This section outlines evidence-informed ways hypnotherapy can help, backed by reputable references and peer-reviewed sources.
Hypnosis complements—not replaces—medical or psychological care; when you see “Adjunct advised,” please coordinate with your clinician.
Anxiety & Phobias
| Application | Description | Evidence & References |
|---|---|---|
| Generalized anxiety | Reduces baseline arousal and trains rapid resets (breath + imagery + attentional focusing) to interrupt worry loops and restore task focus; pairs well with CBT. | NCCIH overview • Umbrella review (2024) |
| Social anxiety | Shifts attention from self-monitoring to grounded presence; installs conversational “landing pads” and kinder self-talk to reduce anticipatory dread and rumination. | APA overview |
| Performance anxiety (speaking, stage) | Rehearses execution under calm focus to lower threat appraisal and cognitive interference; sets reliable pre-performance routines and recovery cues. | Rosendahl 2024 |
| Test/exam anxiety | Pairs memory cues with calm-state rehearsal and exam-day pacing to protect recall and minimize blanking out. | APA: Test anxiety |
| Interview & audition nerves | Builds grounded presence, authentic storytelling, and steady speech rate; scripts calm self-talk before/during answers. | APA: Anxiety |
| Panic attacks | Installs “interrupt and recover” sequences so early sensations don’t snowball; emphasizes paced breathing and present-moment anchoring. | ADAA: Panic |
| Health/illness anxiety | Retrains catastrophic appraisals and health-checking habits; scripts calm, practical language for appointments and test waits. | NICE: Anxiety |
| Specific phobias (heights, dogs, storms) | Calm-state imaginal exposure neutralizes triggers stepwise until situations feel routine; adds real-world practice plans. | NICE: Phobias |
| Driving anxiety / bridges & tunnels | Rehearses relaxed control, opens “room to breathe” imagery, and scripts recovery after horns/traffic spikes. | ADAA: Anxiety basics |
| Fear of flying | Walks through the travel arc with safety anchors and time-compression to stay steady through takeoff and turbulence. | NHS: Phobias |
| Blood-injection-injury/needle phobia | Pairs graded exposure with breath timing and rapid state shifts; includes post-needle calm routines. | CDC: Comfort strategies |
| MRI claustrophobia | Installs stillness cues and open-space imagery with time compression to stay comfortable in the scanner. | RadiologyInfo (MRI anxiety) |
| Agoraphobia | Supports graded exposure by teaching quick down-shift skills and values-based action during outings. | NICE: Agoraphobia/panic |
| OCD ritual pressure Adjunct advised | Eases urge intensity and strengthens choice in the pause before a compulsion; used to bolster ERP adherence (never replaces ERP/CBT). | NICE: OCD/BDD |
| PTSD symptom regulation Adjunct advised | Grounding, safe-distance, and sleep-support skills while clinician-led trauma therapy (CPT/PE/EMDR) does the core work. | VA/DoD PTSD guideline |
| Nightmares | Imagery rehearsal reduces frequency/intensity and speeds return to sleep; pairs well with trauma-informed care when relevant. | APA: IRT |
| Anger, irritability & stress spikes | Extends the pause between trigger and response; rehearses calmer language and rapid recovery after spikes. | APA: Anger |
| Burnout prevention | Builds sustainable rituals and values-aligned limits so capacity keeps up with demand; adds micro-recovery moments. | WHO: Burn-out |
Sleep
| Application | Description | Evidence & References |
|---|---|---|
| Insomnia (sleep onset) Adjunct advised | Undoes conditioned wakefulness, trains de-arousal and pre-sleep rituals; hypnosis complements—not replaces—CBT-I. | AASM guidelines |
| Insomnia (maintenance) Adjunct advised | 2–4 minute middle-of-the-night re-entry protocols and normalization of brief awakenings; builds confidence returning to sleep. | AASM |
| Circadian delay/early waking | Reinforces timing cues (light, meals, movement) and morning/evening routines; uses imagery to shift body clock. | Circadian basics |
| Shift-work sleep | Creates “flip day” templates, strategic napping, and wind-down cues to protect sleep across rotations. | Shift work overview |
| Jet lag adjustment | Pre-trip imagery to shift timing and protect sleep on arrival using phased light and routine changes. | CDC Yellow Book |
| PTSD-related sleep Adjunct advised | Safe-place imagery and dream rescripting under calm focus reduce awakenings/hyperarousal; always alongside trauma care. | VA/DoD PTSD |
