What is clinical hypnosis?

Clinical hypnosis is one type of mind-body medicine, a type of medicine that uses the mind to change the body and mind.

Clinical hypnosis is done with a trained clinician and involves both relaxation and mental focus. Some people describe the state of relaxation associated with hypnosis as being “zoned in.” It’s a lot like when you are so in the flow with an activity that you don’t even notice time passing. Hypnosis is similar to guided meditation, except with the addition of positive suggestions. With the relaxing state that occurs during hypnosis, the mind is more open to these suggestions.

Hypnosis can be done with a clinician or by oneself as self-hypnosis. The ultimate goal of hypnosis, even when done with a clinician, is to teach people to use the techniques on their own. In this way, working with a clinician who does hypnotherapy is a way to build your self-care tool kit.

How can clinical hypnosis help?

Clinical hypnosis is beneficial for a wide range of mental and physical health concerns, including anxiety, panic attacks, stress and overwhelm, sleep problems, pain (including chronic pain of many causes, such as fibromyalgia or headaches), gastrointestinal symptoms (such as IBS, heartburn, upset stomach, and nausea), hot flashes, habits (such as nail-biting), quitting smoking, and even treating warts and other skin conditions! It is sometimes used as anesthesia with little or no medication.

When is clinical hypnosis not appropriate?

Clinical hypnosis is not recommended for people with severe mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, psychosis (current or in the past), severe depression (especially if it is not well-managed), and personality disorders, such as schizotypal, borderline or narcissistic personality disorders.