What Are the Risks of Hypnosis?

Hypnosis, a state of focused attention and deep relaxation, is gaining popularity as both a clinical tool and a self-help technique.

Often called hypnotherapy, it involves a trained therapist guiding a person into a hypnotic state to address various issues, from medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome to mental health challenges such as anxiety and stress.

However, while hypnosis has its proponents and reported benefits, it is essential to understand the potential risks of hypnosis. This article delves into these risks, providing a comprehensive overview of what could go wrong during hypnotherapy sessions and the implications for mental and physical health.

Hypnosis is a trance-like state characterised by focused concentration, deep relaxation, and heightened suggestibility. In clinical and experimental hypnosis, therapists use specific techniques to induce this state, aiming to help individuals change habits, manage pain, or cope with medical and psychological conditions. Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not about losing control but rather about gaining access to the subconscious mind to facilitate positive changes.

Hypnosis can be broadly categorised into clinical hypnosis, experimental hypnosis, and self-hypnosis.

Clinical Hypnotherapy

Clinical hypnosis is performed by professional hypnotherapists and is often used in medical settings.

Experimental Hypnotherapy

Experimental hypnosis is mainly for research purposes, exploring the mechanisms and effects of the hypnotic state.

Self-Hypnosis

Self-hypnosis, as the name suggests, is practised by individuals on their own to achieve relaxation, manage stress, or enhance well-being. People who practice self-hypnosis use techniques similar to those used in clinical settings, such as guided imagery and deep breathing, to enter a trance state and make positive changes in their lives.

Hypnotherapy sessions are utilised for various medical and psychological conditions. Clinical hypnosis is effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome, managing pain during dental procedures, and even complementing radiation treatment. Hypnotherapy is also used for mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress, and panic attacks.

Additionally, it helps individuals quit smoking, lose weight, and improve self-confidence. By creating a relaxed state and altering mental images, hypnotherapy can address sleep problems and other stress-related issues. Hypnosis sessions often focus on these goals, guiding the person into a state where they can explore and modify subconscious thoughts and behaviours.

The relationship between hypnosis and mental health is complex. While hypnotherapy can be an effective treatment for certain conditions, it can also pose risks if not conducted properly. For instance, individuals with severe mental health conditions may experience worsening symptoms or develop new ones due to the heightened suggestibility and emotional vulnerability in a hypnotic state.

It is crucial to approach hypnotherapy with caution, ensuring it is administered by a trained therapist who can mitigate these risks. Additionally, the potential for creating false memories can be particularly problematic for individuals with a history of trauma or dissociative disorders, as it can lead to confusion and further psychological harm.

Hypnosis is often used as a complementary therapy alongside other treatments. For example, it can enhance the effectiveness of pain management strategies, reduce anxiety before medical procedures, and support behavioural changes like quitting smoking. However, it is essential to compare its effectiveness with other therapies and understand that it should not replace conventional medical treatments.

The integration of hypnosis with other therapeutic approaches can offer a holistic path to well-being, provided it is done under professional guidance. Hypnosis has also been used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to address conditions like insomnia and chronic pain, showing promising results in improving treatment outcomes.

To minimise the risks of hypnosis, it is vital to work with professional hypnotherapists who have undergone rigorous training. A trained therapist can create a safe and controlled environment, using evidence-based techniques to guide the person through the hypnotic state and ensure they remain aware and in control.

Organisations like the National Council for Hypnotherapy and the Association for Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy set standards for hypnotherapy practice, advocating for the use of hypnosis by qualified professionals. Ensuring the therapist has the appropriate credentials and experience is crucial in avoiding the potential pitfalls of hypnosis.

By understanding these risks and ensuring hypnotherapy is administered by qualified practitioners, individuals can safely explore the benefits of this complementary therapy. As with any treatment, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons, seek professional advice, and proceed with informed consent. Hypnosis can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive treatment plan, but it should be approached with the same diligence and scrutiny as any other medical or psychological intervention.

Hypnotherapy and hypnosis has also undergone a significant amount of scrutiny. The Journal ‘American Phycologist‘ and many other research papers found there was no evidence to show that hypnosis is more bothersome than comparison activities.

If you’d like to understand more about what happens during a hypnosis session, discuss the methods of how I perform hypnosis or are worried that you’ll lose control during a session, then get in touch for a free initial consultation. I practice a method of hypnotherapy called Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy that is gentle and focuses on positive ideas of what the future you could look like. As a clinical hypnotherapist, my goal is to help you find ways to achieve your goals, not to create false memories.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, please get in touch.