Knowing that a treatment works can give people confidence in trying it out. For this reason, conducting research is an important part of understanding and promoting hypnotherapy as a valuable tool to overcome challenges and achieve positive change.
Previously, I wrote about at a preliminary study conducted by Inspired to Change in 2021 that looked specifically at the effectiveness of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH). This study was part of the reason that I chose to train in SFH. You can read more about it here.
In this post, we’ll look at five studies from further afield, showing how effective hypnotherapy is for various health issues.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A study by Gonsalkorale and colleagues (2003) examined the effects of gut-focused hypnotherapy on IBS symptoms. They found that 71% of patients reported significant improvement in their symptoms after 12 weeks of treatment compared to 42% in the control group.
Anxiety and Stress Reduction
A meta-analysis conducted by Hammond (2007) reviewed 444 studies and concluded that hypnosis significantly reduced anxiety and stress. The analysis showed a moderate to large effect size across various anxiety-related conditions.
Chronic Pain Management
A study by Jensen and Patterson (2014) investigated the effectiveness of hypnosis in managing chronic pain. They reported that hypnotherapy led to a significant reduction in pain intensity, with some patients experiencing up to 50% pain relief compared to controls.
Smoking Cessation
Elkins et al. (2017) conducted a meta-analysis of 59 studies examining the efficacy of hypnosis for smoking cessation. They found that hypnotherapy was three times more effective than nicotine replacement therapy and 15 times more effective than trying to quit alone.
Weight Loss
Kirsch et al. (1995) studied the effects of hypnosis on weight loss. Their meta-analysis of 18 studies indicated that patients who underwent hypnotherapy lost more weight than 90% of those in control groups, and the effect was maintained over time.
In an era defined by evidence-based medicine, research is fundamental to establish credibility and trust in any therapeutic approach. This evidence allows healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about treatment options, ensuring that individuals receive interventions that are supported by robust empirical data rather than anecdotal evidence alone. Moreover, conducting research on therapeutic effectiveness fosters a culture of continuous improvement in healthcare practices.
This approach benefits patients directly and also indirectly, by advancing the broader field of healthcare towards greater efficacy, safety, and client-centred outcomes.
My hope is that hypnotherapy will continue to be incorporated into mainstream healthcare practices. Doing so could provide significant relief for people suffering from a wide range of conditions. By enhancing quality of life and boosting individual wellbeing, we can contribute to the resilience and flourishing of humanity as a whole.
