Hypnotherapy: Hoax Or Help?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Discovered Hypnosis?

Hypnosis has been around since some of the earliest civilizations were established, and therefore, it is an ancient technique that was once believed to be magical. We now know this isn’t the case and there are scientific explanations for hypnosis. Yet, this still shows that people understood the healing potential that hypnosis could provide even many millennia ago, despite not being officially known as hypnosis back then.

While it’s impossible to know the very first individual who used hypnosis, we can trace when a trance was discussed in a scientific context.

The first person to do so in this manner was a German physicist from the 18th century known as Franz Mesmer who believed that there were natural forces between all living and inanimate things. He referred to this as “animal magnetism” and would treat people based on the idea that these forces will flow between the patient and the professional.

Others would also call this “mesmerism.” Thus, Mesmer’s name is the origin of the word “mesmerize” that is widely used today.

Eventually, the term “animal magnetism” would fall out of use after it was discredited, but it laid the foundation for other scientists to continue to research and understand it better.

In the 19th century, James Braid, who was interested in Mesmer’s findings, would discover that the trance used in animal magnetism could also be achieved by doing things such as depressing the sensory functions, eliminating distractions, and having the patient focus on a singular idea.

As a result of his discovery, Braid would coin the term “hypnosis” based on the Greek god of sleep, Hypnos, and many regard him as the father of modern hypnotherapy.

Is Hypnotherapy Dangerous?

On its own, hypnotherapy is generally safe and not something that is considered harmful, especially when in the hands of a licensed and experienced professional.

However, it can be dangerous if you use self-hypnosis tools such as listening audio track for guided hypnosis to induce a hypnotic state while operating a vehicle or machinery.

If you try hypnosis in a controlled environment with a professional hypnotherapist, you will most likely be safe and won’t have anything to worry about.

What Are The Side Effects of Hypnosis?

On a rare occasion, some individuals who undergo hypnosis treatment might experience some negative, but mild side effects.

The most common one is drowsiness, but others might have headaches or feel dizzy. It is also possible for people to feel more anxious upon exiting a trance or hypnotic state, but it’s rare.

Another issue that may occur is false memories because, during hypnosis, your brain is very receptive. The suggestions and imagery that are used to induce hypnosis can lead to certain individuals to believe something happened when in actuality, it didn’t.

Therefore, while hypnotherapy can help people with mental health conditions, it isn’t recommended to those with the most severe cases of mental illnesses.

How Quickly Does Hypnosis Work?

It doesn’t usually take too long for people to reach the trance state in hypnotherapy, and on average, it takes around 10 minutes to do so.

The more relaxed you’ll be, the easier it will be to be hypnotized; however, you don’t want to be too relaxed to the point where you fall asleep during your session.

How Many Hypnosis Sessions Are Needed?

Although people often report some benefits from one session of hypnotherapy, such as feeling calmer afterward, lasting change will require multiple sessions. It is common for people to attend weekly sessions across the span of a few months, especially if they find a therapist that they trust.

Keep in mind, change is a gradual process, and it takes time. If you are curious about trying hypnotherapy, you shouldn’t expect a sudden moment of enlightenment. Over time, you should experience positive changes, but be aware that because many problems stem from issues at the subconscious level, these modifications will often be subconscious as well.

Is Hypnotherapy Evidence Based? 

Hypnotherapy has a lot of research to support its efficacy, and it has been used by many professionals to treat a wide range of problems that people run into.

Although it has been used by psychotherapists in clinical settings, hypnotherapy is not a form of psychotherapy and isn’t a replacement for other types of therapy that are evidence-based such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Nonetheless, other types of therapy can be used in conjunction with hypnotherapy. It has been proven that hypnosis affects the mind and can provide people with numerous benefits.

Does Hypnotherapy Work For Chronic Pain?

Clinical hypnosis is known for its ability to assist with pain control. Many people have utilized it before undergoing surgery for this reason as well as to reduce anxiety. It may also help improve recovery time as well.

Hypnotherapy won’t replace anesthesia or pain medication, but it can certainly be something to consider if you have an upcoming procedure.

While it won’t be the cure for them, studies show that hypnosis, when included in their treatment plan, can also help people who experience chronic pain from various medical problems, including cancer.

Can You Lose Weight With Hypnosis?

When it comes to losing weight, managing calories through diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes is paramount. Plus, hypnosis can help you in achieving your goals of reaching the desired weight by helping you stay motivated and committed to a healthy routine.

