What Is Clinical Hypnotherapy? 2025 - Comprehensive Guide

Last Updated: October 2025 (literature reviewed through September 2024)

Legal Disclaimer

This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Information about clinical hypnotherapy is compiled from reliable sources and is designed to support, not replace, professional healthcare.

Important Notes:

This content was prepared as of October 2025. Information may change over time.
No specific cost or pricing information is provided. Contact providers for current details.
Terms like “effective” or “successful” are based on research findings but do not constitute individual guarantees.
This is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals.
Always seek treatment from professionals licensed to practice in your state or country who obtain informed consent and explain all procedures beforehand.
Regulatory requirements for clinical hypnotherapy vary significantly by jurisdiction. In the United States, clinical hypnotherapy is restricted to licensed healthcare professionals. Some other jurisdictions (such as the UK and Australia) may allow certified practitioners under consumer-protection frameworks. Verify local regulations before seeking treatment.
Digital delivery of clinical hypnosis should comply with applicable privacy regulations including HIPAA (United States) or GDPR (European Union).
The authors accept no responsibility for outcomes resulting from application of this information without professional guidance.

By reading this content, you accept these terms.

Quick Summary

Clinical hypnotherapy is a research-supported practice with evidence for certain conditions such as IBS, chronic pain, and anxiety. Clinical hypnotherapy uses guided focused attention within therapeutic settings to address medical and psychological conditions. Most patients remain fully aware and in control during sessions. Treatment requires licensed healthcare professionals with specialized training and typically involves 4-12 sessions.

Understanding Clinical Hypnotherapy

Clinical hypnotherapy represents a therapeutic approach that integrates guided focused attention with psychotherapy to address various medical and psychological conditions. This research-supported practice has gained recognition from major medical institutions and is increasingly incorporated into conventional healthcare settings.

Terminology Clarification: Clinical hypnosis refers to the therapeutic technique itself. Clinical hypnotherapy specifically describes the application of clinical hypnosis within psychotherapeutic treatment. In this guide, both terms reflect their context-dependent usage in clinical literature and healthcare settings.

The practice uses clinical hypnosis as a tool within the therapeutic process to help individuals reach a focused, relaxed state of consciousness. During this state, most patients remain fully aware and retain control over their actions, though some may experience deep absorption or partial amnesia for segments of the session. Patients become more receptive to therapeutic suggestions aimed at promoting positive behavioral changes and symptom management.

Key characteristics include:

Maintained awareness: Most patients maintain consciousness throughout sessions
Patient control: Individuals typically retain complete control and can stop at any time
Therapeutic focus: Specific health goals guide the treatment
Professional guidance: Licensed healthcare providers deliver the service
Evidence for specific conditions: Research supports effectiveness particularly for IBS, chronic pain, and anxiety

Clinical hypnotherapy differs fundamentally from stage hypnosis or entertainment. While stage hypnosis focuses on spectacle and compliance, clinical hypnotherapy serves specific therapeutic purposes under the guidance of trained healthcare professionals. The Cleveland Clinic describes it as a heightened state of concentration and focused attention where individuals can be more open to suggestions about making healthful changes in their perceptions, sensations, emotions, memories, thoughts, or behaviors.

Neuroimaging research demonstrates that clinical hypnosis is associated with measurable changes in multiple brain regions. Studies using neuroimaging techniques show that clinical hypnosis can influence areas linked to pain perception, sensory processing, and emotional response. This neurological basis helps explain why hypnotherapy can produce measurable therapeutic effects.

How Clinical Hypnotherapy Works

The process typically unfolds through two main stages that work together to create therapeutic change.

Induction Phase

The induction phase involves guiding the patient into a focused, relaxed state. Therapists use various techniques:

Progressive muscle relaxation to release physical tension
Mental imagery to create calming visualizations
Soothing verbal repetition to focus attention
Breathing exercises to deepen relaxation
Guided meditation-like instructions

This phase can last anywhere from a few seconds to ten minutes or longer, depending on the individual and the therapeutic approach. The goal is to quiet the mind and focus attention on the therapist’s guidance.