| Parasomnias (adjunct) | Promotes safer, calmer nights and quick return to baseline after events; coordinate with sleep medicine as indicated. | Parasomnias |
| Sleep bruxism comfort (adjunct) | Reduces tension and bedtime stress while **dental nightguard** remains primary; supports jaw relaxation rituals. | Dental sleep resources |
| OSA CPAP adherence support Adjunct advised | Desensitizes to mask sensations and installs calm routines that improve comfort and nightly use; never replaces medical therapy. | AASM: OSA patient info |
| Night terrors (children) Adjunct advised | Safety imagery and bedtime calm; equips parents with predictable soothing routines. | AAP: Sleep |
Pain, GI & Medical
| Application | Description | Evidence & References |
|---|---|---|
| Acute & procedural pain Adjunct advised | Hypnoanalgesia reduces pain distress during injections, dressing changes, and minor procedures by redirecting attention and reinterpreting sensation. | Meta-analysis • Review |
| Chronic primary pain Adjunct advised | Improves function by lowering catastrophizing and stress reactivity; builds daily comfort skills and pacing with self-hypnosis practice. | Controlled trials review |
| Low back/neck/ OA pain Adjunct advised | Supports movement confidence and flare management while PT/medical plans lead; focuses on fear-avoidance reduction. | CDC: Pain mgmt basics |
| Cancer-related pain & symptoms Adjunct advised | Eases distress, nausea, and sleep problems during treatment; enhances sense of control. | Oncology symptom review (2024) |
| Fibromyalgia comfort Adjunct advised | Calms central sensitization and pacing; improves sleep and reduces catastrophizing, integrated with rheumatology guidance. | ACR: Fibromyalgia |
| Temporomandibular/TMD pain Adjunct advised | Jaw relaxation, posture awareness, and nocturnal tension reduction; pairs with dental/physiotherapy plans. | AAOM: TMD |
| IBS (gut-directed) Adjunct advised | Brain–gut modulation eases pain, bloating, and bowel irregularity; often delivered in structured protocols plus home practice. | ACG IBS (2021) • NCCIH |
| Functional dyspepsia/FGIDs Adjunct advised | Down-regulates visceral hypersensitivity, fear, and urgency; complements diet/medication plans. | Rome Foundation (DGBI) |
| Chemo-related anticipatory nausea Adjunct advised | Reconditions clinic cues and installs counter-nausea imagery; strongest data in pediatrics, growing in adults. | Meta-analysis |
| Pre-surgery readiness & post-op recovery Adjunct advised | Reduces pre-op anxiety and may lessen post-op pain/nausea for some procedures; improves cooperation with instructions. | Pre-op anxiety RCT |
| Tinnitus distress coping Adjunct advised | Reduces reactivity and supports sleep/focus while audiology-led care continues; best viewed as supportive. | Tinnitus UK |
| Pruritus/itch-scratch cycle Adjunct advised | Installs sensory substitution and urge delays; improves sleep while dermatology addresses triggers. | British Assoc. Dermatologists |
| Psoriasis/eczema stress reactivity Adjunct advised | Lowers tension and improves adherence to topical/systemic care; targets scratching impulses. | AAD patient info |
| Asthma breath panic Adjunct advised | Builds slow-exhale control and panic reduction so air hunger feels manageable; never a substitute for controller meds. | GINA strategy |
| COPD dyspnea distress Adjunct advised | Pursed-lip breathing with attention shifts to reduce distress during episodes; coordinate with pulmonary rehab. | GOLD |
| Hypertension stress spikes Adjunct advised | Relaxes stress-reactive surges and improves self-care routines; not a treatment for hypertension. | AHA |
| Diabetes self-care & lifestyle Adjunct advised | Aligns identity with SMBG, nutrition, and movement to improve adherence alongside clinician-guided care. | ADA |
Reproductive & Sexual Health
| Application | Description | Evidence & References |
|---|---|---|
| Labor & childbirth comfort Adjunct advised | Focused breathing, dissociation, and time-distortion to support coping; findings mixed; complements—not replaces—analgesia. | Cochrane (2016) |
| Prenatal anxiety & sleep Adjunct advised | Reduces worry and improves rest with calm imagery and paced breathing; screen for perinatal mood disorders. | ACOG: Perinatal MH |
| Birth-trauma aftercare Adjunct advised | Grounding and safe-distance skills while trauma-informed therapy addresses the event; supports sleep and triggers. | VA/DoD PTSD |
| Postpartum adjustment & sleep Adjunct advised | Normalizes waves, builds micro-rest and partner support routines; refer when depressive symptoms present. | ACOG: Postpartum |
