hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses hypnosis—a trance-like state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility—as a tool to help individuals modify thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. A typical session involves preparing the client, guiding them into a relaxed trance, delivering targeted suggestions or imagery, and reviewing the experience afterward. The aim is to create changes in perception, sensation, or behavior that support the person’s treatment goals.

Hypnotherapy is commonly used as an adjunct to standard medical or psychological care. It is applied to a range of concerns, including chronic pain, anxiety and stress, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, phobias, smoking cessation, and weight management. It can also be employed to assist with coping with medical procedures, dermatological conditions, or psychological symptoms within a broader treatment plan.

Evidence regarding hypnotherapy varies by condition. Some meta-analyses report small to moderate benefits for chronic pain, anxiety, and certain gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly when used alongside other treatments. For many conditions, results are mixed or limited by study quality. It is generally not viewed as a stand-alone cure for serious medical or mental health disorders, but rather as a complementary option.

Safety and regulation depend on practitioner qualifications and local guidelines. When performed by trained professionals, hypnotherapy is considered low risk, with rare side effects such as transient dizziness or emotional discomfort. Not everyone is equally responsive to hypnosis, and effectiveness often relies on therapeutic alliance and patient motivation.