Suggestion Phase

Once the patient enters this focused state, the therapist provides carefully crafted suggestions tailored to the individual’s specific therapeutic goals.

Common suggestion types include:

Symptom reduction: Decreasing or eliminating undesirable physical sensations
Thought reframing: Changing distorted thoughts about situations and stressors
Behavioral modification: Altering specific behaviors or habits
Enhanced coping: Building positive expectations and stress management
Mind-body connection: Strengthening the belief in the body’s ability to heal

For gut-directed hypnotherapy, suggestions focus specifically on calming the digestive tract and reducing visceral hypersensitivity. Michigan Medicine reports that therapists invite patients to imagine regularly functioning bowels free of pain and discomfort, suggesting that patients will no longer pay excessive attention to uncomfortable sensations.

The therapeutic relationship and trust between patient and practitioner play crucial roles in treatment effectiveness throughout both phases.

Conditions Treated with Clinical Hypnotherapy

Research has established clinical hypnotherapy as an effective adjunctive treatment for several conditions. The strongest evidence exists in specific areas where multiple studies confirm benefits.

Condition	Evidence Level	Key Findings
Irritable Bowel Syndrome	Strong	60-80% response rate in modern trials; recommended by American College of Gastroenterology
Chronic Pain	Strong	Significant reductions documented across multiple pain types
Anxiety Disorders	Moderate to Strong	Large effect sizes documented in meta-analyses
Smoking Cessation	Moderate	Multiple sessions with longer duration improve outcomes
Sleep Disorders	Moderate	Quality of life improvements documented
Surgical Anxiety	Moderate	Reduces pre-operative stress and post-operative pain

Note: Evidence levels based on quality and quantity of peer-reviewed research. Strong evidence indicates multiple high-quality randomized controlled trials with consistent findings.

Chronic Pain Management

Multiple meta-analyses have confirmed hypnotherapy’s effectiveness in reducing chronic pain. Findings reveal substantial benefits across different pain types:

Surgical patients achieve reduced recovery time and pain levels
Burn victims experience decreased pain and anxiety
Chronic pain sufferers report significant symptom improvement
Some studies report post-surgical pain reductions approaching 50%, though individual results vary significantly
Clinical hypnotherapy complements, not replaces, standard medical care

A 2023 Stanford study (published November 2023, reported January 2024) found that brief magnetic stimulation temporarily enhanced hypnotizability in a small group of participants with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. This research remains experimental and is not approved for clinical application.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Gut-directed hypnotherapy has emerged as one of the most well-researched applications of clinical hypnosis. The American College of Gastroenterology clinical guidelines recommend gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS treatment.

Treatment outcomes include:

Most modern trials report 60-80% response rates; earlier studies reported up to 94%
Beneficial effects last at least five years after treatment
Reduces abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements
Addresses the miscommunication between the gut and brain
Lowers visceral hypersensitivity that causes IBS symptoms

Peter Whorwell, who introduced the first scripted hypnotherapy protocol for IBS in 1984 at the University of Manchester, reports an 80% success rate in his clinical practice. Evidence consistently shows that gut-directed hypnotherapy can improve primary IBS symptoms while also reducing non-colonic symptoms like anxiety and depression.

Anxiety and Stress Disorders

A 2019 meta-analysis by Valentine et al. found a large effect size (Hedges’ g = 0.79) indicating substantial reduction in anxiety symptoms for participants receiving clinical hypnosis relative to controls. The research also noted that clinical hypnosis proved more effective in reducing anxiety when combined with other psychological interventions rather than used as a standalone treatment.

Treatment benefits:

Significant reduction in anxiety symptoms
Improved stress management capabilities
Enhanced emotional regulation
Better coping with PTSD symptoms
Reduced stress-related physical symptoms

Research published in 2024 continues to demonstrate effectiveness for stress reduction among individuals with mental health disorders.

