Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2025
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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson
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Hypnotherapy, also called hypnosis, is a state of deep relaxation and focused concentration. Learn the medical benefits and drawbacks and if it’s right for you.
What is hypnotherapy?
Per Cleveland Clinic, hypnotherapy is a type of complementary therapy, one that people may receive along with typical medical or psychological treatments to manage conditions or issues. Hypnosis is performed by a certified hypnotist or hypnotherapist. “They’ll use verbal cues, repetition and imagery to put you under hypnosis. This intense level of concentration and focus can help you make healthy changes to your habits or behaviors.”
Examples of medical uses for hypnotherapy:
Hypnosis may be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions to include:
- Anxiety/stress
- Depression
- Panic Attacks
- Phobias
- PTSD
It can also be used to treat chronic health conditions like:
- Asthma
- Insomnia/sleep disorders
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Migraine headaches
Hypnosis may also be used to help control poor habits such as:
- Drinking
- Overeating
- Nail biting
- Smoking
Hypnotherapy may also help people deal with discomfort such as:
- Chronic pain
- Hot flashes
- Nausea, vomiting
It may also help people deal with grief and loss.
It may not be what you think
Many people associate hypnosis with demonstrations they’ve seen on television, such as making people purr like a cat or walk like a duck. Or they may imagine people losing consciousness, falling asleep, or being brainwashed. Note that experts say a therapist cannot make a person do something embarrassing that they do not want to do. Cleveland Clinic explains, “In real life, there are no magicians waving watches in front of your eyes to put you under a spell. Instead, your hypnotherapist will guide you through a series of exercises and medication that help you relax and focus your mind.”
Is it right for you?
Hypnotherapy might be right for you if you and your doctor believe it can be an effective treatment for issues like anxiety, stress, or pain. But, as you read on, you’ll learn that it is not right for everyone. Therefore, it is recommended that people receive hypnotherapy from someone qualified to perform the process and that they as patients be willing to participate. People who are skeptical or resistant to being hypnotized may find their sessions less effective. Always talk to your medical doctor to determine if hypnotherapy is a suitable option for your health and always be sure to be cleared of other medical conditions to rule out underlying physical problems.
Is it covered by insurance?
Hypnotherapy is typically not covered by insurance unless proven “medically necessary,” meaning that it is deemed necessary by a doctor to treat specific medical conditions like chronic pain or anxiety. Some private insurance carriers may offer partial reimbursement, but this can vary depending upon the policy. Most government programs like Medicare and Medicaid generally do not cover it, but again, patients advised by a doctor to undergo hypnosis for specific medical cause should contact their insurance to understand their health benefits, deductibles, co-insurance, and more. Mainly, the hypnotherapist must be a licensed medical provider such as a psychiatrist or psychologist and perform a covered service like cognitive behavioral therapy for instance.
An active process
Most people can recall what happens during their session as it is an active process where people focus on making positive changes. It is well documented that some people respond better to hypnotherapy than others. It also may take some time before results set in. While hypnosis is likely safe when done appropriately, experts caution that it shouldn’t be used in place of treatment with more proven therapies. If hypnotherapy doesn’t seem to work for you, reach out to your doctor for alternative treatments.
How it works
There is no special preparation for hypnotherapy. Most individual sessions last about an hour, and the number of sessions vary case by case. Hypnosis sessions typically involve four main steps: induction, deepening, suggestions, and emergence. Induction (the beginning phase) gets people to relax and focus, the deepening phase involves imagery and visualization, the suggestion phase relates to changes you want to make, and emergence (the end phase) involves gently coming out of hypnosis. A therapist will talk to patients regarding how they feel pre and post session, and they use special language during hypnosis sessions. WebMD explains, “It’s not clear how hypnosis works. It’s been linked to changes in the body, including changes in skin temperature and heart rate. Some of these changes might help the body to relax and reduce feelings of anxiety.” It is believed that patients who are in relaxed state of mind and body are more responsive to suggestions and directions.
Potential drawbacks
Hypnotherapy has the potential to help many people, but it is not right for everyone. Patients considering hypnosis should consult their physician to discuss benefits and drawbacks. A few helpful things to know, hypnotherapy is not recommended for people who experience hallucinations or delusions, are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or have certain medical conditions like dissociative disorder that don’t respond well to hypnosis. Hypnotism also has some rare side effects that patients should be aware of, including dizziness, drowsiness & fatigue, headaches, and increased anxiety or trouble sleeping.
Choose well
People considering hypnosis should choose their hypnotherapist carefully. This includes checking their certifications, qualifications, and credentials and getting recommendations from their medical doctor. Like choosing a doctor, one must also feel comfortable with their hypnotherapist. WebMD explains, “Some therapists use hypnosis to recover possible repressed memories they believe are linked to the person’s mental disorder. However, the quality and reliability of information recalled by the patient under hypnosis isn’t always reliable.” They explain that this can possibly create false memories, usually the result of unintended suggestions or the asking of leading questions by the therapist.
Hypnotherapy is a useful tool to help people overcome phobias, poor habits, and other conditions. It can also help people deal with their traumatic past. Hypnosis sessions provide opportunities to explore thoughts, feelings, and memories that are hidden from the conscious mind. During sessions, hypnotherapists encourage patients to relax, concentrate, control their breathing, and focus on achieving a heightened state of awareness. People who are open to suggestions can likely make healthy changes in their thoughts, behaviors, perceptions and emotions. Cleveland Clinic describes hypnotherapy as “a safe, low-risk way” for people to manage symptoms or conditions, but they caution that there is still much for experts to learn to better understand how it works and helps people. They share that “Complementary medicine like hypnosis works alongside traditional medical approaches.” Therefore, they encourage a partnership between other medically prescribed health treatments and hypnosis for the management of symptoms. Consult your doctor to see what’s right for you.
Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not medically reviewed. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice.
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