Table 2 Session outlines for the FibroQoL group treatment protocol

1

Introduction and general information. Patients’ Expectations. History and epidemiology of the syndrome. Common symptoms in FM. Physiological mechanisms involved in the genesis of pain.

2

Collect information on the goals of each patient, explain differences between physical and emotional pain, clarify differences between hypnosis and self-hypnosis, administer hypnotisability test, hypnosis “safe place”.

3

Diagnosis and prognosis. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Current model of health care in Catalonia and units specialised in the treatment of FM patients.

4

Discussion of goals and the difficulties that obstruct them, emphasize common personality characteristics, highlight exceptions to the problem, hypnosis “candle and bubbles”.

5

Strategies to increase self-esteem and regulate emotions. Pain experience and recurrent invalidation. Social support from family and close friends.

6

Exploration of possible changes, difference between acute and chronic pain, hypnosis: “imagination of a journey”.

7

Reviews the goals, ask for a future possible change (the miracle question), commitment to consolidation of the changes, hypnosis: “watch a photo album”.

8

Benefits of physical exercise in FM and closing remarks