This information has been written by Psychological Therapy Services Team at the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine. It is intended for clients or their family or carers who may be referred to this clinic. If you would like any further information, please contact patient services.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a psychological technique used in medicine and psychology as a tool to help bring about positive changes to both the mind and the body. The hypnotic process is produced either by oneself (self-hypnosis) or by responding to practitioner’s instructions. It is often accompanied by a sense of being relaxed, with an increasing focus inward.
What conditions can be referred?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends Hypnosis for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and we are able to accept referrals for this condition. Hypnosis/Hypnotic techniques may also be used to help clients to self manage their chronic physical health problems, namely gut issues. Please see our “Psychological Therapy Services” webpage and leaflet for more details.
What should I expect when I come to the clinic?
In the first session, a hypnosis practitioner carries out an assessment. Following sessions may be conducted on an individual basis if appropriate, and can range up to 8 weekly sessions. Over the course of the therapy sessions clients are taught self-hypnosis to manage their condition. At the end of the sessions, a letter is written to the referring healthcare practitioner/GP informing them of the progress made during the course of the therapy.
Your appointments:
- If you are unable to attend your assessment appointment, please let us know at least 48 hours beforehand so we can offer it to someone else.
- If you have to cancel or change the booked therapy sessions, then please give as much notice as you can so we can offer the sessions to someone else before the start date.
- If you miss more than 2 Hypnosis appointments without letting us know in advance or good reason, you will be discharged from Psychological Services at RLHIM and back to your GP/referrer, in line with UCLH discharge policy.
Professional education and training
The RLHIM is also a teaching hospital and from time-to-time other healthcare professionals may observe in outpatient clinics as part of a training course.
We will always ask your permission for students to sit in during your consultation. You do not have to have students present if you would prefer not to.
How to contact us:
Patient Services
The Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
60 Great Ormond Street
London WC1N 3HR
Tel: 020 3448 2000
Switchboard: 020 3456 7890
Fax: 020 3448 2004
Email: uclh.enquiry.rlhim.patients@nhs.net (not for referrals)
Website: www.uclh.nhs.uk/rlhim
How to be referred
Majority of clients are to be referred internally to psychological therapies by their RLHIM medical physician or from the UCLH IBS/Gut Team. Please speak to your physician if you would like to be referred. We can accept a small number of external referrals if appropriate for Hypnosis. If you require psychological support but are not receiving any medical care from RLHIM. Please speak to your GP about local psychological therapy services within your borough or a direct referral if appropriate to RLHIM Hypnosis.
Risk
All clients within RLHIM would need to be deemed as low or moderate risk in order to ensure maximum engagement can occur with the therapy. Please let your practitioner know if there are any changes in your risk levels.
Please note we are not an emergency service and therefore if you feel you cannot keep yourself safe or your risk escalates to high/crisis levels, and you require urgent help, please contact your GP for an emergency appointment or attend your nearest A&E department. You can also call the Samaritans Helpline on 116 123 or your local Mental Health Support Line within your borough for further support.
Useful links
British Society of Clinical & Academic Hypnosis www.bscah.com
NHS Choices provides information and an opportunity to provide feedback about our service at www.nhs.uk