Hypnosis is often described as completely safe. That is nearly true, and “nearly” is worth explaining. Like any intervention that can help, it can occasionally cause problems, particularly in the wrong hands.
The short answer
For most people, hypnosis delivered by a properly trained professional is very safe. Serious adverse effects are rare. A review of clinical trials found that adverse events were uncommon, and serious ones attributable to hypnosis were exceedingly rare.
Possible side effects
These are usually mild and short-lived:
- Drowsiness or feeling “spaced out”
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Temporary anxiety or an unexpected rush of emotion
- Feeling tired afterwards
They generally pass within minutes to hours. It is wise to sit quietly for a short while after a session before driving.
The real risks
1. False memories. This is the most serious risk. Hypnosis used to “recover” memories can produce detailed, convincing memories of events that never happened, and can make people more confident in them. This has caused real harm to individuals and families. Be very wary of any practitioner who offers to uncover hidden memories, regress you to childhood to find the cause of your problems, or explore “past lives.”
2. Delaying proper treatment. Using hypnosis for a symptom that has not been diagnosed, or instead of effective medical care, can allow a serious condition to go untreated.
3. Stirring up difficult material. Deep relaxation can sometimes bring distressing thoughts or feelings to the surface. A trained clinician can handle this. An untrained one may not.
4. Unqualified practitioners. In many places anyone can call themselves a hypnotherapist. Someone with a weekend certificate may take on problems far beyond their competence.
Who should be cautious
Speak to your doctor first, and only see a suitably qualified clinician, if you have:
- Psychosis or schizophrenia
- A dissociative disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Severe depression or thoughts of suicide
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- A personality disorder
- Epilepsy — deep relaxation is sometimes a seizure trigger for some people, so check with your neurologist
This does not mean hypnosis can never be used in these conditions. It means it should be part of specialist care, not something bought from a high-street practitioner or an app.
Can it be used against me?
You do not lose your will under hypnosis, and you cannot be made to act against your values. However, hypnosis involves trust and a degree of vulnerability, and that can be abused by an unethical practitioner like any therapeutic relationship can. This is another reason to choose someone accountable to a professional body.
A safety checklist
- [ ] The practitioner has a healthcare qualification as well as hypnosis training
- [ ] They belong to a professional body with a complaints procedure
- [ ] They asked about your medical and mental health history
- [ ] They make no guarantees
- [ ] They do not offer memory recovery or past-life regression as therapy
- [ ] They are happy for you to keep your doctor informed
- [ ] You feel comfortable, and free to stop at any time
The bottom line
Hypnosis is among the safer things you can try for your health. Most of the risk comes down to who is doing it and what they are trying to do.
Next in the series: Do Hypnosis Apps and Recordings Actually Work?
This article is for general information and is not medical advice.