ABSTRACT
The author presents research, case reports and her own clinical experience with hypnosis in cases of stroke, epilepsy and psychosis following traumatic brain injury. She highlights three treatment principles for patients with brain injuries: (1) a focus on self-esteem and access to positive affect such as curiosity and self-agency; (2) a focus on existential issues after stroke and TBI to find a meaningful life after brain injury. The latter based on the author's experience also requires (3) insight into the consequences of the trauma, an area that often is neglected in traditional rehabilitation.
Based on motivational psychology, the author utilizes hypnosis with each condition to facilitate learning new coping skills, identity and processing grief, personalizing suggestions and the therapeutic work for each patient. With those experiencing psychosis, she shares her expertise with the metaphoric communication and trance logic of hypnosis.
