Video-Hypnosis—The Provision of Specialized Therapy via Videoconferencing

Abstract

Hypnosis is not normally accessible to patients living in remote areas. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of providing hypnosis via videoconferencing, using ISDN at 384 kbit/s. Eleven of 15 patients invited to do so took part. Ten of the 11 stated that they were satisfied with the video-hypnosis session and all indicated that they would like to have further video-hypnosis sessions in the future. Sound quality and image quality were acceptable during nearly all sessions, in spite of some interference as a result of technical problems and weather conditions. The results suggest that hypnosis can be provided successfully via videoconferencing.