| Breastfeeding calm (latch anxiety) Adjunct advised | Calm-state rehearsal for positioning and patience; lactation consultant remains primary. | AAP: Breastfeeding |
| Fertility journey stress / IVF Adjunct advised | Reduces procedure anxiety, supports pacing through cycles, and protects partnership connection while medical care leads. | ASRM |
| PMS/PMDD coping Adjunct advised | Anticipatory calming and self-talk for mood/irritability; coordinate with medical management as indicated. | ACOG: PMS |
| Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) Adjunct advised | Muscle-release imagery and comfort attention for flare days; not a substitute for evaluation. | AAFP 2021 |
| Endometriosis pain coping Adjunct advised | Manages pain perception and stress reactivity; integrates with medical/surgical care. | ACOG |
| Pelvic floor relaxation Adjunct advised | Relearns release and safety with breath pacing and graded exposure; pairs with pelvic-health PT. | APTA Pelvic Health |
| Vaginismus / vestibulodynia Adjunct advised | Comfort-state rehearsal alongside dilators and PT; shifts fear–tension–pain cycles. | RACGP 2024 |
| Dyspareunia Adjunct advised | Relaxation, graded practice, and cognitive reframing; ensures medical assessment for causes. | AAFP 2021 |
| Sexual performance anxiety | Replaces performance worry with presence and connection; anchors pacing and recovery cues. | APA: Sexual health |
| Erectile confidence Adjunct advised | Addresses anticipatory worry and arousal control; medical evaluation per guidelines remains primary. | AUA ED guideline |
| Premature ejaculation Adjunct advised | Installs pause cues and arousal modulation; complements behavioral/medical strategies. | AUA resources |
Habits & Addictive Patterns
| Application | Description | Evidence & References |
|---|---|---|
| Smoking cessation Adjunct advised | Weakens cue-reactivity, trains urge surfing, and reinforces non-smoker identity; use with counseling/NRT/varenicline. | Cochrane • USPSTF |
| Vaping/chewing cessation Adjunct advised | Breaks micro-hit reward loops and oral fixation; replaces with soothing routines and identity-based motivation. | NCBI: Tobacco cessation |
| Alcohol moderation/abstinence Adjunct advised | Rehearses refusal language, values-aligned choices, and coping for cue-heavy settings; pair with AUD care as needed. | NIAAA |
| Cannabis moderation Adjunct advised | Clarifies intention vs. habit and builds alternative routines that deliver desired effects without automatic use. | SAMHSA |
| Opioid taper support Adjunct advised | Supports prescriber-guided tapers by lowering anxiety, pain distress, and rehearsing coping plans for difficult windows. | HHS taper guide |
| Caffeine reduction | Resets arousal expectations and morning rituals so energy comes from sleep, pacing, and breath—not repeated stimulants. | Sleep Foundation |
| Sugar/sweets control | Weakens “reach-and-eat” patterns and strengthens mindful choice, satiety cues, and non-food soothing. | AHA nutrition |
| Night snacking | Dials down evening cravings by linking winding-down cues to non-food comfort and delaying first-bite decisions. | Sleep–nutrition |
| Portion control | Installs “enough” signals and slow-eating rituals that reduce overshoot without moralizing food. | CDC: Portion size |
| Binge-eating urges Adjunct advised | Interrupts urge escalation, increases tolerance for uncomfortable sensations, and scripts compassionate recovery; integrate with ED-informed care. | NICE: Eating disorders |
| Weight management evidence mixed | Supports motivation, cue control, and maintenance when combined with nutrition/activity programs; present as adjunct. | Meta-analysis (CBT+Hypnosis) |
| Nail biting / skin picking / trich | Increases urge detection and pairs it with calm hands, competing responses, and identity-based motivation; complements HRT/CBT. | IOCDF |
| Gambling urges Adjunct advised | Detaches thrill from risk via urge-delay and values-based alternatives; within CBT/relapse planning. | NICE (harmful gambling) |
| Porn/gaming/social media compulsion | Builds quick state-shifts at trigger points and alternative activities; adds friction to automatic use. | WHO (gaming) • APA (social) |
| Overspending / compulsive buying | Slows impulse purchases with pause cues and vivid future-self imagery tied to budget wins. | CFPB |
Dental & Clinical Procedures
| Application | Description | Evidence & References |
|---|---|---|
| Dental anxiety | Targeted inductions reduce anticipatory anxiety and modulate sensations; improves cooperation with care. | Dental hypnosis review |
