tiredness or fatigue to the reflection to feel energised and revitalised.

What does the 'flower opening' metaphor specifically target during labour?

The easy and rapid dilation of the cervix.

Why is maintaining eye contact important during the initial stages of a hypnotic induction?

It builds rapport, ensures the patient feels included, and helps the therapist capture their full attention.

What is the purpose of the fourth session in Tina Taylor's childbirth programme?

Addressing specific pain relief techniques and reinforcing the dissociation strategies for labour.

What term is used for the 'fingers' to help a hypnotherapist keep track of complex counting?

Phalanges (informally referred to as 'fanges').

Why is it important to anchor 'anaesthesia' to a physical or mental trigger for a chronic pain patient?

It allows the patient to self-administer the 'hypnotic anaesthesia' whenever they need it outside of the clinic.

How does relaxation affect the length of labour?

It typically makes labour shorter because the muscles are fluid and not working against each other.

According to the source, what is the 'Placebo grape' technique used by Richard Bandler?

Anchoring a healing or pain-relief response to the act of eating a grape.

In the 'Mind-Body Split' demonstration, what are the only parts of the body the subject can typically move?

The eyes and the mouth.

What does the 'Wander and Wonder' phrase promote in a learning trance?

Curiosity and an open mind to new possibilities and experiences.

What is the 'Snow White' mirror metaphor specifically used for in clinical settings?

Dissociating from physical pain or emotional guilt.

What are the common symptoms of IBS besides abdominal pain?

Bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation).

What is the significance of the number '11' in the Mind-Body Split counting technique?

The two numbers being counted simultaneously (e.g., 10 and 1, 9 and 2) always add up to 11.

How can a 'Sleep Lever' on a control panel assist a client with insomnia?

By providing a mental control to gradually lower their level of consciousness into sleep.

What is 'symptom substitution' intended to achieve with a cancer patient?

Replacing debilitating pain with a more bearable sensation, like tingling, through unconscious negotiation.

What happens when a hypnotist 'shouts' to wake a person from a deep trance, as described in Tina's anecdote?

It is often ineffective if the person is enjoying the state and consciously chooses to remain in it.

What is the role of 'Secondary Gain' in chronic pain cases?

It is an unconscious benefit the person receives from the pain, which must be addressed for lasting change.

In hypnotic childbirth, why is it useful for the birthing partner to learn trance techniques?

They can fire off the mother's anchors and provide calm guidance during the birth process.

What does a 'cooling liquid' metaphor accomplish in hypnotic anaesthesia?

It provides a vivid mental process for sensations to 'dissolve' or become numb.

How did the French woman in Dr Grantley Dick-Read's hospital experience childbirth?

Without pain or noise, because she lacked the societal expectation that birth must be painful.

What is the 'Fear-Tension-Pain' cycle's effect on oxygen in the body?

Tension reduces the oxygen supply to muscles, leading to the production of waste products that cause pain.

What is installed during the third week of the childbirth programme?

The mental control panel and its associated dials for comfort and dilation.

Why is conviction important when a hypnotist handles a 'skeptic'?

Demonstrating physical results (like a Mind-Body Split) can shift the skeptic's beliefs to allow for further change.

What is 'POT' in the context of Tina's large paper pad?

Pseudo Orientation in Time.

How does 'archival memory' assist in hypnotic analgesia?

The brain can re-access the exact physiological feelings of past medical anaesthesia to recreate it in the present.

What is the primary benefit of 'fractionation' for a beginner hypnotist?

It ensures the subject reaches a deep enough state for complex suggestions, like anaesthesia, to work.

In the mirror technique, what does the phrase 'when all those things have happened, you can open your eyes' presuppose?

That the opening of the eyes is proof that the desired change (e.g., pain relief) has already occurred.

What is the purpose of asking the unconscious 'is there any part that disagrees' in the reframe process?

To identify and negotiate with any conflicting internal motivations that might sabotage the result.