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| title | chunk | source | category | tags | date_saved | instance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypnotherapy | 2/3 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnotherapy | reference | science, encyclopedia | 2026-05-05T09:21:21.542072+00:00 | kb-cron |
=== Irritable bowel syndrome === The use of hypnotherapy in treating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome is supported by research, including randomized controlled trials. Gut-directed hypnotherapy is recommended in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome by the American College of Gastroenterology clinical guideline for the management of IBS.
=== Childbirth === Hypnotherapy is often applied in the birthing process and the post-natal period, but there is insufficient evidence to determine if it alleviates pain during childbirth and no evidence that it is effective against post-natal depression.
=== Bulimia nervosa === Literature shows that a wide variety of hypnotic interventions have been investigated for the treatment of bulimia nervosa, with inconclusive effects. Similar studies have shown that groups suffering from bulimia nervosa, undergoing hypnotherapy, were more exceptional to no treatment, placebos, or other alternative treatments.
=== Anxiety === Hypnotherapy is shown to be comparable in effectiveness to other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, that utilize relaxation techniques and imagery. It has also shown to be successful when used to reduce anxiety in those with dental anxiety and phobias.
=== PTSD ===
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its symptoms have been shown to improve due to the implementation of hypnotherapy, in both the long and short term. As research continues, hypnotherapy is being more openly considered as an effective intervention for those with PTSD.
=== Depression === Hypnotherapy is effective when used to treat long-term depressive symptoms. It is comparable to the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy, and when used in tandem, efficacy seems to increase.
=== Other uses === Historically hypnotism was used therapeutically by some psychiatrists in the Victorian era, to treat the condition then known as hysteria. Modern hypnotherapy has been used to treat certain habit disorders and control irrational fears, and addiction.
A 2003 meta-analysis on the efficacy of hypnotherapy concluded that "the efficacy of hypnosis is not verified for a considerable part of the spectrum of psychotherapeutic practice." In 2007, a meta-analysis from the Cochrane Collaboration found that the therapeutic effect of hypnotherapy was "superior to that of a waiting list control or usual medical management, for abdominal pain and composite primary IBS symptoms, in the short term in patients who fail standard medical therapy", with no harmful side effects. However, the authors noted that the quality of data available was inadequate to draw firm conclusions. Two Cochrane reviews in 2012 concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support its efficacy in managing the pain of childbirth or post-natal depression. A 2014 meta-analysis that focused on hypnotherapy's efficacy on irritable bowel syndrome found that it was beneficial for short-term abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal issues. In 2016, a literature review published in La Presse Médicale found that there is not sufficient evidence to "support the efficacy of hypnosis in chronic anxiety disorders". In 2016, an article was published on the efficacy of Hypnotherapy as an aide to stroke rehabilitation. In 2019, a Cochrane review was unable to find evidence of a benefit of hypnosis in smoking cessation and suggested that if there is, it is small at best. A 2019 meta-analysis of hypnosis as a treatment for anxiety found that "the average participant receiving hypnosis reduced anxiety more than about 79% of control participants," also noting that "hypnosis was more effective in reducing anxiety when combined with other psychological interventions than when used as a stand-alone treatment." A 2024 parallel randomized control trial of cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy that took hypnotic suggestibility into consideration for sustained smoking cessation showed that the two therapies were roughly equivalent in their efficacy.
== Occupational accreditation ==
=== United States === The laws regarding hypnosis and hypnotherapy vary by state and municipality. Some states, like Colorado, Connecticut, and Washington, have mandatory licensing and registration requirements, while many other states have no specific regulations governing the practice of hypnotherapy.
=== United Kingdom ===
==== UK National Occupational Standards ==== In 2002, the Department for Education and Skills developed National Occupational Standards for hypnotherapy linked to National Vocational Qualifications based on the then National Qualifications Framework under the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. NCFE, a national awarding body, issues a level four national vocational qualification diploma in hypnotherapy. Currently, AIM Awards offers a Level 3 Certificate in Hypnotherapy and Counselling Skills at level 3 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework.
==== UK Confederation of Hypnotherapy Organisations (UKCHO) ==== The regulation of the hypnotherapy profession in the UK is at present the main focus of UKCHO, a non-profit umbrella body for hypnotherapy organisations. Founded in 1998 to provide a non-political arena to discuss and implement changes to the profession of hypnotherapy, UKCHO currently represents 9 of the UK's professional hypnotherapy organisations and has developed standards of training for hypnotherapists, along with codes of conduct and practice that all UKCHO-registered hypnotherapists are governed by. As a step towards the regulation of the profession, UKCHO's website now includes a National Public Register of Hypnotherapists who have been registered by UKCHO's Member Organisations and are therefore subject to UKCHO's professional standards. Further steps to regulate the hypnotherapy profession will be taken in consultation with the Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health.
==== The National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) ==== The National Council for Hypnotherapy is a Professional Association, established in 1973 to create a National Membership Organisation for independent Hypnotherapy Practitioners. The organisation is not for profit with a Board of 12-15 people composed of Executives and Directors, the latter usually 'in practice' Hypnotherapists and trainers of Hypnotherapy. The current Chair, Tracey Grist, has been in the position since 2016. The NCH is a VO (Verifying organisation) for the CNHC, which means that NCH members meet the criteria to become CNHC registrants. The NCH membership meets the national hypnotherapy training standards via the externally verified Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma (HPD) through the NCFE. Members agree to follow the CECP; the NCH's ethical code of practice. All members are expected to be insured to practice, meet supervision requirements, and meet annual CPD expectations.