Dr Åsa Fe Kockum

Her clinical work focuses on those with psychological trauma and stress related problems for which she trains and supervises personnel. Her research focus is mental health problems at the workplace and their prevention. She has served on the board of directors of the Swedish Society for Clinical Hypnosis since 2009. She has also been a SSCH representative to ESH and ISH since 2011.

A study of using imagery in a large organisation to increase mental health

This is a presentation of an on-going study at KI, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. A group of co-workers in a large organisation in Sweden, were taught techniques to alleviate tension using imagery to modify intrusive thoughts, feelings, body sensations and behaviours connected to stress. They were then engaged to support their fellow workers with the techniques when requested, so called peer-support, for stress management. The peer-supporters received continuous supervision.

To measure the outcome two similar departments within the organisation were chosen; one as a comparison, one for an intervention. In both departments all personnel were invited to answer questionnaires connected to stress before and after the intervention. The results from the study will be presented.

Mental health problems are the main cause of absenteeism and presenteeism in Sweden and internationally. The suffering, production loss, and lack of development does not only affect the individual but also organisations, and the society as a whole. It is a major issue in Europe today. Research suggests that around one in four workers are experiencing mental health problem related to stress (typically anxiety and/or depression). In some occupational groups this can be as high as 40 per cent. The workplace offers an ideal context for improving people’s psychological health. The majority of distressed employees are unlikely to receive psychological intervention unless it is delivered in the workplace.