The Science Supporting Hypnosis

If you’ve ever wondered whether hypnosis is really backed by science, the answer is a confident yes! Over the past few years, research has shown that hypnosis isn’t a fascinating mind trick - it’s a safe, effective, and versatile tool for reducing anxiety, pain, and psychological distress. And what’s even more exciting? The evidence keeps getting stronger.

The Big Picture

A large-scale meta-analysis by Rosendahl et al. (2023) reviewed 49 meta-analyses encompassing 261 studies - essentially decades of research - and found robust evidence supporting hypnosis for patients undergoing medical procedures and for pain management. The review showed medium to large effects, especially in reducing procedural anxiety and pain, with particularly strong results in children and adolescents.

Their conclusion was simple but powerful: hypnosis produces real, measurable improvements in both mental and physical health outcomes, and it deserves a stronger presence in healthcare conversations (Rosendahl et al., 2023).

Innovations in Hypnosis Research

More recent work continues to expand what’s possible with hypnosis. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials confirmed that hypnosis significantly reduces anxiety and pain during invasive medical procedures, with virtually no side effects (Walter et al., 2025).

Researchers are now integrating hypnosis with virtual reality - creating immersive, calming experiences that help patients stay relaxed and centered even during stressful procedures. These new approaches are showing exceptional results for people who experience high procedural anxiety, offering a glimpse into the future of mind–body care.

Hypnosis and Mental Health

In the world of mental health, hypnosis holds its own among gold-standard treatments. A randomized controlled trial comparing hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for mild to moderate depression found that both interventions led to significant reductions in depressive symptoms, with effects lasting 6 to 12 months (Fuhr et al., 2021).

That means hypnotherapy wasn’t just a supportive add-on - it performed just as well as CBT, one of the most established treatments for depression. For many clients, hypnosis can serve as either a complementary approach or a stand-alone option for emotional healing and mindset change.

Hypnosis in Cancer and Pediatric Care

Even professional organizations are recognizing hypnosis as part of evidence-based care. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) jointly recommend hypnosis for managing anxiety in adults with cancer undergoing procedures, citing multiple randomized controlled trials showing meaningful benefit with minimal risk (Carlson et al., 2023).

Meanwhile, in pediatric medicine, hypnosis has been gaining traction as a gentle and empowering approach for children. A 2023 review found that medical hypnotherapy effectively reduces functional abdominal pain, headaches, and other distress-related conditions in children (Bastek & van Vliet, 2023). For kids, learning to use their own imagination and breath to influence how their body feels can be life-changing.

The Bottom Line

Across hundreds of studies and thousands of participants, hypnosis has proven itself to be a highly adaptable and scientifically supported method for improving comfort, reducing pain, calming anxiety, and enhancing emotional well-being.

Whether used in hospitals, wellness practices, or therapy sessions, hypnosis bridges the mind and body in a way few interventions can. It’s not “alternative” - it’s integrative. And it reminds us that when the mind is guided with purpose, the body listens.

Takeaway for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals

For nurses, understanding the science behind hypnosis isn’t just about curiosity - it’s about confidence. When you can explain, in evidence-based language, how and why hypnosis works, you elevate your credibility, expand your scope of care, and connect more deeply with your clients.

This growing body of research confirms what many holistic practitioners have long observed: the mind is a powerful ally in healing. Hypnosis simply gives us the tools to activate it intentionally. Whether you’re supporting a patient through pain, helping someone manage anxiety, or simply guiding a moment of calm before a procedure, your voice - and your presence - can make measurable physiological change.

You’re not just offering comfort. You’re helping the nervous system rewire itself for healing.

 Moving Forward

At The Calm Collective Care, we are committed to making these life-changing benefits accessible to everyone. Thanks to the flexibility of Zoom sessions, you can now experience the power of hypnosis from the comfort of your home. Whether you are seeking help with a chronic condition or for another reason, our holistic approach—blending hypnosis, coaching, and mindfulness techniques—can help you unlock your body’s natural healing potential.

If you are ready to experience the transformative power of hypnosis, we invite you to connect with us today. Let’s work together to unlock your body’s natural healing abilities and help you live life to its fullest.
Incorporating hypnosis into your daily routine can be simple and incredibly rewarding. Here are some practical ways to get started:

• Guided Hypnosis Sessions: At Calm Collective Care, we offer guided hypnosis sessions every Friday at 11:30 AM PST. These sessions are designed to help with confidence building, stress reduction, and more. If you cannot attend the live session but have signed up, you will still receive access to the recording, allowing you to benefit from the session at your convenience. To participate, simply sign up here and join us for a live session or listen to the recording at a time that works best for you.
• One-on-One Hypnosis: For a more personalized approach, consulting with a certified hypnotist can offer tailored strategies that align with your specific goals and challenges. At the Calm Collective Care we have a variety of practitioners ready to chat about hypnosis and how it might help your individual situation. We offer a free 15-minute consultation to go over any questions you may have. [Link to 15-minute phone call]

To experience hypnosis firsthand, check out the Calm Collective Care and take advantage of our free Friday sessions. Link to sign up for Friday session.

Additionally, you can browse our team of practitioners and schedule a call.

Guest Author:

Hannah Henjum
Consulting Hypnotist, NLP & Time-Line Therapy® Practitioner
Specialties: Stress | Confidence

Hannah specializes in helping clients overcome stress and build confidence and joy in their daily lives. She uses hypnosis and NLP techniques to help individuals resolve the underlying mental and emotional blocks that affect their well-being and self-esteem. Her approach is centered on creating a balanced, fulfilling life for her clients, helping them develop strategies for long-term mental clarity and resilience. Hannah empowers clients to bring curiosity, joyfulness, and ease back to their lives.

References:

1. Gidon, A. (2020). Dendritic Action Potential and Computation in Human Layer 2/3 Cortical Neurons. Science, 367(6473), 83–87.

2. Benson, H. (1984). Beyond the Relaxation Response.

3. Spiegel, H. & Spiegel, D. (2004). Trance and Treatment.

4. Kroger, W. S. (2008). Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (2nd ed.).

5. Rossi, E. (1993). The Psychobiology of Mind/Body Healing.

6. Dossey, L. (1993). Healing Words