Hypnotherapy’s Credibility in Studies

Hypnotherapy has long been recognized as a credible and effective treatment method by respected institutions and supported by extensive research. Both the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Psychological Association (APA) acknowledged hypnotherapy as a valid medical procedure as early as 1958. Furthermore, since 1995, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has recommended hypnotherapy as a treatment for chronic pain. The APA, the largest professional psychological organization in the U.S., has even dedicated an entire division to hypnosis—Division 30: Society of Psychological Hypnosis—further establishing its importance within the field of psychology.

Studies consistently demonstrate the effectiveness of hypnotherapy across a wide range of conditions. A landmark study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in May 2021 compared hypnotherapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for treating mild to moderate depression. The results were telling: hypnotherapy resulted in a 44.6% reduction in symptom severity, slightly outperforming CBT, which led to a 38.5% reduction . These findings support the use of hypnotherapy as an equally effective, if not superior, method for certain mental health conditions.

Further studies indicate that hypnotherapy has a 93% success rate after just six sessions, a significantly higher rate of success than both behavioral therapy and psychotherapy, which typically require more sessions to achieve comparable outcomes. This efficiency makes hypnotherapy a leading approach for changing deep-seated habits, thought patterns, and behaviors (Barrios, 1970). Such findings underscore its potential as a fast-acting, impactful form of therapy.

Additionally, hypnotherapy is widely recognized as an effective treatment for specific conditions such as chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. The NIH’s endorsement of hypnotherapy for pain management is particularly notable, given the growing focus on non-invasive and drug-free treatments. Hypnosis has also been shown to facilitate post-surgical wound healing, help individuals quit smoking, and support weight loss—further demonstrating its versatility in both mental and physical health contexts.

The enduring history of hypnotherapy, which can be traced back over 200 years to the physician Franz Mesmer, further solidifies its credibility. Over time, many influential figures, from Sigmund Freud to Carl Jung, have explored the use of hypnosis, contributing to its development and application in modern therapeutic practices.

Hypnotherapy’s credibility is well-established, both through institutional recognition and robust clinical research. Its proven effectiveness for a wide range of conditions, combined with its ability to deliver results in fewer sessions than other therapies, makes it a highly respected and valuable treatment option.