AUTHORITATIVE SERIES: ARTICLE #25
Does Hypnotherapy Work? The Evidence, the Experts, and What You Need to Know
Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered, “Does hypnotherapy actually work?” — you’re not alone. It’s a question asked by thousands each month, often by people who’ve tried everything else and are looking for a more natural, lasting solution.
The truth is: hypnotherapy isn't just about swinging watches and Hollywood myths — it’s a structured, scientifically grounded process that works by accessing the subconscious mind. But does it stand up to clinical scrutiny? In this guide, we’ll explore real-world examples, research-backed studies, and expert insights that reveal what hypnotherapy can (and can’t) do — so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
The truth is: hypnotherapy isn't just about swinging watches and Hollywood myths — it’s a structured, scientifically grounded process that works by accessing the subconscious mind. But does it stand up to clinical scrutiny? In this guide, we’ll explore real-world examples, research-backed studies, and expert insights that reveal what hypnotherapy can (and can’t) do — so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
What Is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis — a natural, focused state of awareness — to help people make lasting changes. While mainstream psychology focuses on the conscious mind, hypnotherapy works directly with the subconscious — the part of your mind that drives habits, fears, emotions, and automatic responses.
Despite the lingering Hollywood clichés, modern hypnotherapy is a structured, evidence-based practice used in hospitals, clinics, and private settings to help people overcome a range of issues — from anxiety and smoking to chronic pain and phobias.
Despite the lingering Hollywood clichés, modern hypnotherapy is a structured, evidence-based practice used in hospitals, clinics, and private settings to help people overcome a range of issues — from anxiety and smoking to chronic pain and phobias.
How Hypnotherapy Works (In Simple Terms)
Think of your mind as a garden. Your conscious mind is the gardener, planting seeds, setting goals, and trying to make changes. But your subconscious is the soil — it decides what will grow.
Hypnotherapy works by bypassing the noisy, logical mind and going straight to the soil. It allows a person to become highly focused and receptive to helpful suggestions, which are tailored to shift unhelpful beliefs, emotions, or patterns that are often buried beneath the surface.
Most clients describe the experience as deeply relaxing — like guided meditation with purpose. You're awake the whole time and always in control. There's no mind control, no clucking like a chicken. Just clarity, calm, and often life-changing insight.
Hypnotherapy works by bypassing the noisy, logical mind and going straight to the soil. It allows a person to become highly focused and receptive to helpful suggestions, which are tailored to shift unhelpful beliefs, emotions, or patterns that are often buried beneath the surface.
Most clients describe the experience as deeply relaxing — like guided meditation with purpose. You're awake the whole time and always in control. There's no mind control, no clucking like a chicken. Just clarity, calm, and often life-changing insight.
What Can Hypnotherapy Help With?
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Hypnotherapy is used to help with:
While results vary from person to person, many find that hypnotherapy helps when other treatments haven’t — particularly because it works at the subconscious level, where the root of the issue often lies. |
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Does Hypnotherapy Really Work? The Clinical Evidence
Let’s look at the facts — not the fluff. Several large-scale studies over the past decades have examined hypnotherapy’s effectiveness, and the results are compelling.
1. Richardson’s Study on Sexual Dysfunction (1963)
Richardson studied 76 cases of frigidity (now termed sexual dysfunction). He reported that 94.7% improved with an average of just 1.53 sessions. The average orgasm rate jumped from 24% to 84%. No patients failed to enter hypnosis, and only two had relapses in follow-ups.
2. Chong Tong Mun’s Multi-Symptom Study (1964–1966)
This wide-ranging study followed 108 patients with insomnia, asthma, anxiety, alcoholism, dermatitis, and more. Over 90% showed improvement, with an average of five sessions. His method combined regression (resolving root causes) with symptom relief and behavioural re-education.
3. Hussain’s Study on Psychosomatic Illness (1964)
This landmark study covered 105 patients suffering from anxiety, sexual issues, alcoholism, and more. The success rate? A staggering 95.2%, with no relapse or symptom substitution in follow-ups lasting up to two years. His approach combined regression therapy, reconditioning (imaginal desensitisation), and suggestion work.
One patient, a 35-year-old woman with anxiety, depression, alcoholism, and sexual promiscuity, was symptom-free after 12 sessions and remained well six months later — without any pharmaceutical support.
