Skip to content

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a treatment method designed to help people relax their minds so that a therapist can introduce positive suggestions to help them cope better with their emotions.

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis during psychotherapy. It is a tool to help you reach therapeutic goals, such as learning coping skills to regulate emotions. Hypnotherapy allows you to focus on inner thoughts and feelings without the distractions of racing thoughts regarding daily stressors. With an open mind, your therapists’ suggestions and advice are better understood and more likely to be implemented.

Hypnotherapy can help treat many conditions, including:

A licensed and certified hypnotherapist will guide you into a relaxing state that makes you feel detached yet fully aware.

How Does It Work?

The brain has two hemispheres, sometimes called the left and right brains, which are associated with your conscious and unconscious mind. The left brain is dominant when awake and making rational, intelligent decisions to complete activities. The right brain is dominant when you engage in relaxing, creative activities where emotions can play a role. The right brain is also active during hypnosis. When your therapist suggests positive associations during hypnosis, corresponding brain regions activate as they would if it were happening in real-time.

An example is a person with post-traumatic stress who may undergo hypnosis, and during the process, they may begin to feel anxious when remembering the trauma. Their therapist can make positive suggestions about the trauma that make them feel calm, replacing the anxiety, and, therefore, they will be able to better cope with their emotions in the future.

What Are Some Myths About Hypnotherapy?

Because hypnosis is sometimes a form of entertainment by hypnotists or filmmakers looking to put on a good show, people may think hypnosis is a hoax or a joke. In contrast, others become fearful of losing control.

In reality, it is a valid psychotherapy technique, and dispelling these myths means that many more people can receive the help they need.

Myth: You will lose control of my mind and body

Truth: You remain in control of your mind and body during hypnosis. The therapist cannot take over any part of you, and if you don’t want to accept a suggestion they make, your subconscious can reject it.

Myth: You won’t be able to snap out of it

Truth: You can pull yourself out of the relaxed, trance-like state by opening your eyes, standing up, or speaking.

Myth: When under hypnosis, you may start telling all your secrets, good and bad

Truth: Hypnotherapy is confidential, but a person is unlikely to reveal secrets since the therapist will guide the conversation. The focus will be on making healthy suggestions to improve your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Myth: You cannot be hypnotized

Truth: Most people enter a relaxed, trance-like state every day, like when you are trying to fall asleep and wake up. If you have ever been doing something, like driving or watching a movie, and realized that time has passed, but you don’t remember what happened, you likely experienced a trance-like state.

What Conditions Does Hypnotherapy Help Treat?

Hypnotherapy helps treat a wide array of conditions, including physical, psychological, and addiction symptoms. In a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, researchers found over a 20-year period that hypnosis effectively treats many different symptoms and disorders. For example:

Hypnotherapy has also been found to be effective with in-person and virtual treatment sessions and for children, youth, and adult populations. Being able to participate in treatment from home means hypnotherapy is becoming more accessible for people who don’t have flexible schedules. It also means you can receive treatment where you feel most comfortable.

What Typically Happens During A Session?

Like all other therapies, hypnotherapy sessions begin with a brief discussion between you and your therapist about what to expect and the session’s goals.

When it is time for hypnosis, your therapist will lead you into a deep, relaxed state, known as the induction phase. Your therapist will ask you to focus on something, like a burning candle or picture, listen to music, or guide you with imagery. The goal is to move you out of a conscious state to a place where you can focus on sensations, emotions, and perceptions that you may suppress while awake.

Once under hypnosis, the therapist will make suggestions to help you make a positive visual association between the event and the emotion causing painful symptoms.

Once complete, your therapist will bring you out of the relaxed state, or you can bring yourself out. Before the session ends, another brief discussion about the experience occurs.

What’s The Typical Length Of Treatment?

Most sessions last less than an hour. However, if beneficial, a therapist may extend the session by 30 to 60 minutes.

Most people undergo hypnosis more than once to address all their issues. For some, it may take two or three sessions, and for others, it may need two or three months of sessions. For example, hypnotherapy for smoking cessation may require fewer sessions than hypnotherapy for chronic pain. An extensive assessment and discussion with your therapist will determine your treatment plan.

Does Hypnotherapy Work?

According to the National Institute of Health, hypnotherapy can reduce depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and other mood disorders. However, much more research is necessary to determine the exact effects.

In a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, with over 700 hypnotherapy practitioners, 70% reported it was highly influential in the following:

  • Reducing stress and anxiety
  • Enhancing well-being
  • Increasing mindfulness
  • Enhancing confidence
  • Preparing for medical procedures

Results also showed that hypnosis combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) produces positive therapeutic outcomes. Out of the hundreds of studies reviewed, 99.2% produced positive results. Of that 99.2%, at least half produced medium effects.

How Do I Select A Hypnotherapist?

The National Institute of Health recommends talking with your healthcare provider about hypnotherapy. If you feel like it could benefit you, ask for a referral to a local professional. A hypnotherapist must be licensed or certified, have positive reviews and references, and have had proper training at an accredited institute.

Not only should a hypnotherapist have proper training, but they must also have specialty experience in the area you are trying to heal. For example, if you want help with anxiety or depression, search for a licensed mental health professional with a certification in hypnosis. Professional hypnotherapists are usually members of national or international organizations or associations.

When you meet with a hypnotherapist for the first time, ask questions regarding their process and expectations. Also, find out the cost and length of sessions. Keep in mind that you do not have to undergo hypnosis until you find the right therapist.

Does Insurance Cover The Cost Of Hypnosis Treatment?

Insurance companies tend to diagnose hypnotherapy as an alternative or experimental treatment, and the costs are not usually covered. However, check with your insurance company to confirm. Some companies will cover alternative treatments like hypnotherapy if combined with other services, such as CBT, when deemed medically necessary or part of an overall treatment plan.

Don’t be discouraged if your insurance company does not cover hypnosis. Many therapists and treatment centers offer reduced rates or payment plans to help people receive the services they need and deserve.

Is Hypnotherapy Right for You?

Hypnotherapy can benefit many people by helping them learn coping skills, break habits, and address deeper-seated issues. It allows them to achieve personal growth and positive change.

If you think hypnotherapy could help you, contact your doctor or other medical provider today. They can connect you with the information and references you need to get started on your healing journey.

Last Updated:

Meet Our Experts

You May Also Like