Clinical hypnotherapy uses focused attention and suggestion to modify maladaptive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Three well-supported indications:
- Anxiety disorders – Teaches autonomic regulation (diaphragmatic breathing, progressive relaxation), cognitive restructuring, and self-hypnosis for acute episodes. Meta-analyses show moderate effect sizes for generalized anxiety, procedural anxiety, and dental phobia.
- Chronic pain – Modulates pain perception via attentional shifting, sensory reinterpretation, and descending inhibitory pathways. Effective for fibromyalgia, IBS, tension headache, cancer-related pain, and procedural pain. Not a substitute for structural pathology treatment.
- Weight management – Addresses emotional eating, portion awareness, exercise motivation, and body image. Best as adjunct to comprehensive lifestyle program (nutrition, activity, CBT).
Other Emerging Applications
- PTSD, depression, phobias, smoking cessation, IBS, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, hot flashes.
Choose a provider credentialed by ASCH (American Society of Clinical Hypnosis), SCEH (Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis), or equivalent—typically a licensed mental health or medical professional with specialized training.