Other Applications

Clinical hypnotherapy shows promise in several other areas where research continues to accumulate:

Smoking cessation: Longer treatment duration and multiple sessions improve outcomes
Sleep disorders: Recent research shows significant quality of life improvements
Menopause symptoms: North American Menopause Society recommends for hot flashes
Surgical anxiety: Reduces pre-operative stress and post-operative pain
Dental fears: Helps patients manage anxiety during dental procedures
Skin conditions: May assist with stress-related dermatological issues

The Science Behind Clinical Hypnotherapy

Scientific understanding has evolved significantly through neuroimaging studies and controlled clinical trials. Modern research provides evidence for how and why hypnotherapy works for specific conditions.

Neurological Evidence

Research using advanced brain imaging reveals distinct patterns during clinical hypnosis. These studies demonstrate that clinical hypnosis is associated with measurable, distinct patterns of brain activity that differ from both normal waking consciousness and placebo responses.

Brain imaging findings:

EEG studies show unique brainwave patterns during clinical hypnosis
fMRI research reveals changes in brain region connectivity
PET scans demonstrate altered metabolic activity patterns
Clinical hypnosis quiets brain areas processing pain signals
Shows enhanced focus and reduced distraction in attention networks
Reduces activity in stress-response regions

Clinical Research Findings

A comprehensive 2023 overview of meta-analyses examining clinical hypnosis efficacy analyzed studies published after 2000 (Spiegel & Milling, 2023, Frontiers in Psychology). The review provided evidence for clinical effectiveness in specific conditions.

Standardized effect sizes across studies generally fell within moderate to large ranges, approximately Cohen’s d values of 0.5 to 0.8 or higher depending on the condition and methodology. Key findings include:

Significant effectiveness for chronic pain, cancer, and IBS
Positive results for painful medical procedures and childbirth
Documented benefits across multiple symptom domains

Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapy

Research has found that combining cognitive behavioral therapy with hypnotherapy may result in greater treatment effectiveness. A meta-analysis by Kirsch et al. (1995) revealed 70% more improvement relative to CBT alone for patients undergoing integrated treatment. More recent studies by Alladin and Alibhai (2007) confirmed these findings for depression treatment.

Benefits include:

Enhanced treatment outcomes compared to single approaches
Addresses both thoughts and subconscious patterns
Provides multiple tools for symptom management
Improves long-term maintenance of gains

Studies from 2024 have shown particular effectiveness for academic self-efficacy and test anxiety reduction in adolescents using cognitive behavioral hypnotherapy approaches.

Who Can Provide Clinical Hypnotherapy

Professional standards and qualifications distinguish legitimate clinical hypnotherapy from unregulated practices. Understanding practitioner requirements helps individuals find qualified providers. Regulatory requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction.

Licensed Healthcare Professionals

The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis maintains strict membership requirements. Members must hold appropriate healthcare credentials and specialized hypnosis training.

ASCH requirements include:

Doctorate-level degrees in medicine, dentistry, or psychology, OR master’s-level degrees in nursing, social work, psychology, or marital/family therapy (both accepted for already-licensed clinicians depending on discipline)
State or provincial licensure to practice independently
Membership in a professional society consistent with degree
Completion of Level 1 and Level 2 ASCH approved clinical workshop training
Minimum 20 hours of individualized training with an ASCH Approved Consultant
At least two years of independent practice utilizing clinical hypnosis

The VA healthcare system specifies that all hypnotherapy providers must be Licensed Independent Practitioners in their field of practice, including psychology, nursing, physical therapy, social work, or counseling. Coverage is available within the Whole Health program at facilities where trained practitioners are available (VHA Directive 1137, August 2023, effective October 2023).

Certification Requirements

Multiple organizations provide hypnotherapy certification with varying standards. Verify local statutes before seeking treatment, as requirements differ significantly by country and jurisdiction.

Certification standards (verify current requirements as training hour requirements have increased post-2023):

ASCH Certification: Requires healthcare license plus 60+ hours clinical hypnosis training
ACHE: 200 hours for hypnotherapist, 300 hours for clinical hypnotherapist
NBCCH: Requires healthcare credentials and comprehensive training
State-licensed programs: 300-500 hours depending on specialization
Recertification: Most require continuing education every 3-4 years

Important distinction: Certifications like “certified hypnotherapist” have meaning only when the individual also holds legitimate healthcare credentials. Always verify both healthcare licensure and clinical hypnosis certification.

