Hypnotherapy: How You Can Benefit From Hypnosis With Therapy

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHypnotherapy TechniquesUsesBenefitsDoes Hypnotherapy Work?WarningsHow to Get Started

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Hypnotherapy Techniques

Uses

Benefits

Does Hypnotherapy Work?

Warnings

How to Get Started

It is sometimes used as part of atreatment planfor phobias and otheranxiety disorders.It is also sometimes used for pain management, weight loss, smoking cessation, and a variety of other applications.

Formal explorations in the therapeutic uses for hypnosis began in the late 1700s but did not gain scientific credibility until much more recently. Modern researchers have further explored how hypnosis can be used, which conditions it can treat, and how effective it may be compared to other treatments.

At a Glance

Instead, the process involves guided visualizations and relaxation to help you block out distraction, focus on the issues you may be struggling with, and teach you coping skills to use moving forward.

Hypnosis is an old idea, but one that has gained renewed interest alongside the rise in various other alternative therapies for mental health.

During a hypnotherapy session, people are guided through a process to induce a trance-like state that helps them focus their minds, respond more readily to suggestions, and become deeply relaxed. Hypnotherapy utilizes the heightened awareness of thehypnotic stateto help you focus on a problem more deeply.Hypnotherapy utilizes techniques including:

Hypnosis as a Therapeutic Tool

What Hypnotherapy Can Help With

There are many different reasons why a person might want to try hypnotherapy. Research suggests that some possible applications include:

Hypnotherapy may also be helpful for changing or reducing problematic behaviors. Because of this, it is sometimes used to help peoplequit smoking, lose weight, and sleep better.

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Benefits of Hypnosis as a Part of Therapy

Some people may experience dramatic results with hypnotherapy. In other cases, people may simply feel very relaxed. Some of the benefits of hypnotherapy may include:

Most hypnotherapists utilize a series of calming messages, such as “you are safe” and “no one can harm you” to reassure their clients that during hypnosis they can objectively face their problems without having apanicked reaction.

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The effectiveness and impact of hypnotherapy can vary based on the individual and how the treatment is used. Hypnotherapy has been shown to have some degree of efficacy for certain applications, particularly:

While it may help people cope with problems related to stress and anxiety, it may be best applied when used in conjunction with first-line treatments such ascognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)and medications.

The results of a study published in the May 2021 issue of theJournal of Affective Disordersfound that hypnotherapy was not less effective than CBT for treating mild to moderate depression. The results indicated that where CBT led to a 38.5% reduction in symptom severity, hypnotherapy resulted in a 44.6% reduction.

As researchers continue to explore the potential uses for hypnotherapy, this technique may gain greater acceptance in the treatment of various conditions.

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While hypnotherapy is generally safe and well-tolerated, that does not mean that it doesn’t pose some potential risks, such as:

For these reasons, it is important to always first consult your doctor before you decide to try hypnotherapy. Also, be sure to only try hypnotherapy under the supervision and guidance of a qualified professional.

Common Misconceptions

Hypnotherapy is still considered controversial, as many mental health professionals dispute its effectiveness. There are a number of myths and misconceptions about hypnotherapy that can affect how people view this therapeutic tool.

There are several ways to find a reputable hypnotherapist. Word of mouth is always a great way tofind any practitioner. Your mental health practitioner may be licensed to perform hypnotherapy or they may know someone who is. If you know someone who has undergone this type of therapy, ask about their experiences. Keep in mind, however, that some hypnotherapists only focus on particular issues, so a friend’s therapist may not be right for you.

Although the practice continues to be controversial in some circles, many experts believe that hypnotherapy can work. Discuss this treatment option with your healthcare provider. Also be sure to check with your insurance company before proceeding, as not all insurers cover it.

Search online for a hypnotherapist in the United States, Great Britain, or parts of Europe in theNational Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists database. This organization is responsible for the certification of hypnotherapists and is careful to keep the database up to date.

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8 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Williamson A.What is hypnosis and how might it work?.Palliat Care. 2019;12. doi:10.1177/1178224219826581Jensen MP, Adachi T, Tomé-Pires C, Lee J, Osman ZJ, Miró J.Mechanisms of hypnosis: Toward the development of a biopsychosocial model.Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2015;63(1):34-75. doi:10.1080/00207144.2014.961875Sawni A, Breuner CC.Clinical hypnosis, an effective mind-body modality for adolescents with behavioral and physical complaints.Children (Basel). 2017;4(4). doi:10.3390/children4040019Jensen MP, Jamieson GA, Lutz A, et al.New directions in hypnosis research: Strategies for advancing the cognitive and clinical neuroscience of hypnosis.Neurosci Conscious. 2017;3(1):nix004. doi:10.1093/nc/nix004Häuser W, Hagl M, Schmierer A, Hansen E.The efficacy, safety and applications of medical hypnosis.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016;113(17):289-296. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2016.0289Demertzi A, Vanhaudenhuyse A, Noirhomme Q, Faymonville ME, Laureys S.Hypnosis modulates behavioural measures and subjective ratings about external and internal awareness.J Physiol Paris. 2015;109(4-6):173-179. doi:10.1016/j.jphysparis.2015.11.002Fuhr K, Meisner C, Broch A, et al.Efficacy of hypnotherapy compared to cognitive behavioral therapy for mild to moderate depression - Results of a randomized controlled rater-blind clinical trial.Journal of Affective Disorders. 2021;286:166-173. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2021.02.069Lush P, Moga G, McLatchie N, Dienes Z.The Sussex-Waterloo Scale of Hypnotizability (SWASH): Measuring capacity for altering conscious experience.Neurosci Conscious. 2018;2018(1):niy006. doi:10.1093/nc/niy006

