What is Hypnotherapy? Your Complete Guide

Hypnotherapy is a form of complementary therapy that uses guided hypnosis to help individuals achieve specific therapeutic goals. During hypnotherapy sessions, a trained and certified hypnotherapist guides the client into a deeply relaxed, focused state of consciousness known as a hypnotic trance. In this state, the subconscious mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions, making it easier to change unwanted behaviors, overcome fears, and address psychological or physical issues.

What is hypnotherapy used for? Hypnotherapy is used to treat a wide range of conditions including: anxiety and stress, chronic pain, smoking addiction, weight management, phobias, sleep disorders, PTSD and trauma, IBS and digestive issues, confidence and performance issues, and many other behavioral and psychological concerns.

It's important to understand what hypnotherapy is NOT. Hypnotherapy is not mind control, and you cannot be made to do anything against your will. You remain fully aware and in control throughout the session. Hypnotherapy is also not sleep - you are awake and alert, simply in a deeply focused and relaxed state similar to daydreaming or being absorbed in a good book.

Understanding what hypnotherapy is requires knowing how hypnotherapy works. The process involves several key mechanisms that make it effective for behavioral and psychological change.

The Hypnotic State

During hypnotherapy, the brain enters an altered state of consciousness characterized by heightened focus and suggestibility. Brain imaging studies show that hypnosis creates distinct patterns of brain activity. The prefrontal cortex (responsible for critical thinking) becomes less active, while areas associated with imagination and emotional processing become more active. This allows the hypnotherapist to work directly with the subconscious mind, where many automatic behaviors and emotional responses are stored.

Accessing the Subconscious Mind

What is hypnotherapy's main advantage? It provides direct access to the subconscious mind. Your subconscious controls automatic behaviors, habits, and emotional reactions. While conscious willpower alone often fails to change deep-seated patterns, hypnotherapy bypasses conscious resistance and works with the subconscious to create lasting change. This is why hypnotherapy is often more effective than traditional talk therapy or willpower alone for certain issues.

The Power of Suggestion

In the hypnotic state, positive suggestions become more readily accepted by the subconscious mind. These suggestions can help reframe negative thought patterns, reduce anxiety responses, eliminate cravings, increase motivation, and create new, healthier behavioral patterns. The hypnotherapist carefully crafts suggestions tailored to your specific goals and needs.

One of the most common questions about what hypnotherapy is: "Does hypnotherapy actually work?" The scientific evidence is clear: yes, hypnotherapy works for many conditions and many people.

Research-Proven Effectiveness

Numerous peer-reviewed studies demonstrate hypnotherapy's effectiveness:

• Pain Management: A meta-analysis of 18 studies found hypnotherapy provides significant pain relief for 75% of clinical and experimental pain conditions. Hypnotherapy is particularly effective for chronic pain, surgical pain, and cancer pain.
• Anxiety: Multiple studies show hypnotherapy significantly reduces anxiety symptoms. A 2019 study found hypnotherapy as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders.
• Smoking Cessation: Research indicates hypnotherapy produces higher quit rates than unassisted quitting and is comparable to nicotine replacement therapy. Some studies show quit rates of 30-60% with hypnotherapy.
• IBS: The American College of Gastroenterology recognizes hypnotherapy as an effective treatment for IBS. Studies show 70-80% of IBS patients experience significant symptom improvement with gut-directed hypnotherapy.
• Weight Loss: Meta-analyses show hypnotherapy significantly enhances weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. Participants using hypnotherapy lose more weight and maintain losses better than those using diet alone.

Medical Recognition

Major medical and psychological organizations recognize hypnotherapy as a legitimate therapeutic approach. The American Psychological Association (APA), British Medical Association, and American Medical Association have all endorsed clinical hypnosis when practiced by qualified professionals.

When considering what hypnotherapy is and whether to pursue it, cost is an important factor. How much does hypnotherapy cost varies based on several factors:

Average Hypnotherapy Costs

• Per Session: $75-$300, with a national average of $150 per session
• Initial Consultation: Often longer and may cost $150-$250
• Package Deals: Many practitioners offer 4-8 session packages at reduced per-session rates
• Online Sessions: Often $50-$100 less than in-person sessions

Factors Affecting Cost

How much is hypnotherapy in your area depends on location (major cities cost more), practitioner credentials and experience (licensed healthcare providers often charge more), session length (60-90 minutes is standard), specialty area (some specialties command higher rates), and whether it's in-person or virtual.

Is Hypnotherapy Covered by Insurance?

Insurance coverage for hypnotherapy varies. Some insurance plans cover hypnotherapy when provided by licensed healthcare professionals (psychologists, physicians, licensed clinical social workers) for specific medical or mental health conditions. Commonly covered conditions include chronic pain management, anxiety disorders, PTSD, smoking cessation programs, and IBS treatment.

To determine if hypnotherapy is covered by insurance for you, contact your insurance provider and ask about coverage for "clinical hypnosis" or "hypnotherapy." Get pre-authorization if required. Ensure your hypnotherapist is a licensed healthcare provider if insurance coverage is needed. Keep detailed records and receipts for potential reimbursement.

Understanding what hypnotherapy is includes knowing what conditions it can help treat. Hypnotherapy is used for a wide variety of physical, psychological, and behavioral issues:

When seeking to understand what hypnotherapy is, it's important to know about hypnotherapy training and professional credentials. Not all hypnotherapists have the same level of training or qualifications.

Common Hypnotherapy Certifications

• CHt (Certified Hypnotherapist): Basic certification requiring 100-200 hours of training from an accredited hypnotherapy school
• NGH (National Guild of Hypnotists): Largest hypnotherapy organization offering various certification levels
• ABH (American Board of Hypnotherapy): Professional certification with continuing education requirements
• IACT (International Association of Counselors & Therapists):Recognized certification for hypnotherapy practitioners

The most qualified hypnotherapists are often licensed healthcare providers (psychologists, physicians, licensed counselors) who have additional training in clinical hypnosis. These practitioners can integrate hypnotherapy with other evidence-based treatments and are more likely to be covered by insurance.

Now that you understand what hypnotherapy is, finding the right practitioner is crucial for success. Here's what to look for:

• Proper Credentials: Look for CHt certification at minimum, preferably from NGH, ABH, or IACT. Licensed healthcare providers with hypnotherapy training are ideal.
• Experience: Ask how long they've practiced and how many clients they've treated for your specific concern.
• Specialization: Some hypnotherapists specialize in specific areas like smoking cessation, weight loss, or trauma. Find one who specializes in your concern.
• Professional Approach: Legitimate hypnotherapists provide clear information about their training, methods, and success rates. Avoid anyone making unrealistic promises or guarantees.
• Good Rapport: You should feel comfortable with your hypnotherapist. Trust and comfort are essential for effective hypnotherapy.