Finding Qualified Practitioners

Organizations provide directories to help individuals locate certified hypnotherapists:

American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis member list
American Psychological Association Division 30 (Society of Psychological Hypnosis)
American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists database
State licensing boards for healthcare professionals
Hospital-based integrative medicine programs
University medical center behavioral health departments

When seeking a practitioner, verify state licensure in an appropriate healthcare field first. Then confirm specialized clinical hypnosis training and certification from recognized organizations. Ensure the practitioner obtains informed consent and explains all procedures beforehand.

What to Expect During Treatment

Understanding the treatment process helps individuals prepare and set realistic expectations. The process follows a structured yet personalized approach.

Session Structure and Duration

Individual hypnotherapy sessions typically last approximately one hour. Treatment courses usually range from 4 to 12 sessions, though this varies based on the condition being treated and individual response.

Treatment timeline expectations:

Initial consultation: 60-90 minutes for assessment and education
Regular sessions: 45-60 minutes each
Total course: Usually 8-12 sessions for most conditions
IBS protocol: 12 sessions over 3 months is common
Progress visibility: Often appears around session 4-5
Maintenance: Self-hypnosis practice between sessions and after the formal treatment course

AboutIBS.org (educational resource) notes that patients often don’t see progress until their fourth or fifth session, sometimes even later. The North Carolina protocol for IBS involves a three-month program with structured sessions.

Initial consultations involve several important components:

Discussion of the illness and symptoms
Review of major life episodes and stressors
Explanation of what clinical hypnosis is and how it works
Addressing concerns or misconceptions about treatment
Setting realistic expectations and treatment goals
Teaching basic relaxation techniques
Obtaining informed consent for all procedures

Learning Self-Hypnosis

A unique feature is teaching patients self-hypnosis techniques. This approach emphasizes self-efficacy and allows individuals to continue practicing independently.

Benefits:

Provides tools for ongoing symptom management
Reduces dependence on regular appointments
Empowers patients with self-care strategies
Maintains benefits after formal treatment ends
Can be practiced at home or anywhere needed
Typically takes 10-20 minutes per practice session

In institutional settings such as the VA healthcare system, this self-directed component is recognized as central to the therapeutic benefit. Patients learn to induce their own relaxed state and apply therapeutic suggestions independently.

Response and Effectiveness

Research suggests that roughly 60-85% of individuals are responsive to clinical hypnosis to some degree. However, individual variation exists in hypnotizability, which appears to be a relatively stable but not fixed trait. Recent research suggests hypnotizability may be modifiable through neurostimulation techniques, though this research remains preliminary and is not approved for clinical application.

Factors affecting response:

Openness: Willingness to engage with the process improves outcomes
Anxiety levels: High anxiety about symptoms may slow initial progress
Depression: May require addressing before hypnotherapy works best
Skepticism: Extreme doubt can interfere with engagement
Motivation: Strong desire to change enhances results
Practice: Regular self-hypnosis improves effectiveness

People who are highly anxious about their symptoms or particularly skeptical may have more difficulty initially. Therapists can work to address these barriers through breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation at the beginning of sessions.

Safety and Limitations

Clinical hypnotherapy complements, not replaces, standard medical care. It should be used alongside appropriate medical treatments.

Safety Profile

Safety data from meta-analyses reveals no significant adverse effect rates higher than control groups. Clinical hypnosis is generally considered safe when conducted by appropriately trained and licensed professionals.

Safety evidence:

No significant serious adverse events reported in major studies
Safety profile similar to psychotherapy
While clinical hypnosis itself has no known drug interactions, treatment should always be coordinated with prescribing healthcare professionals
Safe for children and adolescents when properly conducted
Can be used during pregnancy under professional supervision for childbirth-related uses
Elderly patients can safely participate

Many adolescents tend to respond more readily to clinical hypnosis than adults, though individual variability remains significant. Research notes that clinical hypnosis is safe, effective, and teachable to most adolescents except those with moderate to severe cognitive impairment.

