What is hypnosis and does it work?

Hypnosis is a powerful method for managing and treating certain conditions, including anxiety, stress, depression, phobias, insomnia, pain management, smoking and trauma.

During hypnosis, a person’s conscious mind is bypassed to access their subconscious mind. It is the subconscious part of the brain that is open to change, and, in this state, worries, fears and unwanted patterns of thinking can be replaced with more positive, rational responses. With regular practice, hypnosis can help to train the mind to remain calm and respond better to stressful triggers. 

What happens during hypnosis?

During hypnosis, the therapist helps the person to enter into a deeply relaxed but focused state using relaxation language. Suggestibility is then used to plant "seeds of ideas" to influence the subconscious mind. For example, someone trying to quit smoking might receive suggestions that they no longer find the habit pleasurable or necessary. 

It is these suggestions that set hypnosis apart from meditation and mindfulness-based interventions. Whereas meditation and mindfulness can help you to observe and accept a problem, hypnosis allows people to make changes to do something about the problem.

During hypnosis, the person remains conscious and in complete control at all times. The person can always be brought out of hypnosis and can continue with their day, as normal.

It is worth noting that some people are more susceptible to hypnosis than others. Research indicates that around 10% of people are highly susceptible, while another 10% may find it difficult to enter hypnosis.

Is hypnosis effective?

Hypnosis is not a miracle cure on its own, but is valuable in combination with talking therapy.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of hypnosis in providing relief for certain conditions. Here are some of them:

Brain changes

Neurological research by Dr. David Spiegel has shown that hypnosis changes the way the brain operates in areas responsible for attention and control mechanisms. 

More research studies - https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/04/science-of-hypnosis

Anxiety and depression

A meta-analysis in 2007 showed that hypnotherapy helped alleviate symptoms in individuals with anxiety disorders. A study by Harvard University indicated that hypnosis reduced depression symptoms and could be used as a supportive tool in therapy.

Pain management 

One of the strongest areas where hypnosis has proven effective is in pain management.

Research by the American Medical Association (AMA) has demonstrated that hypnosis is effective in managing chronic pain, migraines, and post-surgical pain. A meta-analysis conducted in 2000 found that hypnosis successfully reduced pain in dental procedures, childbirth, and cancer-related pain. A study by Montgomery and colleagues (2002) showed that hypnosis reduced the need for strong medications like morphine in post-surgical pain management. These findings suggest that hypnosis can be a powerful tool for managing physical pain.

Stop smoking and habit change

A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology showed that hypnosis was more effective than traditional methods in helping individuals quit smoking. Studies on obesity and weight management have shown that hypnotherapy can enhance long-term success in weight loss.

If you would like to find out how Solution Focused Therapy and Hypnotherapy can help to make change and feel better, then please get in touch to arrange a free initial consultation.