A case study of hypnosis for tongue thrusting: confusion of tongues

In this case study, the author reviews the benefits of hypnosis for a middle-aged female suffering from an unwanted habit of rubbing her tongue against her teeth, also known as tongue thrusting. At the time of the initial consultation, she had already undergone several months of physical therapy for a lifetime habit of tongue thrusting. During the consultation, she expressed complaints of pain and chronic irritation, along with feelings of distraction and hopelessness regarding treatment. Treatment included one session after initial consultation and hypnotizability testing, at which time patient scored low on Elkins Hypnotizability Scale (EHS). She reported to her psychiatrist the unwanted habit ceased following one follow-up hypnosis intervention. She retained habit change for at least 1-year following hypnosis treatment.