Additionally, hypnotherapy can assist with eating problems that lead to weight gain, such as comfort eating while depressed and anxious. Once these are under control, you may notice weight loss due to fewer calories being consumed.

Can Hypnosis Wear Off?

The positive changes that you gain through clinical hypnosis can last a lifetime, provided that you don’t do anything that goes against the suggestions that were given during your hypnotherapy sessions.

Nonetheless, it is possible for them to wear off if the hypnotherapist is inexperienced, which is why you should always check their credentials when trying to find a therapist. Some credentials to look for to see if the therapist has the approved training in hypnotherapy that they need are from the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) or the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH).

There is also a chance that the script or suggestion therapy used in your session might not have been ideal or effective for you either, so your therapist might try a different one.

Importantly, to make hypnosis work, there must be a willingness to change. If that isn’t there, the effects won’t last.

What Is Hypnotherapy Used For?

Hypnotherapy can be used to improve your mental health in many ways, such as the following:

• Reducing anxiety
• Relieving depression
• Dealing with phobias
• Healing from traumatic events
• Enhancing communication
• Improving learning disorders
• Improving relationships
• Increasing self-esteem
• Managing stress

Hypnotherapy can also be used to improve physical conditions:

• Pain
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Smoking cessation
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Childbirth
• Insomnia
• Allergies
• Sexual dysfunction

Does Hypnotherapy Really Work?

Yes, hypnotherapy has worked for many people, as shown in a number of research studies. When used along with other forms of psychotherapy, hypnotherapy might be an important part of improving your mental health.

What Is Hypnotherapy, And How Does It Work?

Hypnotherapy is using hypnosis as a therapeutic technique. Here’s how it works. Your hypnotherapist will start by explaining the sources of your behavior. Then, they work with you to come up with a strategy for changing that behavior. They continue by guiding you to relaxation and encouraging you to concentrate intensely and focus your attention. Once you reach a state of heightened awareness, also called a trance, your therapist offers “suggestions,” which are reminders of the strategy you have devised together to change your behavior.

What Is The Average Cost Of Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy can cost as little as $50 per session or as much as $275 per session. Sometimes, a hypnotherapist offers several sessions grouped together under one cost, which can be up to $1375 or more for five sessions. This package pricing is often used for weight loss and smoking cessation. In some cases, health insurance can cover hypnotherapy, especially for conditions like chronic pain. And, some psychotherapists include hypnotherapy within their normal fees so that you pay no more for hypnotherapy than you would with other forms of psychotherapy.

Can Hypnotherapy Be Dangerous?

Hypnotherapy comes with very little danger. The worst is that you might form false memories. Physical side effects are mild and include headaches, dizziness, and anxiety. However, these physical effects go away quickly. You are in no physical danger at all during or after hypnotherapy as a result of this treatment. It is important to wait until the mild side effects have passed before you drive. For example, if you are still drowsy when you get behind the wheel, you might not be able to react quickly enough to drive safely.

What Can Hypnotherapy Cure?

Hypnotherapy can’t exactly cure anything, but it can provide an effective treatment to improve many physical and mental health conditions. And, it can help your body heal itself.

What Are The Side Effects Of Hypnotherapy?

Adverse reactions to hypnotherapy are rare, and when they happen, they’re usually mild. Side effects include the following:

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• False memories

What Are The Disadvantages Of Hypnotherapy?

Although hypnotherapy is safe, effective, and affordable, it does have a few disadvantages:

• It won’t work if you don’t participate fully.
• If you’re dealing with a mental health issue, you will likely need your therapist to use other techniques to help you. In other words, hypnotherapy is not a stand-alone treatment for most mental and emotional problems.
• It isn’t a quick fix like some other treatments. For example, a pain medication might take care of chronic pain in minutes (at least for a while), but hypnotherapy for pain takes at least a few sessions.
• When you are in the highly suggestible state during hypnotherapy, you may harness the power of your unconscious to make dramatic changes in your life. So, your therapist will also work with you during your therapy sessions to prepare you for those changes.

What Is The Success Rate Of Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy has been recognized as a highly successful technique, sometimes reported as being as high as 93% effective. However, the condition being treated makes a difference. For example, hypnotherapy for sleep problems may be about 90%, while hypnotherapy for quitting smoking may be about 50%. Hypnotherapy for mental health problems, on the other hand, tends to be very successful for most people.

Does Hypnotherapy Really Work For Anxiety?

Hypnotherapy is typically only one tool in your therapist’s mental health toolbox for treating anxiety. It can help you feel relaxed, not only during the hypnotherapy session but also when you’re in stressful situations.

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