Not long ago, hypnotherapy meant travelling to a consulting room. Now a large share of it happens by video call. It is more convenient, but does it work as well?
What the research shows
The clearest answer comes from Manchester, where a specialist unit has provided hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for decades. In 2019 the team compared patients who had their sessions by Skype with patients treated in person.
- 65 per cent of the video group responded, measured as a 50-point drop on a standard symptom severity score.
- 76 per cent of the face-to-face group responded.
Other measures followed the same pattern. Symptom scores, quality of life and pain all improved with video treatment, but by a little less than in person. Anxiety improved about equally.
The authors concluded that hypnotherapy by video is effective, but slightly less so than face-to-face.
Some caveats: this was a comparison within one service for one condition, not a randomised trial, and people who choose video may differ from those who travel in. Research on other conditions is limited, though recorded and app-based hypnosis have also shown benefits in several studies.
Why it works at all
Hypnosis depends on your attention and response, not on physical closeness. A calm voice, clear guidance and your own willingness can all travel over an internet connection.
Advantages
- No travel. Useful if you are unwell, in pain, disabled, or live far from a specialist.
- Wider choice. You can find someone experienced with your particular problem.
- Your own surroundings. Many people relax more easily at home.
- Carry-over. Learning to relax where you actually live may help you practise.
- Less disruption. No commute straight after a session.
- Often cheaper.
Disadvantages
- Slightly lower response, on the evidence above.
- The therapist sees less. Breathing, posture and small movements are harder to read on a screen.
- Technology fails. Frozen video, dropped calls, poor sound.
- Interruptions. Doorbells, pets, children, phone notifications.
- Privacy. Not everyone has a room where they will not be overheard.
- Less support if distress arises. The therapist cannot be with you in the room.
- Rapport may take longer to build.
Who should think twice
Online hypnotherapy is generally fine for stress, sleep, confidence, habits, IBS and mild anxiety. In-person care is safer if you:
- Have a history of trauma, dissociation or psychosis
- Are in crisis or at risk of harming yourself
- Have epilepsy that is not well controlled
- Have nobody nearby and no safe, private space
A responsible therapist will ask about these before agreeing to work online.
What a good online therapist does
- Screens you properly beforehand
- Takes your address and an emergency contact
- Agrees a plan if the connection drops, usually a phone call
- Tells you that you will simply open your eyes if contact is lost
- Uses a secure platform and explains how your data is handled
- Is insured for online work, including across borders if relevant
Setting up for a session
Space
– A private room where you will not be disturbed
– A supportive chair or bed with your head supported
– A blanket; body temperature drops when you relax
Technology
– A laptop or tablet on a stable surface, not hand-held
– Headphones, ideally wired, for clear sound
– Device plugged in
– Notifications off and other apps closed
– A wired or strong wireless connection
– Camera positioned so your face and upper body are visible
Before you start
– Use the toilet and have water to hand
– Tell others in the house not to interrupt
– Put pets in another room
– Keep your phone nearby but silent, in case the call drops
Afterwards
– Take a few minutes before driving or doing anything demanding
If the connection drops
Nothing dramatic happens. You will notice the voice has stopped and open your eyes within a few moments, or drift into ordinary sleep and wake normally. Agreeing this in advance removes the worry.
In person, online, or an app?
- In person: best for complex problems and anyone needing close support.
- Online with a therapist: nearly as effective for many problems, and far more accessible.
- An app or recording: cheapest, good for mild issues, with no personal tailoring.
Many people combine them: a few sessions with a therapist, then recordings to keep practising.
The bottom line
Online hypnotherapy works, perhaps slightly less well than being in the room. For many people the convenience more than makes up the difference, provided the therapist screens carefully and you set up properly.
Next in the series: Hypnosis for Drinking Less: What the Evidence Says
This article is for general information and is not medical advice.