| Gag reflex control | Desensitization + breath timing and attention shifts reduce gag responses during procedures. | Review |
| Injection/filling/root canal calm | Time compression and sensory reinterpretation reduce anticipatory distress; supports local anesthesia. | Review |
| Orthodontic discomfort coping | Normalizes adjustment soreness and installs short comfort routines. | AAO patient info |
| Bruxism/TMD (adjunct) | Jaw relaxation and bedtime calm; **nightguard/physio** remain primary. | AAOM: TMD |
| Blood-draw calm | Scripts for check-in, needle moments, and rapid recovery; useful for routine labs. | CDC comfort strategies |
| Imaging stillness (MRI/CT) | Single-point focus and time compression to maintain stillness and calm during scans. | UCSF MRI tips |
| Colonoscopy prep calm Adjunct advised | Reduces anticipatory discomfort and reinforces cooperation with prep steps. | AGA patient resources |
| Dialysis/infusion session coping Adjunct advised | Installs comfort routines for long sittings, needle moments, and fatigue. | NKF: Dialysis |
| Oncology side-effect coping Adjunct advised | Eases treatment-related anxiety, nausea, and sleep disturbance; boosts sense of control. | Systematic review |
Pediatrics
| Application | Description | Evidence & References |
|---|---|---|
| Needle pain & distress | Age-tuned hypnosis reduces needle pain/procedural distress; often paired with distraction and parent coaching. | Meta-analysis |
| Medical coping (shots, scans) | Stories, imagery, and breath games reduce fear; kids learn a repeatable “I can do this.” | Umbrella review |
| Enuresis (bedwetting) Adjunct advised | Builds calm-wake cues and bladder awareness; supportive to alarms/behavioral protocols; medical evaluation as indicated. | AAFP 2022 |
| Encopresis/constipation Adjunct advised | Reduces fear and supports regularity with relaxation and positive practice alongside GI care. | NASPGHAN |
| Sleep (insomnia/night terrors) Adjunct advised | Bedtime safety imagery and predictable routines; parent coaching for soothing responses. | AAP: Sleep |
| ADHD focus support Adjunct advised | Short, repeatable routines for homework starts and sustained attention; complements clinician-guided care. | AAP: ADHD |
| Tics/habit reversal support Adjunct advised | Increases urge awareness and competing responses; to be used with behavioral guidance (CBIT/HRT). | Tourette Association |
| Test anxiety & school performance | Playful practice of recall, calm breathing, and “start buttons” that work on quiz day. | APA: Test anxiety |
| Sports confidence (youth) | Rehearses poise and fun performance; normalizes nerves as usable energy. | AASP |
Neuro & Rehab
| Application | Description | Evidence & References |
|---|---|---|
| Post-concussion coping Adjunct advised | Reduces symptom focus and stress reactivity; rehearses gradual return-to-activity steps. | CDC HEADS UP |
| Stroke recovery confidence Adjunct advised | Motor imagery and calm focus during PT/OT; supports motivation and pacing. | AHA/ASA rehab overview |
| Multiple sclerosis fatigue coping Adjunct advised | Energy budgeting and calm-state rest to manage fatigue alongside neurology care. | MS Society |
| Parkinson’s anxiety & freezing stress Adjunct advised | Breath pacing and focus cues to reduce anxiety around mobility; complements PT/medical therapy. | Parkinson’s Foundation |
| Phantom limb pain Adjunct advised | Imagery to alter cortical maps and discomfort; frequently paired with mirror therapy and rehab. | StatPearls |
| Chronic fatigue pacing (post-viral) Adjunct advised | Supports energy budgeting, restorative rest, and compassionate pacing; never a substitute for medical care. | CDC ME/CFS |
| Persistent dizziness (PPPD) coping Adjunct advised | Calm-state orientation and anxiety reduction while vestibular therapy addresses balance. | VeDA: PPPD |
Performance & Work
| Application | Description | Evidence & References |
|---|---|---|
| Athletics (game-day focus) | Anchors attentional resets and imagery to steady confidence and timing; complements coaching and practice. | AASP |
| Endurance (running/cycling) | Tunes breath/cadence, maintains easy effort focus, and rehearses late-race composure. | AASP |
| Precision (golf/archery) | Steadies tempo and reading under pressure using narrow-focus cues and reset routines. | AASP |
| Music/dance performance | Calms stage nerves and unlocks expressive flow; installs pre-piece focus and error recovery. | APA: Performance |
| Study skills & memory | Links learning states to retrieval cues; pairs spaced practice with calm access under pressure. | Learning Scientists |
