Research on hypnosis

Is there convincing research on hypnosis? The practice of hypnosis for entertainment has left quite a few people feeling sceptical over the years. Some people even doubted that hypnosis exists. Until recently, brain scanning equipment hasn’t been sensitive enough to find specific patterns connected with it. But modern PET scan research on hypnosis indicates that it not only exists, it has a considerable effect on the brain.

Hypnotherapy researchers

Stanford University carried out a study with volunteers. They were placed in hypnosis and told they were looking at coloured objects. However, while some of the objects really were coloured, some were monochrome (black and white). When they looked at them, there was a boost in blood flow to the part of the brain that registers colour regardless of the real colouration. In other words, a hypnotic suggestion that the objects were coloured led the brain to process them that way, whether they were or not.

This breakthrough research strongly supports the idea that hypnotherapy can help people change their perception of what they experience. Changed perception can help manage pain, anxiety, panic or other medical conditions in a way that complements mainstream medical treatment. The study helps confirm that hypnotherapy can produce change at a physical level to improve the effectiveness of therapy.

Using hypnosis

Lots of people have made outstanding changes following hypnotherapy. Thought processes can be altered and, in the process, it is possible to improve life a great deal. Almost all fears and worries stem from thoughts and feelings that are irrational, or at least out of context. With the support of hypnotherapy, people can get back to a positive mindset. Hypnotherapy can also help with sleeping disorders, public speaking nerves and IBS. Just search this site to find more on each of these topics.

So, if you’ve been sceptical about hypnosis, or seen it merely as a form of entertainment, maybe you should rethink. The data set out by the team at Stanford University should reassure you that hypnosis really does work. When it is used by professional therapists, I believe it is one of the best behavioural change supports available.

Keep safe with hypnosis

A final note. It is essential to make sure that you choose a knowledgeable, well-qualified, and skilled hypnotherapist. The standard of training and expertise can vary enormously. For example, here in the UK, hypnotherapy has only a voluntary regulation agreement. This means there are regulations and guidelines, but they are not compulsory and not all therapists follow them. Neither do all of those who train therapists.

I’ve been following the voluntary regs as a therapist and a trainer of therapists since they were introduced around 2010. I am governed by the codes of ethics of the many professional bodies with which I am affiliated.

I would be happy to help you, so please get in touch.

Stanford University study: see https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/feb/18/medicalscience.research