What The Research Shows
Extensive research confirms that hypnosis is a highly effective modality, often matching, or even surpassing, commonly used conventional treatments. Studies demonstrate its efficacy in reducing anxiety, depression, chronic pain and even combatting addiction, making it a powerful, evidence-based tool for lasting change.
THE EFFICACY OF HYPNOSIS AS A TREATMENT FOR ANXIETY: A META-ANALYSIS
Valentine KE, Milling LS, Clark LJ, Moriarty CL. THE EFFICACY OF HYPNOSIS AS A TREATMENT FOR ANXIETY: A META-ANALYSIS. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2019 Jul-Sep;67(3):336-363. doi: 10.1080/00207144.2019.1613863. PMID: 31251710.
A 2019 meta-analysis analyzing 15 studies and 17 trials found that hypnosis significantly reduces anxiety symptoms, with an effect size of 0.79 post-treatment and 0.99 at follow-up, meaning hypnosis led to greater anxiety reduction than approximately 79%–84% of control participants. Results showed that hypnosis is especially effective when combined with other psychological interventions, making it a powerful tool for long-term anxiety relief. Click here for the study.
A 2022 randomized controlled trial found that "hypnosis significantly lowered anxiety levels and reshaped attentional bias toward stressors," making it a powerful tool for academic stress management. These results highlight hypnosis as a superior intervention for test anxiety and cognitive resilience. Click here for the study.
Randomized trial estimating effects of hypnosis versus progressive muscle relaxation on medical students’ test anxiety and attentional bias.
Zhang Y, Yang XX, Luo JY, Liang M, Li N, Tao Q, Ma LJ, Li XM. Randomized trial estimating effects of hypnosis versus progressive muscle relaxation on medical students' test anxiety and attentional bias. World J Psychiatry. 2022 Jun 19;12(6):801-813. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i6.801. PMID: 35978973; PMCID: PMC9258271.
A Meta-Analysis of Hypnotic Interventions for Depression Symptoms: High Hopes for Hypnosis?
Milling LS, Valentine KE, McCarley HS, LoStimolo LM. A Meta-Analysis of Hypnotic Interventions for Depression Symptoms: High Hopes for Hypnosis? Am J Clin Hypn. 2019 Jan;61(3):227-243. doi: 10.1080/00029157.2018.1489777. PMID: 34874235.
A 2019 meta-analysis examining 13 trials of hypnosis found that hypnosis significantly reduces depressive symptoms, with an effect size of 0.71, meaning participants receiving hypnosis improved more than 76% of control participants. Even at long-term follow-up, hypnosis maintained a notable effect size of 0.52, comparable to established therapies like cognitive therapy and interpersonal therapy. These findings highlight hypnosis as a powerful and evidence-based tool for alleviating depression, making it a serious option for clinicians and individuals seeking relief. Click here for the study.
A 2021 randomized controlled trial found hypnotherapy (HT) as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for mild to moderate depression, with greater symptom reduction in hypnosis. The study of 152 patients showed lasting benefits, with six- and twelve-month follow-ups confirming long-term efficacy. With results showing hypnotherapy to be at least as effective—if not more effective—than CBT, this research supports hypnosis as a powerful, evidence-based treatment for depression. Click here for the study.
Efficacy of hypnotherapy compared to cognitive behavioral therapy for mild to moderate depression - Results of a randomized controlled rater-blind clinical trial
Fuhr K, Meisner C, Broch A, Cyrny B, Hinkel J, Jaberg J, Petrasch M, Schweizer C, Stiegler A, Zeep C, Batra A. Efficacy of hypnotherapy compared to cognitive behavioral therapy for mild to moderate depression - Results of a randomized controlled rater-blind clinical trial. J Affect Disord. 2021 May 1;286:166-173. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.02.069. Epub 2021 Mar 5. Erratum in: J Affect Disord. 2021 Jun 15;289:180. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.03.068. PMID: 33725616.