Contraindications and Precautions

While generally safe, certain situations require careful consideration or may indicate hypnotherapy is not the best current option:

Active psychosis: Should be stabilized before hypnotherapy
Severe mental health crises: Address acute symptoms first
Cognitive impairment: Moderate to severe may prevent effective participation
Dissociative disorders: May require specialized approaches
Borderline personality disorder: Requires caution and specialized training
Extreme skepticism: May benefit from other treatments first
Substance intoxication or withdrawal crises: Sessions should not occur during active intoxication or acute withdrawal

Patients with untreated psychiatric comorbidities may not be ideal candidates. Individuals experiencing active psychosis or severe mental health symptoms should address these conditions before pursuing hypnotherapy.

Regular healthcare providers should be informed about hypnotherapy use to ensure coordinated care.

Common Misconceptions

Several myths persist despite scientific evidence:

Myth: People under clinical hypnosis lose control. Reality: Patients maintain awareness and control throughout.
Myth: Hypnotherapists can make people do things against their will. Reality: No one can be forced to act against their values or wishes.
Myth: Clinical hypnosis involves unconsciousness or sleep. Reality: Patients remain awake, aware, and able to communicate.
Myth: People won’t remember what happens. Reality: Most people remember sessions clearly, though some may experience deep absorption or partial amnesia for segments.
Myth: Only weak-minded people can be hypnotized. Reality: Hypnotizability is unrelated to intelligence or willpower.

The National Council for Hypnotherapy (educational resource) emphasizes that at all times, the client is aware of what is happening around them. Hypnotherapy does not involve mind control, unconsciousness, or complete amnesia. The dramatic portrayals in entertainment media bear little resemblance to clinical practice.

Cost and Insurance Considerations

The financial aspects require careful consideration as part of treatment planning. Costs vary widely based on multiple factors.

Treatment Costs

The cost varies based on provider qualifications, geographic location, and treatment length.

Cost considerations:

Rates vary significantly by location and provider credentials
Specialized training and healthcare licensure affect pricing
Course of treatment (8-12 sessions) represents total investment
Self-hypnosis reduces need for ongoing appointments
Initial consultation may cost more than follow-up sessions

Patients report reduced consultation rates and medication use following completion of hypnotherapy for IBS. Long-term cost analyses by Whorwell et al. suggest potential cost-effectiveness within approximately two years when compared to conventional approaches, though individual outcomes vary.

Insurance Coverage

Coverage depends on insurance plans, the treating condition, and the provider’s credentials.

Insurance factors:

VA healthcare: Covers clinical hypnosis when deemed clinically necessary within the Whole Health program at facilities where trained practitioners are available
Private insurance: Coverage varies significantly by plan and provider
Provider credentials: Licensed healthcare professionals more likely covered
Diagnosis codes: Some conditions have better coverage than others
Pre-authorization: May be required for coverage
Documentation: Medical necessity must be demonstrated

Private insurance coverage varies significantly. Some plans may cover hypnotherapy when provided by licensed mental health professionals or physicians for specific conditions. Patients should verify coverage with their insurance providers before beginning treatment, including:

Confirming whether the provider is in-network
Understanding copay or coinsurance requirements
Checking if pre-authorization is needed
Verifying how many sessions are covered
Asking about documentation requirements

Current Research and Future Directions

The field continues to evolve through ongoing research and technological innovations. Recent advances expand both understanding and accessibility.

Recent Research Advances

Key research developments include:

Brain stimulation studies exploring temporary enhancement of hypnotizability (experimental, not approved for clinical use)
Neuroscience revealing specific brain networks involved in clinical hypnosis
Standardized protocols improving treatment consistency
Outcome measures becoming more sophisticated and validated
Long-term follow-up studies confirming lasting benefits

Research published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2023 provides an overview, documenting significant effectiveness for multiple conditions. The overview notes that hypnosis demonstrates clinically meaningful effects and deserves a more prominent role in healthcare that is not yet reflected in current use.

Digital Delivery

Preliminary research supports clinical hypnosis delivered through digital platforms as well-received and effective. This finding expands access for individuals in underserved areas or those with mobility limitations.

