The following example should be read in a slow, rhythmic, and paced
manner while carefully observing the patient’s responses. Backing up and
repeating parts are beneficial if you find that the patient is not responding at any
time. Feel free to change and incorporate your own stylistic suggestions.
Allow yourself to become comfortable. . . and as you listen to the sound of
my voice, I shall guide you along a pathway of deepening relaxation. Often we
start Out at some high level of excitement, and as we slide, down lower, we can
become aware of our descent and enjoy the ride. Let us begin with some attention
to your breathing…taking some regular, slow…easy…breaths. Let the air flow
in…and out... air in... air out... until you become very aware of each inspiration...
and... expiration [ Very good. Now as you feel your chest rise with each intake
and fall with each outflow,
notice how different you now feel from a few moments ago, as you
comfortably resettle yourself in the chair, adjusting your arms and legs just
enough to make you feel more comfortable.
Now with regularly paced, slow, and easy breathing, I would like to ask that
you become aware of your arms and hands as they rest [ where you see them,
e.g., “on your lap”] Move them slightly. [ Next become aware of your legs and feel
the chair’s support under them. . . they may also move slightly. We shall begin our
total body relaxation in just this way .. . becoming aware of a part and then
allowing it to become at ease.. . resting, floating, lying peacefully. Start at your
eyelids, and, if they are not already closed, allow them to become free and rest
them downward. . . your eyes may gaze and float upward. Now focusing on your forehead . . . letting the subtle folds become smoother and smoother with each
breath. Now let this peacefulness of eyelids and forehead start a gentle warm flow
of relaxing energy down over your cheeks and face, around and under your chin,
and slowly down your neck. You may find that you have to swallow . . . allow this
to happen, naturally. Now continue this flow as a stream ambling over your
shoulders and upper chest and over and across to each arm [ and when you feel
this warmth in your fingertips you may feel them move ever so slightly. [ for any
movement] Very good. Next allow the same continuous flow to start down to your lower body and
over you waist and hips reaching each leg. You may notice that they are heavy, or
ight, and that they move ever so slightly as
you feel the chair supporting them with each breath and each swallow that
you take. You are resting easily, breathing comfortably and effortlessly. You may
become aware of just how much at ease you are now, in such a short time, from a
moment ago, when you entered the room. Very good, be at ease. 3. Hypnosis, a useful tool with myriad benefits, induces an altered state of
awareness with heightened suggestibility for changes in behavior and physiologic
responses. It is easily taught, and the benefits can be highly beneficial in the
dental setting.
4. Informing patients of what they may experience during procedures
addresses the specific fears of the unknown and loss of control. Sensory
information—that is, what physical sensations may be expected—as well as
procedural information is appropriate. Knowledge enhances a patient’s coping
skills.
5. Modeling, or observing a peer undergo successful dental treatment, may
be beneficial. Videotapes are available for a variety of dental scenarios.
6. Methods of distraction may also improve coping responses. Audio or
video programs have been reported to be useful for some patients.
manner while carefully observing the patient’s responses. Backing up and
repeating parts are beneficial if you find that the patient is not responding at any
time. Feel free to change and incorporate your own stylistic suggestions.
Allow yourself to become comfortable. . . and as you listen to the sound of
my voice, I shall guide you along a pathway of deepening relaxation. Often we
start Out at some high level of excitement, and as we slide, down lower, we can
become aware of our descent and enjoy the ride. Let us begin with some attention
to your breathing…taking some regular, slow…easy…breaths. Let the air flow
in…and out... air in... air out... until you become very aware of each inspiration...
and... expiration [ Very good. Now as you feel your chest rise with each intake
and fall with each outflow,
notice how different you now feel from a few moments ago, as you
comfortably resettle yourself in the chair, adjusting your arms and legs just
enough to make you feel more comfortable.
Now with regularly paced, slow, and easy breathing, I would like to ask that
you become aware of your arms and hands as they rest [ where you see them,
e.g., “on your lap”] Move them slightly. [ Next become aware of your legs and feel
the chair’s support under them. . . they may also move slightly. We shall begin our
total body relaxation in just this way .. . becoming aware of a part and then
allowing it to become at ease.. . resting, floating, lying peacefully. Start at your
eyelids, and, if they are not already closed, allow them to become free and rest
them downward. . . your eyes may gaze and float upward. Now focusing on your forehead . . . letting the subtle folds become smoother and smoother with each
breath. Now let this peacefulness of eyelids and forehead start a gentle warm flow
of relaxing energy down over your cheeks and face, around and under your chin,
and slowly down your neck. You may find that you have to swallow . . . allow this
to happen, naturally. Now continue this flow as a stream ambling over your
shoulders and upper chest and over and across to each arm [ and when you feel
this warmth in your fingertips you may feel them move ever so slightly. [ for any
movement] Very good. Next allow the same continuous flow to start down to your lower body and
over you waist and hips reaching each leg. You may notice that they are heavy, or
ight, and that they move ever so slightly as
you feel the chair supporting them with each breath and each swallow that
you take. You are resting easily, breathing comfortably and effortlessly. You may
become aware of just how much at ease you are now, in such a short time, from a
moment ago, when you entered the room. Very good, be at ease. 3. Hypnosis, a useful tool with myriad benefits, induces an altered state of
awareness with heightened suggestibility for changes in behavior and physiologic
responses. It is easily taught, and the benefits can be highly beneficial in the
dental setting.
4. Informing patients of what they may experience during procedures
addresses the specific fears of the unknown and loss of control. Sensory
information—that is, what physical sensations may be expected—as well as
procedural information is appropriate. Knowledge enhances a patient’s coping
skills.
5. Modeling, or observing a peer undergo successful dental treatment, may
be beneficial. Videotapes are available for a variety of dental scenarios.
6. Methods of distraction may also improve coping responses. Audio or
video programs have been reported to be useful for some patients.
