Clinical Hypnosis: A Contemporary, Evidence-Based Perspective

Clinical hypnosis has applications in a wide range of psychological and health related problems. Research into clinical hypnosis has seen an improvement in scientific rigor and, in the past two decades, new research has expanded to include both randomized control trials and meta-analyses. However, the use of hypnosis in psychology, medicine, and psychotherapy lags behind its empirical support. As illustrated in the cases of Darlene (breast cancer survivor with hot flashes), Paul (smoking cessation), and Linda (irritable bowel syndrome) evidence supports clinical hypnosis for anxiety/stress, menopausal hot flashes, smoking cessation, and irritable bowel syndrome. Increasingly, hypnotherapy apps are integrated into care to provide low-cost access to self-hypnosis sessions. Clinical psychologists can expand their practice and competency with training in clinical hypnosis.