Interesting Choice of Words

My blog post, "Hypnotherapy for Abdominal Pain in Children", triggered an interesting comment. The writer noted that “the results of this study were remarkable in that the beneficial effects of hypnosis long outlasted the period of hypnosis sessions.” The word “remarkable” struck me as an interesting choice. As a psychologist, I am well aware that psychotherapeutic forms of treatment, such as hypnotherapy, offer symptom relief that lasts way beyond the time of treatment. So, my choice of words would be “it was heaven-sent that the beneficial effects of hypnosis long outlasted the period of hypnosis sessions”, because that meant that the kids involved had significantly less pain! I am grateful for the comment though, because it brought to light for me the fact that not everyone would have a clear understanding of this symptom improvement that lasts over time.

The writer also, perhaps knowingly (?), brings up another good point. One of the advantages of psychotherapy as a treatment, whether it be cognitive behavioral therapy or hypnotherapy, is that treatment results continue after the treatment has ended. Medication as a treatment option, does not always offer the same benefit. If you have not yet pursued either of these effective treatment options, you should.