Telehealth Applications

Advantages include:

Access for rural or remote populations
Reduced travel time and costs
Easier scheduling flexibility
Comfort of home environment
Equally effective as in-person for most applications

A 2019 study on internet-delivered gut-directed hypnotherapy (Palsson et al.) found similar outcomes to in-person treatment, with response rates of 65% for internet-delivered versus 76% for in-person sessions. Most protocols are initiated with in-person sessions, but depending on the site and location, clinical hypnosis is appropriate for delivery via telehealth. Digital delivery should comply with applicable privacy regulations including HIPAA (United States) or GDPR (European Union).

App-Based Delivery

Digital health applications are emerging as tools for delivering guided hypnotherapy. Programs provide app-based gut-directed hypnotherapy that has been studied in clinical trials.

Considerations:

Increases accessibility and reduces costs
Provides 24/7 access to sessions
Allows for daily practice and reinforcement
Works best for self-motivated individuals
May not replace personalized clinical sessions for complex cases

While these approaches show promise, they work best for individuals who are self-motivated and can engage independently with the material. The effectiveness of app-based hypnotherapy continues to be studied.

Integration with Conventional Medicine

Medical university hospitals now offer clinical hypnotherapy education as selective study units. The integration into mainstream medical settings continues to grow as evidence accumulates:

Medical schools adding clinical hypnosis training
Hospital systems offering hypnotherapy services
Integrative medicine programs including clinical hypnosis
Pain management clinics adopting hypnotherapy protocols
Cancer centers providing supportive clinical hypnosis services

The VA healthcare system’s inclusion of clinical hypnosis within its complementary and integrative health benefits package represents one example of institutional recognition. As research evidence continues to mount, more healthcare systems are incorporating hypnotherapy into standard care pathways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does clinical hypnotherapy cost?

The cost varies significantly based on provider qualifications, geographic location, and treatment length. Specific pricing should be obtained from local licensed providers. Long-term analyses suggest potential cost-effectiveness within approximately two years when compared to conventional approaches for certain conditions like IBS, though individual outcomes vary.

Q: Does insurance cover clinical hypnotherapy?

Coverage depends on insurance plans, the treating condition, and provider credentials. The VA healthcare system covers clinical hypnosis when deemed clinically necessary within the Whole Health program at facilities where trained practitioners are available. Private insurance coverage varies significantly. Verify coverage with your insurance provider before beginning treatment.

Q: How many sessions will I need?

Treatment courses usually range from 4 to 12 sessions based on the condition and individual response.

Q: Can anyone be hypnotized?

Research suggests roughly 60-85% of individuals are responsive to clinical hypnosis to some degree. Hypnotizability appears to be a relatively stable but not fixed trait. Recent research suggests it may be modifiable through neurostimulation techniques, though this research remains preliminary and is not approved for clinical application. People who are highly anxious or particularly skeptical may have more difficulty initially, though therapists can work to address these barriers.

Q: Is clinical hypnotherapy safe?

Q: What is the difference between clinical hypnosis and clinical hypnotherapy?

Clinical hypnosis refers to the technique of inducing a focused state of consciousness. Clinical hypnotherapy describes the application of this technique within a broader psychotherapeutic treatment framework. The terms reflect context-dependent usage in healthcare settings.

Q: How do I find a qualified hypnotherapist?

Verify state licensure in an appropriate healthcare field first, then confirm specialized clinical hypnosis training and certification from recognized organizations. Ensure the practitioner obtains informed consent and explains all procedures beforehand.

Q: Does clinical hypnotherapy really work?

Evidence suggests efficacy for certain conditions. A comprehensive 2023 overview of meta-analyses found clinically meaningful effects across various conditions. Significant effectiveness is documented particularly for patients with chronic pain, cancer, IBS, as well as for painful medical procedures and childbirth. However, the quality and strength of evidence varies by condition.

Q: Can clinical hypnotherapy help with my specific condition?

Evidence suggests efficacy particularly for chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and stress disorders. A 2019 meta-analysis by Valentine et al. found a large effect size (Hedges’ g = 0.79) indicating substantial reduction in anxiety symptoms relative to controls. Other applications include smoking cessation, sleep disorders, menopause symptoms, and surgical anxiety. Discuss your specific condition with a licensed healthcare professional to determine if hypnotherapy is appropriate.

