Dear ISPA Members,
I hope this newsletter finds you well, thriving in your work, and enjoying the spring weather. We have some important updates and events to share with you this month, so let’s dive in!
Save the Date: ISPA Annual General Meeting
Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is fast approaching and will take place on November 28, 2024, at 7.30 pm via Zoom. We encourage all members to attend, as your involvement is vital to the continued success and growth of the ISPA community.
In addition to general association updates, there are open board positions that need filling, and we’re looking for members who can assist with roles like communications and events coordination. If you are interested in taking on a more active role within ISPA, please consider putting your name forward! As we head into 2025, we are also looking to attract more established professionals into our ranks, so your involvement will help shape the future of our organization.
Free CPD Events – Don’t Miss Out!
We’re thrilled by the positive feedback we’ve received from our CPD events, especially the Solopreneur Series. So far, we’ve covered everything from setting up your practice to effective accounting and finance practices. The response to the most recent event on finance has been very positive, with many attendees finding the insights invaluable for running their private practices smoothly.
Stay tuned for more events in this series, and remember, these CPD opportunities are completely free for our members!
Monthly Networking: Breakfast & Brains and the New Brains Trust
On the topic of CPD reminder that our ever-popular Breakfast and Brains sessions, hosted by our Secretary Kerry, are still running on the third Friday of each month. These events have been a wonderful opportunity to connect with other professionals in a relaxed environment over breakfast while sharing ideas and strategies.
For those who can’t make the daytime sessions, we’ve now introduced the Tuesday Brains Trust—an evening version of the event! It’s the perfect chance to join in on the same rich discussions and knowledge sharing in a more convenient time slot.
Addressing the NDIS and Hypnotherapy Exclusion
We’ve received a number of inquiries about the NDIS not acknowledging hypnotherapy as a viable therapeutic option. To clarify, unfortunately, hypnotherapy has been grouped with other therapies such as Yoga Therapy, Animal Therapy, Life Coaching, Career Coaching, Wellness Coaching, Neurofeedback, Somatic Therapy, and Kinesiology as non-viable under the NDIS. We firmly believe this is a misinformed and unjust classification.
ISPA has responded by sending a letter of protest along with a study supporting hypnotherapy’s efficacy to the office of Bill Shorten, and we are awaiting a reply. I will include the supporting study at the end of this newsletter. In the meantime, we encourage you to continue your amazing work, as your efforts truly make a difference in people’s lives.
Thank You for Your Feedback!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has provided suggestions and feedback over the past few months. Your input is invaluable, and it helps us improve our offerings and services to better support you and your practice.
As always, if you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we are shaping the future of strategic psychotherapy and making a lasting impact.
Warm regards,
Jonathan Smith
ISPA President
Appendix A: As mentioned, here is a copy of the supporting information we sent to the office of Bill Shorten.
To: The office of the Honourable Mr. Bill Shorten
From: The International Strategic Psychotherapists Association (ISPA)
Dear Mr. Shorten, As the board and membership of ISPA, we are surprised and disturbed to hear of the suggestion to exclude hypnotherapy as a recognised treatment under the NDIS. We have found the suggestion that hypnotherapy is ” not value for money / not effective or beneficial” to be particularly erroneous. Please read the attached submission, which details the facts regarding the efficacy of hypnotherapy and provides clear reasoning for why the NDIS should support it. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, Jonathan Smith President International Strategic Psychotherapists Association Submission to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Proposal for the Inclusion of Strategic Hypnotherapy as a Supported Therapeutic Model Executive Summary This submission proposes the inclusion of Strategic Hypnotherapy as a supported therapeutic model within the NDIS framework. Strategic Hypnotherapy, a well-documented and evidence-based approach, offers significant benefits in terms of effectiveness and cost-efficiency, particularly for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. The International Strategic Psychotherapists Association (ISPA) advocates for this inclusion based on robust research findings and the potential for improved outcomes for NDIS participants. Key Points 1. Enhanced Effectiveness: Research demonstrates a nearly 70% increase in effectiveness when hypnotherapy is combined with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). 2. Cost-Efficiency: Strategic Hypnotherapy offers a more efficient use of resources, providing better outcomes per dollar spent and per hour of therapy. 