Covert sensitization revisited: six case studies

This is an up to date study in which covert sensitization – a technique that seems to have gone into disrepute since the 1970s – is employed to treat a variety of maladaptive behaviours. The following six case studies illustrate the value of covert sensitization for the treatment of alcoholism, nail tearing, cigarette smoking, cannabis smoking, overeating and chocolate addiction. The treatment focuses on the craving rather than the actual carrying out of the unwanted behaviour. This study shows that covert sensitization is a rapid and cost effective form of treatment: many patients are able to eliminate the unwanted behaviour in a small number of sessions. Copyright © 2005 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.