Q: What happens during a session?

Individual sessions typically last approximately one hour. The therapist will guide you into a focused, relaxed state using various techniques.

Q: Will I remember the session?

Most people remember sessions clearly afterward. Contrary to common misconceptions, people under clinical hypnosis typically do not experience complete unconsciousness or amnesia, though some may experience deep absorption or partial amnesia for segments of the session.

Q: Can clinical hypnotherapy be done online?

Preliminary research supports clinical hypnosis delivered through telehealth as well-received and effective. A 2019 study on internet-delivered gut-directed hypnotherapy (Palsson et al.) found similar outcomes to in-person treatment, with response rates of 65% for internet-delivered versus 76% for in-person sessions. Most protocols are initiated with in-person sessions, but depending on the site and location, clinical hypnosis is appropriate for delivery via telehealth. Digital delivery should comply with applicable privacy regulations.

Resources and References

Peer-Reviewed and Institutional Sources

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2023). VHA Directive 1137: Clinical Hypnosis (August 2023, effective October 2023). https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/professional-resources/Clinical_Hypnosis.asp
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Hypnosis. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22676-hypnosis
Yale Medicine. (2024). Clinical Hypnosis. https://www.yalemedicine.org/clinical-keywords/clinical-hypnosis
Anbar, R. D. (2021). Hypnosis in pediatrics: Applications at a pediatric pulmonary center. BMC Pediatrics, 21(1), 294. https://bmcpediatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12887-021-02776-9
Spiegel, D., & Milling, L. S. (2023). Meta-analytic evidence on the efficacy of hypnosis. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1464449. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1464449
Stanford Medicine. (2024). Brief brain stimulation boosts hypnotizability in some people with fibromyalgia (study published November 2023). https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2024/01/brain-stimulation-hypnosis.html
Jensen, M. P., & Patterson, D. R. (2014). Efficacy, safety and applications of medical hypnosis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 62(4), 431-443. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4873672/
Rome Foundation. (2022). Hypnosis and IBS (expert commentary). https://theromefoundation.org/
Palsson, O. S., et al. (2019). Internet-delivered gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS. American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Houghton, L. A., Calvert, E. L., Jackson, N. A., Cooper, P., & Whorwell, P. J. (2002). Visceral sensation and emotion: A study using hypnosis. Gut, 51(5), 701-704. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1773844/
Michigan Medicine. Gut directed hypnotherapy (educational summary, not peer-reviewed). https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/how-gut-directed-hypnosis-helps-ibs-ibd-and-other-gi-disorders
British Columbia Clinical Hypnosis Association. What is clinical hypnosis? https://hypnosis.bc.ca/about-clinical-hypnosis/what-is-clinical-hypnosis/
Kirsch, I., Montgomery, G., & Sapirstein, G. (1995). Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy: A meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 63(2), 214-220.
Alladin, A., & Alibhai, A. (2007). Cognitive hypnotherapy for depression: An empirical investigation. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(2), 147-166.
Valentine, K. E., et al. (2019). The efficacy of hypnosis as a treatment for anxiety: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 67(3), 336-363.
American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. ASCH Certification Program. https://asch.net/asch-certification-program/
American Council of Hypnotist Examiners. Certification. https://hypnotistexaminers.org/certification/
American Psychological Association Division 30 (Society of Psychological Hypnosis). https://www.apadivisions.org/division-30

Educational Resources

National Council for Hypnotherapy. (2014). What is clinical hypnotherapy? (educational resource). https://www.hypnotherapists.org.uk/4717/clinical-hypnotherapy/
Psychology Today. Hypnotherapy (general public education). https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/hypnotherapy
AboutIBS.org. (2022). Hypnosis for IBS (educational resource). https://aboutibs.org/treatment/complimentary-or-alternative-treatments/hypnosis-for-ibs/

Official Organizations

American Society of Clinical Hypnosis: https://asch.net
Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis
American Council of Hypnotist Examiners
National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Whole Health Program

Note: Information in this content is compiled from the sources listed above. Peer-reviewed sources are prioritized for clinical claims. For current information, check official sources and consult healthcare professionals.