People sometimes ask “ what are the negative effects of Hypnotherapy? ”

What are the negative effects of Hypnotherapy?

Firstly, just to be clear, if I thought Hypnotherapy routinely had lots of negative effects, obviously I wouldn’t use it. The purpose of training to become a Qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist is to ensure that I use Hypnotherapy safely. But beyond that, if I didn’t believe Hypnotherapy was essentially safe and beneficial, I wouldn’t have training to deliver it. I experienced and benefited from Hypnotherapy before I decided to train.

Hypnotherapy has been gaining recognition as a treatment for the symptoms of medical conditions in recent years. This recognition is partly based on the fact that it is safe, and effective. It doesn’t involve drugs or surgery and can run alongside other treatments safely. Because it involves the use of natural trance states, states which are part of our normal day to day life, Hypnotherapy is using what we do naturally to help us adapt our physical mental and emotional processes.

Having said all of this it’s it’s only fair to say that some individuals may have concerns about potential negative effects. In this blog I’m hoping to put those minds at rest and explode some of the myths about potential risks of hypnotherapy and show how to ensure its safe and beneficial use.

One of the main concerns people have about hypnotherapy is that it can be used as a form of ‘mind control’ to manipulate someone’s thoughts or behavior. However, it is always the client who is in control during a hypnotherapy session. As a therapist I cannot make you do anything they do not want to do or reveal anything you do not want to reveal. The client is fully aware of their surroundings and can come out of the trance state at any time. Therefore, hypnotherapy is a safe and ethical practice when performed by a trained and qualified therapist. A therapist like me. If you would like to check my credentials visit my listing at the National Council for Hypnotherapy 

Another concern that is sometimes expressed is the possibility of creating false memories. In a trance state, the client may be more open to new ways of thinking, but that’s a long way from giving the therapist the ability to implant totally false or distorted memories. This theme was discussed extensively in the media for a while, but ultimately there is little or no evidence for it happening. In our training we are taught to use neutral language and avoid leading questions, what’s Calle ‘clean language’ to avoid leading the client. Also the client’s subconscious mind has a powerful ability to distinguish between true memories and false ones. Therefore, hypnotherapy is highly unlikely to create false memories, in fact quite the opposite. Hypnotherapy can encourage a client’s unconscious mind to allow memories to emerge, and distinguish between fantasy and reality.

Lastly, some people have asked me if hypnotherapy can have negative side effects such as headaches, nausea, or dizziness. However, hypnotherapy is non-invasive. that does not involve any medication or physical interventions. Therefore, it is highly unlikely to cause any physical side effects. Moreover, hypnotherapy has been shown to have positive effects on many physical and mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and irritable bowel syndrome.

So it’s my view that hypnotherapy is a safe and beneficial therapy when used appropriately. It is important to choose a qualified and experienced hypnotherapist who follows ethical and professional standards. A good hypnotherapist will always respect your autonomy, avoid leading questions, and use neutral language. Moreover, hypnotherapy is unlikely to create false memories or cause physical side effects when used appropriately. If you are considering hypnotherapy, do some research, talk to your GP, give me a call. I’ll be happy to talk about any concerns you might have.