| Focus & productivity | Narrows attention, reduces start friction, and rewards short sprints to build momentum; installs start/stop rituals. | APA: Motivation |
| Procrastination reset | Shrinks first steps and normalizes imperfect drafts; builds reliable “begin now” cues. | APA: Procrastination |
| Leadership presence & communication | Breath/voice/stance routines for clarity and warmth in high-stakes conversations. | HBR |
| Negotiation poise | Keeps perspective and creative options open while emotions stay regulated. | HBR |
| Remote work boundaries | Builds start/stop rituals around tasks and shields attention from context switching. | APA: Attention |
Relationships & Intimacy
| Application | Description | Evidence & References |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship communication | Builds calm listening and clear expression; reduces misinterpretation under stress; installs repair scripts. | APA |
| Conflict de-escalation | Slows reactions and protects dignity while moving toward solutions; anchors compassionate language. | APA (anger) |
| Attachment security & jealousy | Reframes threat stories and builds internal assurance to reduce surveillance and protest behaviors. | APA: Relationships |
| Boundary setting | Installs confident language and body cues for saying no without guilt; practices follow-through. | APA resources |
| Dating confidence | Strengthens worth, warmth, and ease so dates feel like conversations, not auditions; values-aligned boundaries. | APA |
| Co-parenting calm | Scripts for respectful logistics talks and triggers around schedules/discipline. | APA resources |
| Intimacy anxiety | Shifts from performance pressure to presence and connection; supports partner scripts. | APA: Sexual health |
Personal Growth
| Application | Description | Evidence & References |
|---|---|---|
| Self-worth & confidence | Rebuilds respectful inner voice and anchors a felt sense of capability into daily challenges. | APA: Self-esteem |
| Impostor syndrome & perfectionism | Normalizes learning curves, shrinks first steps, and reinforces compassionate standards that sustain progress. | APA resources |
| Identity reinvention | Future-self imagery plus small experiments to align actions with values while lowering risk. | APA: Identity |
| Motivation & habit formation | Uses mental contrasting and implementation intentions under calm focus to hard-wire routines. | APA: Goals |
| Time management & organization | Installs realistic planning and transition rituals that reduce context switching and overwhelm. | APA: Time management |
| Decluttering & environment design | Creates short, timed tidy zones and rewards completion to make order satisfying. | CHADD strategies |
| Decision-making clarity | Clears noise and amplifies values alignment; rehearses the first 24 hours after a decision. | APA: Decisions |
| Creative flow & writer’s block | Opens low-pressure sprints and quiets the inner critic so output increases and polish follows. | APA: Creativity |
| Self-compassion & resilience | Trains kinder self-talk and bounce-back routines that reduce avoidance after setbacks. | Research summary |
| Grief & transitions Adjunct advised | Regulates waves of emotion while reinforcing rest, connection, and meaning-making; refer if prolonged/impairing. | APA: Grief |
| Meditation depth & calm | Guided attention and breath make quiet, sustained presence easier to access; complements mindfulness practice. | NCCIH: Meditation |
| Financial discipline | Uses impulse-pause cues and vivid future-self imagery tied to budget milestones. | CFPB |
Travel & Misc
| Application | Description | Evidence & References |
|---|---|---|
| Travel anxiety (planes/cars/boats) | Rehearses smooth travel arcs and installs equilibrium cues to reduce worry and motion-linked discomfort. | NHS: Phobias |
| Motion sickness | Balance imagery and anticipatory calm, paired with seat/gaze/food strategies. | CDC Yellow Book |
| Fear of elevators/bridges/tunnels | Gradual exposure in calm state with clear exit/return plans to normalize passage. | NHS: Phobias |
| Public transport claustrophobia | Creates sense of space and breath pacing to ride crowded segments comfortably. | NHS: Phobias |
| Storm/firework sound reactivity | Installs calm plans and “sound neutrality” so loud events feel predictable and safe. | Ready.gov |
| Household safety checklists | Automates lock/stove/charger checks with easy end-of-day routines to reduce rumination. | CPSC |
| Language learning confidence | Reduces speaking anxiety and anchors relaxed articulation so conversations flow despite word-searches. | APA: Language |