Beyond the itch: working with skin conditions CPD
This CPD equips practitioners to support clients with various skin conditions by addressing pain, grief, and psychological impacts, sharing tools to restore control/confidence.
Beyond the itch is designed to equip hypnotherapists with the confidence and competence to support clients living with a wide range of chronic and inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema, acne, psoriasis, lupus, vitiligo, and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW).
Participants will gain a solid foundation in understanding why these conditions occur, how they are medically treated, and the psychological and environmental factors which influence flare-ups and overall well-being. The CPD highlights the often-overlooked emotional and mental health challenges faced by individuals with visible or chronic skin conditions, such as medical gaslighting and a lost sense of self.
We will explore the relationship between stress and the itch–scratch cycle, and the practical strategies to help clients manage symptoms, reduce pain perception, and break habitual behaviours, such as skin picking. The CPD also introduces key therapeutic approaches to support clients through trauma, grief, and challenges with intimacy and self-image, all of which are commonly experienced within the skin community.
By the end of the CPD, participants will be able to adapt their therapeutic practice to better meet the needs of clients with skin conditions. This includes modifying the consultation and core techniques, such as the Miracle Question, to align with clients, advocating using communication strategies, and supporting clients in rebuilding a sense of control and identity.
Course content
Understanding skin conditions – an overview of common inflammatory and autoimmune skin conditions:
- acne, rosacea, lupus, contact dermatitis
- atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, urticaria (hives)
- vitiligo and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW)
Living with a skin condition – psychological and emotional impacts:
- social challenges, stigma, and medical gaslighting
- the range of triggers and navigating daily life
Mind–body connection – symptom management:
- the itch–stress cycle explained
- environmental influences on the subconscious
- pain management and the pain gate control theory
Therapeutic tools and techniques
- breaking habits: the 3D’s technique for itch/scratch and skin picking
- effective communication: reflective listening technique
- understanding grief and trauma in chronic conditions
- supporting loss of identity and rebuilding self-concept
- values-based work and adapting the miracle question
- the touchy time technique for safe reconnection of physical intimacy
Presenter
Jennifer Austin
BSc, MSc, DSFH, HPD, AfSFH, GQHP, MNCH(Reg)
www.jenniferaustinhypnotherapy.co.uk
I have lived with eczema my whole life and spent the last 6 years going through Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). Previously, I worked in marine biology and acoustics. I had hypnotherapy to help me through the worst part of TSW, when I was bedbound for 6 months and out of work for a year. I switched careers to become a hypnotherapist for the skin community. I work online to help me manage my own health conditions, and also allow me the freedom to travel. My client base is worldwide, mostly supporting sufferers of eczema and TSW, as well as their caregivers.
Booking
This CPD is for Solution Focused Hypnotherapists, graduates of CPHT.