Linda Thomson receives Hartwick College President's Award

Linda Thomson, PhD, APRN, ABMH, ABHN, FASCH, was recently honored at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York for her work in advancing a holistic and inclusive approach to medicine.

In her citation, Dr. Margaret L. Drugovich, president, stated: “As a leader in the groundbreaking field of applying clinical hypnotherapy to nursing, you have improved countless lives as a practitioner, author and educator. Today, Hartwick College recognizes your interdisciplinary approach to advancing medicine, your insatiable curiosity, and your dedication to the health and wellbeing of others with the President’s Award for Liberal Arts in Practice.”

Thomson said, “While reflecting on my recovery from a life-threatening accident sustained while I was an undergraduate, and my lengthy recuperation that involved intensive care, multiple surgeries and ongoing rehabilitation, I realized how my recovery could have been aided by hypnotherapy techniques that I now practice and promote. I have dedicated myself to advancing this healing modality for the benefit of others.”

Thomson received her nursing degree from Hartwick College in 1972, and later earned her MSN from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and her PhD from American Pacific University, Honolulu. She was the first nurse to serve as President of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and is currently a Diplomate of both the American Board of Medical Hypnosis and the American Board of Hypnosis in Nursing. She was awarded the prestigious John Christopher Hartwick Scholar Award as a student, and later received the Outstanding Young Alumna Award, the Meritorious Service Award, and the Distinguished Nursing Alumna Award.

Thomson shares the benefits of clinical hypnosis through her worldwide educational presentations and workshops, and her professional journal articles. She has authored two "Harry the Hypno-potamus: Metaphorical Tales for Children" books, created a Stress Free Surgery program; co-founded the consulting business of Hypnovations: Clinical Hypnosis Education and Training; served as the director of the Hypnosis for Health and Healing practice; and continues her clinical hypnosis work as a nurse practitioner for Springfield Medical Care Systems.

Thomson is currently accepting patients at Rockingham Health Center, 1 Hospital Court in Bellows Falls, and Springfield Health Center, 100 River St., Springfield. Appointments can be made by calling (802) 886-8914.

Springfield Medical Care Systems is a not-for-profit, community-based healthcare system that is compassionate, evidence-based and outcome-driven. Our innovative, integrated, patient-centered medical home model, combined with our uniquely collaborative culture, creates a health system that offers a holistic approach to wellness and prevention. Services include primary and preventive care, behavioral health, dental, vision, and acute hospital and specialty services. Healthcare and prescription services are accessible to all, with financial assistance available based on a sliding fee scale. Our mission is to excel at providing personalized, quality care, “Where People Come First.”