What the research shows
Hypnosis has been studied in hospitals and universities for decades. Here is a selection of peer-reviewed findings, each linked to its original source.
Anxiety
79%
of control participants outperformed
A meta-analysis of 15 controlled studies found the average participant receiving hypnosis reduced anxiety more than about 79% of control participants, with gains holding at follow-up.
Valentine, Milling, Clark & Moriarty (2019). The efficacy of hypnosis as a treatment for anxiety: a meta-analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 67(3), 336–363.Smoking cessation
43.9%
smoke-free at 12 weeks
In a randomized trial of hospitalized smokers, those who received hypnotherapy were more likely to be smoke-free at 12 weeks (43.9%) than those using nicotine replacement alone (28.2%).
Hasan et al. (2014). Hypnotherapy is more effective than nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation: results of a randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 22(1), 1–8.Headache & pain
Well-established
evidence rating for headache
A review of the clinical literature concluded hypnosis meets criteria as a well-established, efficacious approach for tension and migraine headaches, with few side effects.
Hammond (2007). Review of the efficacy of clinical hypnosis with headaches and migraines. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(2), 207–219.Neuroplasticity
3 regions
of measurable brain change
Stanford imaging research found hypnosis changes activity and connectivity in brain regions tied to attention, body awareness and self-reflection, a physical signature of focused, receptive states.
Jiang, White, Greicius, Waelde & Spiegel (2017). Brain activity and functional connectivity associated with hypnosis. Cerebral Cortex, 27(8), 4083–4093.Stress & resilience
Broad
evidence across stress conditions
A clinical review describes hypnosis as an effective, rapid approach for anxiety and stress-related conditions, and one that teaches clients self-regulation skills they keep.
Hammond (2010). Hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety- and stress-related disorders. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 10(2), 263–273.Research findings describe study populations, not guaranteed individual results. Hypnotherapy is a complementary modality and does not replace medical or psychological care.