3. Evidence-Based Approach: Numerous studies support the efficacy of hypnotherapy in treating various conditions relevant to NDIS participants, with particularly strong evidence for chronic pain management. 4. Quality Assurance: ISPA ensures high standards through its minimum entry requirement of the Government-accredited 1121NAT Diploma of Clinical Hypnosis and Strategic Psychotherapy. Key Assumptions This section outlines four fundamental assumptions that underpin the proposal: 1. The NDIS’s commitment to effective treatments for its participants. 2. The NDIS’s value for evidence-based approaches. 3. The NDIS’s interest in resource optimisation and cost-effectiveness. 4. The NDIS’s awareness of global trends in hypnotherapy usage in healthcare systems. Detailed Proposal Key Assumptions This submission is based on several key assumptions about the NDIS and its priorities: 1. Commitment to Effective Treatments: We assume that the NDIS is committed to providing the most effective treatments available to its participants. This includes being open to evidence-based therapies that may not yet be part of the current framework but show significant promise in improving outcomes for participants. 2. Evidence-Based Approach: We believe that the NDIS values and prioritises evidence-based approaches in its decision-making process. This submission presents a wealth of scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of Strategic Hypnotherapy, aligning with what we assume to be NDIS’s commitment to evidence-based practice. 3. Resource Optimisation and Cost-Effectiveness: We assume that the NDIS is continually seeking ways to optimise its resources and control budgets while maintaining or improving the quality of care. This includes being receptive to treatments that can potentially do more with less, offering better outcomes per dollar spent and per hour of therapy. 4. Awareness of Global Trends: We presume that the NDIS is aware of and interested in the place of hypnotherapy in other healthcare systems around the world, particularly in countries with advanced medical systems like the UK and various European nations. This global perspective might inform NDIS’s openness to considering hypnotherapy as a validated therapeutic approach. These assumptions form the foundation of our proposal, guiding our approach in demonstrating how Strategic Hypnotherapy aligns with what we believe to be the NDIS’s core values and objectives. Key Points 1. Effectiveness of Strategic Hypnotherapy Strategic Hypnotherapy combines the strengths of strategic therapy with the powerful techniques of hypnosis. A meta-analysis by Kirsch et al. (1995) found that the addition of hypnosis to cognitive-behavioural therapy resulted in a 70% greater treatment effect compared to CBT alone. This significant improvement in effectiveness could lead to faster recovery times and better outcomes for NDIS participants. 2. Specific Conditions Where Strategic Hypnotherapy Excels Strategic Hypnotherapy has shown remarkable efficacy in treating several conditions that are particularly relevant to NDIS participants: a) Chronic Pain Management: – A comprehensive review by Adachi et al. (2014) found that hypnosis interventions consistently produce significant decreases in pain associated with a variety of chronic-pain problems. – Jensen et al. (2011) demonstrated that self-hypnosis training reduced pain intensity by 29% in individuals with multiple sclerosis and chronic pain. b) Anxiety and Depression: – Alladin & Alibhai (2007) found that cognitive hypnotherapy was significantly more effective than CBT alone in treating depression. – A meta-analysis by Valentine et al. (2019) showed that hypnosis had a significant effect in treating anxiety. c) Sleep Disorders: – Lam et al. (2015) conducted a meta-analysis showing that hypnotherapy significantly improved sleep quality in people with insomnia. d) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): – Rotaru & Rusu (2016) found in their meta-analysis that hypnotherapy was effective in alleviating PTSD symptoms. 3. The Urgent Need for Effective Chronic Pain Management Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects a significant portion of NDIS participants. The extensive research on hypnotherapy’s effectiveness in pain management highlights the urgent need for its inclusion in NDIS-supported therapies: – Prevalence: Chronic pain affects approximately 3.6 million Australians, with many experiencing disability as a result (Pain Australia, 2020). – Economic Impact: The cost of chronic pain to the Australian economy is estimated at $73.2 billion annually, including health system costs, lost productivity, and other financial costs (Deloitte Access Economics, 2019). – Limited Current Options: Many current pain management strategies rely heavily on medication, which can lead to side effects and potential dependency issues. – Holistic Approach: Strategic Hypnotherapy offers a non-pharmacological, mind-body approach to pain management that can complement existing treatments and potentially reduce reliance on medication. By including Strategic Hypnotherapy in the NDIS framework, the scheme would be taking a significant step towards providing more effective, evidence-based support for those suffering from chronic pain and other debilitating conditions. 