Introduction:
Curative hypnotherapy remains a mysterious and underexplored therapeutic realm, often shadowed by stigma and lack of research. The stigma surrounding hypnosis and hypnotherapy prevails despite the evidence of its effectiveness in alleviating pain and Irritable Bowel Disease complaints. Despite gaining popularity among people who can afford private therapy, currently in the UK, hypnosis or hypnotherapy is not recommended in mental health by NICE guidelines, which could be a symptom of the lack of underlying epistemological clarity, clear definitions and peer-reviewed publications.
To understand Lesserian Curative Hypnotherapy, we must first provide a theoretical and epistemological underpinning and a clear definition of Lesserian Curative Hypnotherapy. This in turn provides a building block for further research.
Exploring the Epistemological Landscape:
Hypnosis has long been entangled in misconceptions and controversy. The ambiguity surrounding the definitions of hypnosis and hypnotherapy further complicates the landscape. While some emphasize suggestibility and altered states of consciousness, others, like Lesserian Curative Hypnotherapy, focus on individual experiences and subconscious exploration.
At the core of Lesserian Curative Hypnotherapy lies a departure from dualistic biomedical paradigms. Unlike traditional approaches that segregate physical and mental ailments, Lesserian Curative Hypnotherapy views them as interconnected, originating from subconscious misinterpretations of life events. Drawing from phenomenological principles, it delves into the subjective experiences of individuals, aiming to uncover and rectify these misinterpretations. Essentially, Lesserian Curative Hypnotherapy posits that physical and psychological symptoms stem from subconscious beliefs, shaped by past experiences. These beliefs, often erroneous, manifest as symptoms to fulfil subconscious needs. Through hypnosis, Lesserian therapists guide individuals to explore and reinterpret these beliefs, leading to symptom resolution at its core (Hypnotherapy Training College, 2022; Trumm et al., 2024).
In essence, Lesserian Curative Hypnotherapy seeks to permanently resolve issues by addressing their subconscious roots. Unlike traditional diagnostic-driven approaches, it treats each individual holistically, delving into their unique subconscious landscape to facilitate healing (Trumm et al., 2024).
Conclusion:
In exploring the epistemology and theory of Lesserian Curative Hypnotherapy, we pave the way for a deeper understanding of complementary and alternative therapies. This theoretical clarity directly impacts translational medicine by elucidating the positioning, mechanisms, and theories underpinning hypnotherapy. Enhanced clarity and understanding of hypnosis and hypnotherapy benefit alternative medicine practitioners, researchers, specialists, and professionals in nursing, psychiatry, and psychology. By bridging research gaps and clarifying epistemological foundations, we lay the groundwork for future advancements in therapeutic discourse (Trumm et al., 2024).
Note: Aile Trumm wrote the Definition and Theory of Lesserian Curative Hypnotherapy with the help and support of Helen Lesser, Dr Catherine Aicken and Dr Laetitia Zeeman. Available at:
Hypnotherapy Training College. (2022). LCH Explained – What is Lesserian Curative Hypnotherapy? https://www.lesserian.co.uk/lch
Trumm, A., Zeeman, L., Aicken, C., & Lesser, H. (2024). The Definition and Theory of Lesserian Curative Hypnotherapy. The Hypnotherapist.