Many people have problems that they want to change, and as they are searching for help, they become curious about hypnotherapy; however, they are sceptical.
You might have asked questions such as ‘Does hypnotherapy really work?’, ‘Is hypnosis real? ‘, and wondered about hypnotherapy myths.
You might ask people for recommendations or talk to your doctor about complementary therapies such as hypnosis.
As a hypnotherapist, I understand this, as so many people have discussed these things with me.
Let’s face it. Hypnotherapy may not be suitable for all problems and individuals, but it benefits many people. Understanding hypnotherapy can help you determine if it is right for you.
It’s natural to be sceptical if you don’t fully understand, especially if movies, stories, and stage hypnosis have influenced you.
In this article, we’ll explore five common reasons people are sceptical about hypnotherapy and look at the facts that might change your perspective.
Reason 1. Hypnotherapy is just stage hypnosis or a form of entertainment.
The problem we have as hypnotherapists is that hypnotherapy is different to stage hypnosis and things that you see on TV, but people think they are the same.
The media portrays people who are hypnotised as being controlled, clucking like a chicken and doing silly things.
This makes hypnosis look like a trick rather than understanding its true nature.
So let me start by giving you a definition of hypnosis.
The Society of Psychological Hypnosis, Division 30 of the American Psychological Association, defines hypnosis as:
A state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral
awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion.”
During hypnosis, you are not unconscious or asleep; most of the time, you can hear what the hypnotherapist is talking about.
Hypnosis is a tool. When the tool is used with entertainment, as in stage hypnosis, it appears as a gimmick.
Clinical hypnotherapy is entirely different. It is a recognised therapeutic technique used by trained professionals, often integrated with counselling, CBT, and medical approaches. It helps people address emotional and physical problems. It can help some skin conditions, IBS, reduce blood pressure, help you stop panic attacks, and control psychological issues.
Hypnotherapy is used by medical doctors, psychologists, counsellors and others who are trained in using hypnosis.
Evidence is found in the National Health Service (NHS) supporting hypnotherapy and guidance for the use of hypnosis for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Risks and benefits of hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is not suitable for some people with severe mental health problems or those who can not focus or understand what is being said.
Whatever treatment you choose, it all has risks and benefits. Medication, surgery, and other talking therapies all have risks, but the key is weighing these small risks against the significant benefits. Here is an overview of the risks and benefits of hypnotherapy.
| Risks | Benefits |
| Dizziness, especially if you stand up too quickly or are brought out of hypnosis quickly. | Safe and low risk when carried out by a trained professional. ()Check credentials. |
| Some people might have anxious feelings. | It can provide fast results for a wide range of problems. |
| Headache. | Often feels relaxing, but you don’t need to relax to be hypnotised. |
| Feeling tired after hypnotherapy. | Compliments other therapies such as CBT- |
| Risks of false memories if regression is used by a hypnotherapist who has not been trained in this technique. | Can be delivered one-to-one or in groups. Also, it can be delivered remotely online. |
| Not suitable for people with some mental health problems, as it can exacerbate some issues. This includes psychosis, delusions, hallucinations, schizophrenia and people under the influence of drugs and alcohol. | Lots of anecdotal evidence and a growing body of research support the effectiveness of hypnosis. |
Reason 2. ‘It won’t work on me, I can’t be hypnotised.’
Some people do think that they can’t be hypnotised. This may come from the myth that hypnotised people are ‘weak-minded’ or are going to lose control.
But as hypnosis is a natural state, similar to daydreaming, most people can be hypnotised if they want to be.
There are some similarities to things you do every day. For example, it’s common to have those trance-like experiences if you get focused on a good book or if you are driving along the motorway and your mind drifts to other things. Have you ever thought that you might have experienced a trance-like state when carrying out everyday activities?
So if you believe you cannot be hypnotised, you probably won’t be until you see a different perspective on it.
Hypnotherapy helps you to access this natural state for therapeutic benefits. A hypnotherapist is your guide.
Research shows that around 80–90% of people can experience hypnosis. Some people are highly hypnotisable, many are medium hypnotisables, and some have a low level of hypnotisability.
Reason 3. ‘I’m worried I’ll lose control or reveal secrets.’
Fear of being manipulated or coerced into doing something against their will is a common worry that makes people sceptical about hypnotherapy.
But in hypnotherapy, you remain in control at all times. You cannot be forced to act against your values or disclose private information unless you choose to.
The hypnotherapist should give you information so you can be informed before you agree to go ahead with services.
So, ask questions, check for the credentials and experience of the hypnotherapist and only proceed if you feel comfortable with the therapist.
Remember, you can choose the right person for you from around the world by working online, although training may be different to UK training standards.
Reason 3. ‘There is no scientific evidence for hypnotherapy.’
Some people think that hypnotherapy is unscientific or ‘woo-woo’, but that isn’t true.
Some of the concerns stem from history, as hypnosis was once viewed as mystical, with people unable to explain its results.
Research studies and systematic reviews show hypnotherapy can be effective for pain management, anxiety, smoking cessation, and sleep issues and more.
Reason 5. ‘It’s a waste of money. It’s just another fad.’
Hypnosis has been around for centuries and is practised around the world. It is not a fad.
Some people are sceptical because they might be investing in something that doesn’t give them the results that they want.
But what do you value and are prepared to invest in?
Although hypnotherapy can help people to change, it depends on many things such as the knowledge and skills of the hypnotherapist, the techniques used and the relationship between the therapist and clients. You need to want to change.
Being sceptical is understandable if you are seeing a hypnotherapist privately and need to pay for their services when money might be tight for you. However, your investment can often pay off; for instance, quitting smoking can save you money and improve your health and well-being.
Furthermore, hypnotherapy often works more quickly than traditional talking therapies, making it cost-effective in the long term. Many clients notice significant changes within a few sessions.
The evidence for hypnotherapy being a recognised therapeutic method is seen in the British Medical Association and the American Medical Association, which support hypnotherapy. Added to this, the American Psychological Association notes hypnosis can be a powerful adjunct to therapy, especially for stress, habits, and anxiety.
Conclusion
Scepticism is natural, but facts show hypnotherapy is safe, evidence-based, and effective when delivered by a trained professional.
If you want to find out more, please book a free initial consultation with me at Awaken the Change to ask questions and see if hypnotherapy could help them. I offer a complimentary consultation online via Zoom. Sessions can also be delivered successfully online.
Regards
Linda
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