What Is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is an adjunctive technique that utilizes hypnosis to aid in the treatment of specific symptoms or health conditions. Hypnotherapy works by inducing a hypnotic state marked by waking awareness that allows people to experience detached external attention and to focus on inner experiences.1
It is also sometimes used for pain management, weight loss, smoking cessation, and a variety of other applications.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 the hypnotic state to help you focus on a problem more deeply.3 Hypnotherapy utilizes techniques including:
- Suggestion: Your hypnotherapist may make gentle suggestions for behavior changes that can help you conquer your issue. For example, you may be taught to see yourself as a supportive advisor during a phobic reaction, thus learning to trust yourself and your ability to get through the situation.
- Coping skills: You may be taught certain cognitive-behavioral coping skills, such as guided imagery and the STOP! technique, that you can use when confronting fears or anxieties.
- Exploration of past experiences: You may even be encouraged to talk about the first time you experienced the behavior or problem that you are trying to overcome and how you felt at that moment.
There are many different reasons why a person might want to try hypnotherapy. Research suggests that some possible applications include:4
- Dementia symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy
- Pain during childbirth, dental procedures, or surgery
- Skin conditions, such as psoriasis and warts
- Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Benefits of Hypnotherapy
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:
- Focus: Most of the time, we are distracted by our surroundings. Whether the TV is blaring, your kids are demanding attention or your spouse wants to talk, it can be difficult to fully focus on yourself. Our conscious minds are also cluttered. You may be worried about paying a bill, concerned about an upcoming project, or planning tonight’s dinner. The therapy session is intended to break through these day-to-day concerns and allow you to focus completely on the problem at hand.1
- Relaxation: In the hypnotic state, you are deeply relaxed. Your conscious mind is quieted, allowing your unconscious mind to deeply focus on your issue. You are also calmer, and therefore more receptive to facing your problems or fears.1
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:
- Reduction in nausea and vomiting in individuals being treated for cancer with chemotherapy
- Reduction in the severity of symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)4
Things to Consider
While hypnotherapy is generally safe and well-tolerated, that does not mean that it doesn't pose some potential risks, such as:
- People who are very suggestible may experience a decreased sense of personal control while under hypnosis.
- Some people can experience side effects such as anxiety, headaches, or dizziness.
- Hypnotherapy may not be appropriate for people who are experiencing symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations and delusions.
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.
- Hypnotherapy doesn't cause you to forget what happened. You will remember the things that occur during your hypnotic state, you will not be asleep or unconscious, and you will be able to break the hypnotic trance at any time.
- Hypnotherapy doesn't cause you to lose control. During hypnotherapy, you remain in control. It is not possible for anyone to force you to do anything against your will, even under hypnosis. You will be tuned in to the work at hand, and so may not pay attention to your surroundings, but you will always be in charge of your own actions, behaviors, and statements.
- Being hypnotizable doesn't mean you are less intelligent. While some people believe that they cannot be hypnotized, research suggests that most people are hypnotizable to a certain degree. Only about 10% of people are difficult or impossible to hypnotize.8
There are several ways to find a reputable hypnotherapist. Word of mouth is always a great way to find 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.