Hypnosis: Science-Backed Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, Pain, PTSD, and Sleep Disorders

Hypnosis: A Growing Field of Study and Treatment

We’ve all seen it, typically on television or on stage: A hypnotist selects a few members from the audience, and with what seems to be little more than a steely stare or a few choice words, they’re suddenly “under the spell.” Depending on what the hypnotist suggests, the participants laugh, dance and perform without inhibition.

Or perhaps you’ve experienced hypnosis another way – with a trip to a hypnotherapist for a series of sessions to help you stop smoking, lose weight, manage pain or deal with depression. This is no longer unusual; thousands of Americans have done the same thing. And many were helped.

A Hypnotherapy Session

In simple terms, hypnosis is a procedure that helps people imagine different experiences that feel very real. When that occurs, the person can be said to be in a state of hypnosis.

Little is known about what characterizes a hypnotic state in terms of brain activity, but neuroimaging studies indicate a decrease in activity in the parts of the brain responsible for self-referential thought and daydreamingand increased links between the parts responsible for attention and action.

These results are consistent with the idea that people who are hypnotized are in a state that inhibits internal thoughts and other distractions, such as bodily sensations or noises, that may interfere with the hypnosis.

What Makes People Hypnotizable?

You can’t force anyone to be hypnotized. Willingness to participate, a positive attitude, motivation and expectation are hugely important. So is the ability to set aside the fact that the situation is imaginative. It’s like when you become fully absorbed with the story and characters in a movie – so absorbed you forget you’re in a theater.

Good rapport with the therapist is also critical. If you refuse to cooperate or decide hypnosis won’t work, it won’t. A good comparison may be meditation: You can listen to a meditation recording, but if you’re unwilling to follow the instructions, or if you’re unmotivated or distracted, it won’t have any effect.

Exposure Therapy, Self-Hypnosis

The aim of hypnotherapy is to induce changes in negative emotions, perceptions and actions. Suppose you are afraid of public speaking. Through suggestions, the therapist may make you go through the experience of talking in front of an audience. Again, it feels real – your stress level will rise, but ultimately you’ll habituate yourself and learn to cope with the stress, even as the therapist suggests increasingly challenging scenarios.

Hypnosis can also be used as a preparation or replacement for exposure therapywhich is a method to treat phobias or anxiety related to specific situations by progressively exposing the patient to increasingly challenging situations. If you’re afraid of birds, the therapist may suggest you imagine holding a feather; then imagine getting near a bird in a cage; then imagine going to the park and feeding pigeons. This is more effective, and feels more real, than mere visualization.

Conclusion

Hypnosis is a growing field of study and treatment, with a growing body of evidence supporting its effectiveness in treating a range of conditions, from irritable bowel syndrome to anxiety and depression. While it may not be suitable for everyone, hypnosis can be a powerful tool for inducing positive change and promoting well-being. With the right therapist and a willingness to participate, hypnosis can be a safe and effective way to address a range of challenges and improve overall mental health.

FAQs

Q: Can anyone be hypnotized?
A: While anyone can be hypnotized, some people are more responsive to hypnotic suggestions than others. Factors such as willingness to participate, positive attitude, and ability to set aside the fact that the situation is imaginative can all impact hypnotizability.

Q: How many sessions does it take to see results?
A: The number of sessions required to see results can vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual’s response to hypnosis. In some cases, results may be seen after just a few sessions, while in others it may take longer.

Q: Is hypnosis safe?
A: Hypnosis is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed therapist. However, as with any form of therapy, there is always some risk of adverse effects. It is important to work with a qualified therapist and to discuss any concerns or questions you may have before starting hypnosis.

Q: Does insurance cover hypnosis?
A: While Medicare does not cover hypnosis, some private insurance plans may cover hypnosis for certain conditions. It is best to check with your insurance provider to determine coverage.

Q: How much does hypnosis cost?
A: The cost of hypnosis can vary depending on the therapist and the location. On average, a session with a licensed therapist can cost between $100 and $250.