Laid-back students to be offered course in hypnotherapy

University life could become even more laid back for students embarking on Scotland's first official course in hypnosis.

The gentle art of inducing what has been described as a "state of relaxation at one with a state of heightened awareness induced by suggestion" is to be taught to postgraduate students at Glasgow Caledonian University.

There are estimated to be more than 5,000 working hypnotherapists in the UK, but few are medically trained. The university hopes to change this by offering a recognised educational qualification to health professionals looking to complement their existing skills.

Students enrolling for the year-long course to qualify for a postgraduate diploma in clinical and applied hypnosis will be expected to learn not only the scientific and therapeutic applications but also the legal, ethical and professional considerations of its use.

The course is organised by John Doyle, a trained chartered counselling psychologist who uses hypnosis within the NHS in Glasgow. He believes it will be a hit among health professionals keen to embrace alternative treatments.

"This is a course designed for medics, dentists and professionals allied to medicine," said Mr Doyle.

"It is certainly not open to people looking to learn stage hypnotism or lay-people who don't have any recognised medical background.

"We see hypnosis as an adjunct to therapy. It is not a treatment in itself but only a tool. It can be dangerous if not used properly. If a layman regressed a patient to early childhood and uncovered some disturbing memories, they may not be able to deal with the resulting situation while a health professional should be."

Hypnosis was widely dismissed as a quack science until about 50 years ago. Now many health professionals find it helpful in dealing with phobias, conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and as a method of pain relief.

Mr Doyle said hypnotherapy was particularly useful in dealing with burns patients and women in labour, and could be used in some operations as an alternative to anaesthetic.