Hypnosis for the Management of Anxiety and Breathlessness During a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

Two 45-minute group sessions in which patients experience hypnosis and learn how to use it for the self-management of anxiety and anxiety-related dyspnea. First session is introductory. Second session addresses concerns that patients may have identified after using self-hypnosis. Both sessions include group hypnosis exercises. Both sessions are to be administered in an identical manner, and require the same motor and communication responses from the patient (i.e., concentrate on the practitioner's voice, eye closure, relaxation, nodding). Patients are asked to concentrate in nature-themed metaphors and hypnotic suggestions of pure air entering their lungs. Both sessions end with a round of questions, instructions and motivation to use self-hypnosis throughout the duration of the PRP and beyond.

Two 45-minute group sessions in which patients experience dynamic relaxation and learn how to use it for the self-management of anxiety and anxiety-related dyspnea. Both sessions include group relaxation exercises. Both sessions are to be administered in an identical manner, and require the same motor and communication responses from the patient (i.e., concentrate on the practitioner's voice, stretching, breathing exercises, nodding). Both sessions end with a round of questions, instructions and motivation to use relaxation throughout the duration of the PRP and beyond.