
The Use of Hypnosis in the Treatment of PTSD
Presenters: Carolyn Daitch, PhD & Kaloyan Tanev, MD
Overview
PTSD is a mind-body problem. As a mind-body treatment, hypnosis may be particularly well suited for supporting individuals with PTSD. Hypnosis can help patients access states of calm, downregulate emotional reactivity, and facilitate the modification of maladaptive beliefs. When integrated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches, hypnosis may enhance treatment effectiveness.
This workshop presents specific hypnotic interventions for PTSD and matches these approaches to the symptom clusters they address. Participants will learn hypnotic techniques aimed at decreasing reexperiencing symptoms, emotional reactivity, dissociation, negative beliefs, negative emotions, hypervigilance, and insomnia.
Participants will also explore how incorporating hypnosis into CBT-based PTSD treatment protocols may strengthen therapeutic outcomes.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Apply one hypnotic technique for the treatment of flashbacks.
- Apply one hypnotic technique for the treatment of emotional reactivity to trauma reminders.
- Apply one hypnotic technique that utilizes cognitive restructuring within the context of hypnotherapy.
About the Presenters
Carolyn Daitch, PhD
Dr. Daitch is the Director of the Center for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders in Farmington Hills, Michigan. She is the author of The Road to Calm Workbook, Anxious in Love, Anxiety Disorders: The Go-To Guide for Clients and Therapists, and Affect Regulation Toolbox.
Visit Dr. Daitch’s website
Kaloyan Tanev, MD
Dr. Tanev is Director of Clinical Neuropsychiatry Research at Massachusetts General Hospital. His clinical and research interests include neuropsychiatry, traumatic brain injury, sleep disturbances, and neuropsychiatric disorders. He also works with the MGH Home Base Program, which serves veterans, service members, and their families.
Related Publication: Hypnosis Applications to the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Date: September 27, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–1:10 p.m. EST
Cost: $45 for Non-Members; included in NESCH Membership for members in good standing.
At least 30 days’ notice is required for a full refund. There is a $30 cancellation fee for cancellations after August 28, 2026.
Continuing Education
CE and CME fees are an additional $30. Credits have been applied for; approvals will be posted upon receipt.
Research References
Gray, R. M., Budden-Potts, D., Schwall, R. J., & Bourke, F. F. (2021). An open-label, randomized controlled trial of the reconsolidation of traumatic memories protocol (RTM) in military women. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 13(6), 641–651. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000986
Tanev, K. S., & Daitch, C. (2025). Hypnosis applications to the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 67(3), 262–274. https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.2025.2459173
Zeig, J. K., & Tanev, K. S. (2020). Evocative Communication and Hypnosis. Sleep and Hypnosis. https://doi.org/10.37133/Sleep.Hypn.2019.21.0203
Questions? Email neschmsc@gmail.com