These results, while historical, are foundational. More recent studies continue to support hypnotherapy’s effectiveness, particularly in areas like IBS (endorsed by the NHS), pain management, and smoking cessation.
1. Richardson’s Study on Sexual Dysfunction (1963)
Richardson studied 76 cases of frigidity (now termed sexual dysfunction). He reported that 94.7% improved with an average of just 1.53 sessions. The average orgasm rate jumped from 24% to 84%. No patients failed to enter hypnosis, and only two had relapses in follow-ups.
2. Chong Tong Mun’s Multi-Symptom Study (1964–1966)
This wide-ranging study followed 108 patients with insomnia, asthma, anxiety, alcoholism, dermatitis, and more. Over 90% showed improvement, with an average of five sessions. His method combined regression (resolving root causes) with symptom relief and behavioural re-education.
3. Hussain’s Study on Psychosomatic Illness (1964)
This landmark study covered 105 patients suffering from anxiety, sexual issues, alcoholism, and more. The success rate? A staggering 95.2%, with no relapse or symptom substitution in follow-ups lasting up to two years. His approach combined regression therapy, reconditioning (imaginal desensitisation), and suggestion work.
One patient, a 35-year-old woman with anxiety, depression, alcoholism, and sexual promiscuity, was symptom-free after 12 sessions and remained well six months later — without any pharmaceutical support.
These results, while historical, are foundational. More recent studies continue to support hypnotherapy’s effectiveness, particularly in areas like IBS (endorsed by the NHS), pain management, and smoking cessation.
What Clients Say: Personal Experiences
Clinical data is important — but so are real people’s stories.
“I had tried everything for my anxiety — medication, talk therapy, you name it. After three sessions of hypnotherapy, I finally felt like myself again.”
— Emma B., Oxford
“I stopped smoking after 22 years. One session, and the cravings just weren’t there anymore. I couldn’t believe it.”
— Jake R., Reading
“I didn’t expect much, but I was desperate. Hypnotherapy helped me sleep for the first time in years.”
— Nina K., London
These aren’t magic tricks. They’re the results of the right method, the right guidance, and the brain’s incredible ability to change.
“I had tried everything for my anxiety — medication, talk therapy, you name it. After three sessions of hypnotherapy, I finally felt like myself again.”
— Emma B., Oxford
“I stopped smoking after 22 years. One session, and the cravings just weren’t there anymore. I couldn’t believe it.”
— Jake R., Reading
“I didn’t expect much, but I was desperate. Hypnotherapy helped me sleep for the first time in years.”
— Nina K., London
These aren’t magic tricks. They’re the results of the right method, the right guidance, and the brain’s incredible ability to change.
Common Questions About Effectiveness
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Is hypnotherapy backed by science?
Yes. From Harvard to the NHS, numerous institutions support its use — especially for IBS, anxiety, pain, and smoking. How many sessions do I need? It varies. Some issues respond in 1–2 sessions. Others may take 4–6 or more. A skilled hypnotherapist will tailor the approach. Will it work if I don’t believe in it? Hypnosis doesn’t require belief — just a willingness to follow instructions. Even skeptics have experienced powerful results. Can anyone be hypnotised? Most people can — as long as they’re willing. It’s a natural state we all enter daily (like daydreaming). |
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Final Thoughts + Next Steps
So — does hypnotherapy work?
In most cases, yes. Especially when it's tailored, professional, and backed by experience. From hard data to personal success stories, there’s growing evidence that hypnotherapy can shift the needle — not just on symptoms, but on the root causes behind them.
If you’ve been stuck, if talk therapy hasn’t quite landed, or if you’re looking for something more holistic — this may be your moment.
In most cases, yes. Especially when it's tailored, professional, and backed by experience. From hard data to personal success stories, there’s growing evidence that hypnotherapy can shift the needle — not just on symptoms, but on the root causes behind them.
If you’ve been stuck, if talk therapy hasn’t quite landed, or if you’re looking for something more holistic — this may be your moment.
Book a free 15-minute session today
Let’s find out whether hypnotherapy could work for you. No pressure. Just answers.
Let’s find out whether hypnotherapy could work for you. No pressure. Just answers.
Author BioTroy Robins is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (SAIH, South Africa) and Certified Hypnotist (Omni Hypnosis Training Center, USA).
With over 15 years of full-time experience, Troy specialises in deep, results-oriented hypnotherapy via video call—offering clients a safe, effective path to change from the comfort of home. |
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