Indirect Hypnotic Therapy of Nyctophobia: A Case Report

Abstract

A case history of a female patient suffering from nyctophobia (fear of darkness) is presented. Indirect hypnotic techniques were used to establish a profound age regression and a dissociation between affect and cognition. This situation allowed the patient to deal with a traumatic experience of extreme abuse during her childhood. Subsequent work in the same extended hypnotic treatment session effected an integration of cognitive and affective components of the experience. Therapeutic results have been maintained at a four- and one-half year follow-up.

Key Words:

• phobias
• Hypnotherapy
• child abuse
• emotional trauma