Dear Doctor,

Hypnotherapy is a medical modality which has been available to healers for thousands of years, yet it is often thought of as quackery and few doctors routinely recommend it. This is a real disservice to patients everywhere. If it only helped alleviate the anxiety surrounding diagnosis and treatment it would be worthwhile but there is so much more.

It is upsetting to me that I was not exposed to hypnosis and its uses when I was in training or practice, it would have been so very useful in the Emergency Department. Now, instead of taking classes purely for fun, puttering in the garden and traveling, I have a small hypnosis practice and try to do my bit to make others more aware.

Please feel free to book a call if you'd rather chat than read.

Yours

Denise Billen-Mejia MD

Certified Consulting Hypnotist

Medical Uses for Hypnosis

This is a partial list of medical conditions where hypnosis has been found potentially beneficial:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Migraine and tension headaches

Fibromyalgia

Chronic pain

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Asthma

Eczema and other skin conditions

High blood pressure

Insomnia and other sleep disorders

Please note that hypnosis is a complementary treatment and should be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment. I only work with clients who understand this and give their written consent for me to consult with their physician.

Lifestyle Uses for Hypnosis

Hypnosis techniques can be effective in all sorts of situations including but not limited to:

Reducing or eliminating unwanted habits (smoking, nail-biting...)

Adopting or improving wanted habits (study, exercise...)

Decreasing situational anxiety (test-taking, public- speaking...)

Improving general confidence and self-esteem

Improving time management

Enhancing Athletic or Arts Performance

Decreasing the importance of bad memories

It is important to note that I view all work with the mind to fall under the category of medical treatment and I only work with clients who understand this and give their written consent for me to consult with their primary physician if necessary.

"Exploring the Benefits of Hypnosis in Medicine: Techniques and Resources for Healthcare Professionals"

Young child holding an open book with a surprised expression as if reading or discovering something new

Although it was proposed that hypnosis should be introduced to the medical school curriculum more than 60 years ago, not much happened. A few schools had some classes but, generally, it has been relegated to the "interesting but not very important" pile.

Akeso & Aglaia will be launching a brief introductory course on the fundamentals of hypnosis in 2024. Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit will be offered for this course.

Child wearing glasses and a bow tie looking surprised while holding a smartphone

I'm always happy to talk about hypnosis and how following medical advice can be made easier for patients.

Whether general or specific to a particular patient feel free to book a call.

CME available

CMEfy is powered by ReflectCE - an internet point-of-care activity that offers continuing education credit for Dentists, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, Physician Assistants, Physicians and other members of the healthcare team.