4. Cost-Efficiency and Resource Optimisation By incorporating Strategic Hypnotherapy into the NDIS framework, we can potentially reduce the overall cost of care while improving outcomes: a) Shorter treatment duration: The enhanced effectiveness often leads to fewer required sessions. b) Reduced reliance on medication: Hypnotherapy can help manage symptoms, potentially decreasing the need for pharmaceutical interventions. c) Long-term benefits: Skills learned through Strategic Hypnotherapy can be applied independently by clients, promoting self-management and reducing the need for ongoing interventions. 5. Evidence-Based Support The efficacy of hypnotherapy, particularly in pain management, is supported by a robust body of research: a) A systematic review by Thompson et al. (2019) found that hypnosis was effective in reducing pain intensity across various chronic pain conditions. b) Syrjala et al. (1992) demonstrated that hypnosis was more effective than cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing cancer-related pain. c) Patterson and Jensen (2003) reviewed controlled trials of hypnotic analgesia and concluded that hypnosis is a reliable and efficacious treatment for both acute and chronic pain. These studies, among many others, consistently show that hypnotherapy can be as effective, if not more so, than traditional therapeutic approaches for pain management and other conditions relevant to NDIS participants. 6. Quality Assurance and Professional Standards ISPA ensures the highest standards of practice through: a) Minimum Qualification: The Government-accredited 1121NAT Diploma of Clinical Hypnosis and Strategic Psychotherapy. b) Ongoing Professional Development: Regular training and updates for practitioners. c) Ethical Guidelines: Strict adherence to professional ethics and best practices. Conclusion and Recommendations Based on the compelling evidence of effectiveness, particularly in managing chronic pain and other debilitating conditions, we strongly recommend the inclusion of Strategic Hypnotherapy as a supported therapeutic model within the NDIS framework. This inclusion would: 1. Provide NDIS participants with access to a highly effective treatment option, especially for chronic pain management. 2. Optimise the use of NDIS resources, potentially reducing overall costs associated with long-term pain management. 3. Align with evidence-based practice standards and the latest research in pain management and mental health treatment. 4. Recognise and utilise government-accredited qualifications in the field. 5. Offer a compliment to the dominant pharmacological approach to complement existing treatments, potentially reducing reliance on pain and other medications. We urge the NDIS to reconsider this proposal and engage in further discussions on implementing Strategic Hypnotherapy as a valuable addition to the current range of supported therapies, particularly for those suffering from chronic pain and other conditions where hypnotherapy has shown significant efficacy. References 1. Kirsch, I., Montgomery, G., & Sapirstein, G. (1995). Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy: A meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 63(2), 214-220. 2. Jensen, M. P., Ehde, D. M., Gertz, K. J., Stoelb, B. L., Dillworth, T. M., Hirsh, A. T., … & Kraft, G. H. (2011). Effects of self-hypnosis training and cognitive restructuring on daily pain intensity and catastrophizing in individuals with multiple sclerosis and chronic pain. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 59(1), 45-63. 3. Alladin, A., & Alibhai, A. (2007). Cognitive hypnotherapy for depression: An empirical investigation. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(2), 147-166. 4. Rotaru, T. Ș., & Rusu, A. (2016). A meta-analysis for the efficacy of hypnotherapy in alleviating PTSD symptoms. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 64(1), 116-136. 5. Lam, T. H., Chung, K. F., Yeung, W. F., Yu, B. Y. M., Yung, K. P., & Ng, T. H. Y. (2015). Hypnotherapy for insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 23(5), 719-732. 6. Adachi, T., Fujino, H., Nakae, A., Mashimo, T., & Sasaki, J. (2014). A meta-analysis of hypnosis for chronic pain problems: A comparison between hypnosis, standard care, and other psychological interventions. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 62(1), 1-28. 7. Valentine, K. E., Milling, L. S., Clark, L. J., & Moriarty, C. L. (2019). The efficacy of hypnosis as a treatment for anxiety: a meta-analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 67(3), 336-363. 8. Thompson, T., Terhune, D. B., Oram, C., Sharangparni, J., Rouf, R., Solmi, M., … & Stubbs, B. (2019). The effectiveness of hypnosis for pain relief: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 85 controlled experimental trials. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 99, 298-310. 9. Syrjala, K. L., Cummings, C., & Donaldson, G. W. (1992). Hypnosis or cognitive behavioural training for the reduction of pain and nausea during cancer treatment: a controlled clinical trial. Pain, 48(2), 137-146. 10. Patterson, D. R., & Jensen, M. P. (2003). Hypnosis and clinical pain. Psychological bulletin, 129(4), 495. 11. Pain Australia. (2020). The cost of pain in Australia. 12. Deloitte Access Economics. (2019). The cost of pain in Australia. |