Description: This dialogue explores how hypnosis can support medical patients who are overwhelmed by pain, illness and anxiety. The clinicians show how somatic symptoms, personal meaning and emotional history all shape the experience of disease, and how tailored metaphors, patient-generated imagery and empathic pacing can open the door to relief. Participants learn practical ways to blend medical assessment with hypnotic engagement, helping patients feel understood, regain agency and access inner resources even in the face of chronic or life-threatening conditions.
Jorge Abia, MD, has been the co-director of the Milton H. Erickson Institute of Mexico City since 1989. Dr. Abia has training in internal medicine, family therapy, and Ericksonian hypnotherapy, and has 25 years of experience as an Ericksonian hypnotherapy clinician, teacher, researcher and programs designer. He is co-author of a 1,500 page teaching program and author of a self-hypnosis book.
Richard Landis, PhD, is a clinical and medical psychologist, international trainer and author. He is the Executive Editor for the Milton H. Erickson Foundation Newsletter, the Director of Training for the Southern California Society for Ericksonian Psychotherapy and Hypnosis and Clinical Director of the Ericksonian Integrative Medical Institute of Orange County. He is board certified in traumatology, and holds diplomate status in the areas of integrated medicine, behavioral medicine, and psychopharmacology.
Gary Ruelas, DO, PhD, holds doctoral degrees in medicine and psychology. His passion for working with individuals has been an integral part of his life. First trained as a child neuropsychologist, then in family medicine, he is one of the limited number of individuals in the country licensed as both a clinical psychologist and a physician.