Last Updated on 31 August 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
While conventional treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications are often effective in treating anxiety, there is growing interest in alternative therapies like hypnotherapy. Hypnosis for Anxiety can be of significant benefit in helping patients to change their mindset and relieve their anxiety, whether as a stand-alone therapy or in combination with traditional medical support.
This article reviews the current literature to answer key questions: “Does hypnotherapy work for anxiety?” and “Hypnotherapy for anxiety does it work?” By examining recent studies, this article aims to clarify the potential benefits and limitations of hypnotherapy as an anxiety treatment.
Anxiety disorders, including Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and specific phobias, are highly prevalent and can be debilitating conditions. Anxiety disorders affects millions worldwide, causing significant personal and societal impacts, with even more millions of people who identify as having “anxiety” but have not had it medically diagnosed.
Traditional treatments include medications (e.g., SSRIs) and psychological therapies (e.g., CBT). However, some patients seek alternative treatments like hypnotherapy due to treatment resistance or a preference for non-drug therapies. Others suffering with anxiety also
Hypnotherapy, or clinical hypnosis, uses guided relaxation and focused attention to help the patient achieve a trance-like state. This state enables individuals to explore hidden thoughts and memories, aiming to change negative thought patterns and behaviors through subconscious suggestions.
This review analysed studies from the past two decades found in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Search terms included “hypnotherapy,” “anxiety,” “hypnosis,” “anxiety disorders,” and “alternative therapy for anxiety.” Included studies specifically addressed the efficacy of hypnotherapy for anxiety, encompassing both randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies.
Studies, such as the one by Hammond (2010), show that hypnotherapy effectively reduces GAD symptoms. In Hammond’s RCT with 45 GAD patients, both hypnotherapy and CBT significantly reduced anxiety, but hypnotherapy showed more sustained long-term improvements.
Research, although limited, indicates hypnotherapy’s promise in treating panic disorder. Bryant et al. (2005) combined hypnotherapy with exposure therapy for 30 patients, finding significant reductions in panic attacks and overall anxiety.
Baker et al. (2013) conducted an RCT with 40 social anxiety patients, finding that hypnotherapy significantly improved social anxiety symptoms and boosted confidence in social situations.
A meta-analysis by Kirsch et al. (1995) reviewed 18 studies and concluded that hypnotherapy was more effective than no treatment and comparable to other therapies like desensitisation and CBT for treating specific phobias.
The literature suggests hypnotherapy is effective for various anxiety disorders, including GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias. While the exact mechanisms are unclear, they may involve brain activity changes, enhanced relaxation, and subconscious thought pattern reframing.
Hypnotherapy’s effectiveness can vary based on individual suggestibility, therapist skill, and comorbid conditions. More large-scale RCTs are needed to confirm its long-term efficacy and safety.
Hypnotherapy shows promise as an alternative or adjunctive treatment for anxiety disorders. Evidence supports its efficacy in reducing symptoms across several anxiety conditions. However, further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and optimal protocols.
Clinicians should consider hypnotherapy as part of a comprehensive, individualised treatment plan.
With Jeremy Walker at Brisbane Livewell Clinic (in-Clinic or online)
Jeremy Walker – Hypnotherapist and Psychosomatic Therapist
Understand Does Hypnotherapy Work For Binge Eating?
Read about Gastric Band Hypnosis
Understand Hypnotherapy to Quit Smoking
Understand Hypnotherapy for Alcoholism and Hypnotherapy for Alcohol Addiction
* indicates requiredFirst Name *Last Name *Email Address *Mobile (optional) (We never spam, but we do send out special deals by phone!) [tcb-script type=”text/javascript” src=”//s3.amazonaws.com/downloads.mailchimp.com/js/mc-validate.js”][/tcb-script][tcb-script type=”text/javascript”](function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[1]=’FNAME’;ftypes[1]=’text’;fnames[3]=’LNAME’;ftypes[3]=’text’;fnames[0]=’EMAIL’;ftypes[0]=’email’;fnames[17]=’TMSMSNUM’;ftypes[17]=’text’;fnames[13]=’TMSTF’;ftypes[13]=’text’;fnames[15]=’TMBKGCMP’;ftypes[15]=’date’;fnames[16]=’TMCLS’;ftypes[16]=’date’;fnames[20]=’TMFUTBKG’;ftypes[20]=’text’;fnames[2]=’TMBDAY’;ftypes[2]=’birthday’;fnames[18]=’MMERGE18′;ftypes[18]=’text’;fnames[11]=’TMBKG’;ftypes[11]=’date’;fnames[5]=’TMVAL’;ftypes[5]=’number’;fnames[6]=’TMCSTM’;ftypes[6]=’text’;fnames[7]=’TMCLSVAL’;ftypes[7]=’number’;fnames[8]=’TMCLSSTF’;ftypes[8]=’text’;fnames[9]=’TMCMPNM’;ftypes[9]=’text’;fnames[12]=’TMLSTACLS’;ftypes[12]=’date’;fnames[14]=’TMBKSVC’;ftypes[14]=’text’;fnames[4]=’TMCLSSVC’;ftypes[4]=’text’;}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true);[/tcb-script]
Read Jeremy’s introductory article when he first joined Brisbane Livewell Clinic.
Consult with Our Skilled Practitioners
Brisbane Livewell Clinic, located in Wavell Heights and Cannon Hill, is Brisbane’s top health, natural therapies, and wellness clinic. Founded in 1979, it is the longest-running wellness centre in Brisbane.
Our Clinics are home to a team of experienced Allied Health and Natural Therapy practitioners. Each practitioner is highly skilled, qualified, and a member of their respective professional associations. They bring expertise and compassion to their work, believing everyone deserves a life free of pain, anxiety, and ill health.
We blend traditional medicine with the latest healthcare advancements to create personalised and comprehensive treatment plans. Our holistic and integrative approach addresses root causes rather than just symptoms, ensuring you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, improving dietary habits, needing physical rehabilitation, or searching for mental and emotional support, we offer a wide range of services:
This article is a collaborative effort crafted with input from Brisbane Livewell Clinic practitioners. Our team, leaders in their fields, ensures the information is accurate, up-to-date, and reflects our commitment to a holistic and evidence-based approach to health and wellness.
Our content is produced following strict editorial guidelines for accuracy, relevance, and integrity. Each article undergoes a comprehensive review process, including fact-checking and verification against reputable sources such as peer-reviewed journals and government publications.
We regularly revisit our articles to ensure they reflect the latest developments in the field.
We value your feedback. Share your thoughts and questions at [email protected].
The information provided is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before making any health decisions. Our therapies complement, not replace, medical treatment; discuss any proposed treatment with your GP before commencing.