8 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Williamson A.What is hypnosis and how might it work?.Palliat Care. 2019;12. doi:10.1177/1178224219826581Jensen MP, Adachi T, Tomé-Pires C, Lee J, Osman ZJ, Miró J.Mechanisms of hypnosis: Toward the development of a biopsychosocial model.Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2015;63(1):34-75. doi:10.1080/00207144.2014.961875Sawni A, Breuner CC.Clinical hypnosis, an effective mind-body modality for adolescents with behavioral and physical complaints.Children (Basel). 2017;4(4). doi:10.3390/children4040019Jensen MP, Jamieson GA, Lutz A, et al.New directions in hypnosis research: Strategies for advancing the cognitive and clinical neuroscience of hypnosis.Neurosci Conscious. 2017;3(1):nix004. doi:10.1093/nc/nix004Häuser W, Hagl M, Schmierer A, Hansen E.The efficacy, safety and applications of medical hypnosis.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016;113(17):289-296. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2016.0289Demertzi A, Vanhaudenhuyse A, Noirhomme Q, Faymonville ME, Laureys S.Hypnosis modulates behavioural measures and subjective ratings about external and internal awareness.J Physiol Paris. 2015;109(4-6):173-179. doi:10.1016/j.jphysparis.2015.11.002Fuhr K, Meisner C, Broch A, et al.Efficacy of hypnotherapy compared to cognitive behavioral therapy for mild to moderate depression - Results of a randomized controlled rater-blind clinical trial.Journal of Affective Disorders. 2021;286:166-173. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2021.02.069Lush P, Moga G, McLatchie N, Dienes Z.The Sussex-Waterloo Scale of Hypnotizability (SWASH): Measuring capacity for altering conscious experience.Neurosci Conscious. 2018;2018(1):niy006. doi:10.1093/nc/niy006

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Williamson A.What is hypnosis and how might it work?.Palliat Care. 2019;12. doi:10.1177/1178224219826581Jensen MP, Adachi T, Tomé-Pires C, Lee J, Osman ZJ, Miró J.Mechanisms of hypnosis: Toward the development of a biopsychosocial model.Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2015;63(1):34-75. doi:10.1080/00207144.2014.961875Sawni A, Breuner CC.Clinical hypnosis, an effective mind-body modality for adolescents with behavioral and physical complaints.Children (Basel). 2017;4(4). doi:10.3390/children4040019Jensen MP, Jamieson GA, Lutz A, et al.New directions in hypnosis research: Strategies for advancing the cognitive and clinical neuroscience of hypnosis.Neurosci Conscious. 2017;3(1):nix004. doi:10.1093/nc/nix004Häuser W, Hagl M, Schmierer A, Hansen E.The efficacy, safety and applications of medical hypnosis.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016;113(17):289-296. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2016.0289Demertzi A, Vanhaudenhuyse A, Noirhomme Q, Faymonville ME, Laureys S.Hypnosis modulates behavioural measures and subjective ratings about external and internal awareness.J Physiol Paris. 2015;109(4-6):173-179. doi:10.1016/j.jphysparis.2015.11.002Fuhr K, Meisner C, Broch A, et al.Efficacy of hypnotherapy compared to cognitive behavioral therapy for mild to moderate depression - Results of a randomized controlled rater-blind clinical trial.Journal of Affective Disorders. 2021;286:166-173. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2021.02.069Lush P, Moga G, McLatchie N, Dienes Z.The Sussex-Waterloo Scale of Hypnotizability (SWASH): Measuring capacity for altering conscious experience.Neurosci Conscious. 2018;2018(1):niy006. doi:10.1093/nc/niy006

Williamson A.What is hypnosis and how might it work?.Palliat Care. 2019;12. doi:10.1177/1178224219826581

Jensen MP, Adachi T, Tomé-Pires C, Lee J, Osman ZJ, Miró J.Mechanisms of hypnosis: Toward the development of a biopsychosocial model.Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2015;63(1):34-75. doi:10.1080/00207144.2014.961875

Sawni A, Breuner CC.Clinical hypnosis, an effective mind-body modality for adolescents with behavioral and physical complaints.Children (Basel). 2017;4(4). doi:10.3390/children4040019

Jensen MP, Jamieson GA, Lutz A, et al.New directions in hypnosis research: Strategies for advancing the cognitive and clinical neuroscience of hypnosis.Neurosci Conscious. 2017;3(1):nix004. doi:10.1093/nc/nix004

Häuser W, Hagl M, Schmierer A, Hansen E.The efficacy, safety and applications of medical hypnosis.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016;113(17):289-296. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2016.0289

Demertzi A, Vanhaudenhuyse A, Noirhomme Q, Faymonville ME, Laureys S.Hypnosis modulates behavioural measures and subjective ratings about external and internal awareness.J Physiol Paris. 2015;109(4-6):173-179. doi:10.1016/j.jphysparis.2015.11.002

Fuhr K, Meisner C, Broch A, et al.Efficacy of hypnotherapy compared to cognitive behavioral therapy for mild to moderate depression - Results of a randomized controlled rater-blind clinical trial.Journal of Affective Disorders. 2021;286:166-173. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2021.02.069

Lush P, Moga G, McLatchie N, Dienes Z.The Sussex-Waterloo Scale of Hypnotizability (SWASH): Measuring capacity for altering conscious experience.Neurosci Conscious. 2018;2018(1):niy006. doi:10.1093/nc/niy006

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