Hypnosis for Fibromyalgia: Clinical Challenges & Therapeutic Perspectives

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a functional pain syndrome characterized by chronic musculoskeletal widespread pain associated with fatigue, non-restorative sleep and cognitive dysfunction (fibrofog). Recent evidence supports the notion that hypnosis, combined with a standard medical treatment and a daily practice of self-hypnosis, may be a useful and safe adjunct tool to manage chronic pain and associated symptoms as well as disability.

This program will discuss the current research on FMS, the psychological factors that can predispose to trigger or worsen FMS-symptoms, and the risk factors for the development of FMS. Participants will also learn the ways in which hypnosis may help those with FMS when used in conjunction with standard medical treatment. Specifically, participants will learn how Indirect (Ericksonian) suggestions and hypnotherapeutic techniques can help with the pain management associated with FMS.

After attending this intermediate-level program, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize the signs of fibromyalgia syndrome.

2. Apply hypnotherapeutic techniques for pain control.

This program meets APA’s continuing education STANDARD 1.1: Program content focuses on application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods that have overall consistent and credible empirical support in the contemporary peer reviewed scientific literature beyond those publications and other types of communications devoted primarily to the promotion of the approach.

This program meets APA’s continuing education GOAL 1: Program is relevant to psychological practice, education, and/or science.

General Admission: $65.00

SCEH Members: $55.00

Students: $15.00*

(Please email [email protected] for coupon code)

Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, and at any point in Homestudy format, tuition is nonrefundable.

Giuseppe DeBenedittis; Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Milan 

Giuseppe De Benedittis, is Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Milan. He founded and directed the Interdepartmental Center for the Study and Treatment of Pain at the University of Milan, the first multidisciplinary pain center established in Italy. He is internationally recognized as one of the leading experts in pain therapy, in particular in the field of primary chronic headaches, orofacial pain, pain in the spine (e.g., neck pain, low back pain), neuropathic pain (e.g., shingles), fibromyalgia, and cancer pain. His long clinical experience and his experimental studies have focused on the measurement of pain, quality of life, the psychological aspects of chronic pain, and the use of innovative pharmacological, anesthesiological, and psychophysiological techniques for pain control in a multidisciplinary approach, which takes into account all of the most relevant components of chronic pain. Professor De Benedittis has also been a recognized pioneer in the clinical and experimental use of hypnosis for pain control, contributing to the elucidation of the complex neurophysiological mechanisms of hypnotic analgesia. He is Vice President of the Italian Society of Hypnosis and is a Member of the Board of the International Society of Hypnosis. He received the Ernest R. Hilgard Award for Scientific Excellence from the International Society for Hypnosis in 2009. 

Aravena, V., García, F. E., Téllez, A., & Arias, P. R. (2020). Hypnotic intervention in people with fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial. The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 63(1), 49–61. https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.2020.1742088

Häuser, W., Kosseva, M., Üceyler, N., Klose, P., & Sommer, C. (2011). Emotional, physical, and sexual abuse in fibromyalgia syndrome: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Arthritis Care & Research, 63(6), 808–820.

Zech, N., Hansen, E., Bernardy, K., & Häuser, W. (2017). Efficacy, acceptability and safety of guided imagery/hypnosis in fibromyalgia—A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. European Journal of Pain (London, England), 21(2), 217–227. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.933

De Benedittis, G. (2016). Hypnosis and Fibromyalgia, in “Handbook of Medical and Psychological Hypnosis” (Elkins G. Ed.), pp. 235-244, Springer Publishing Company, New York.

Target Audience: Hypnosis practitioners, psychologists, LCSWs, MFTs, LCPCs, all mental health disciplines, health care professionals, graduate students welcome.

Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 1.5 continuing education credits. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods. 

Counselors/Clinical Counselors. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 1.5 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for counselors and clinical counselors. License Number: 197.000159

Social Workers. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 1.5 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for social workers. License Number: 159.001036

MFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs. Course meets the qualifications for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. If you are licensed outside of California please check with your local licensing agency to to determine if they will accept these CEUs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to offer continuing education programming for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an accredited or approved postsecondary institution that meets the requirements set forth in Sections 4980.54(f)(1), 4989.34, 4996.22(d)(1), or 4999.76(d) of the Code.

Non-Psychologists. Most licensing boards accept Continuing Education Credits sponsored by the American Psychological Association but non-psychologists are recommended to consult with their specific state-licensing board to ensure that APA-sponsored CE is acceptable.

*Participants must attend 100% of the program in order to obtain a Certificate of Attendance.

If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to [email protected]. There is no commercial support for this program nor are there any relationships between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest.