Hypnosis has a history stretching back thousands of years. Versions of it appeared in sleep temples in Ancient Greece and Rome. Today, modern hypnotherapy is evidence-based and widely recognised. It is an invaluable tool for both anxiety and stress management.

I also consider it essential for burnout prevention and recovery. This includes chronic stress, burnout, and burnout syndrome. In the UK, hypnotherapy is endorsed by the British Medical Association and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE). In the US, it is endorsed by both the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Psychological Association (APA). So, what exactly is it?

Simply put, hypnotherapy is therapy conducted in a hypnotic state. It has clinical, medical, dental, psychotherapeutic, coaching, and spiritual applications. Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness. It is similar to daydreaming or becoming absorbed in a good book. Therefore, the therapeutic work takes place within this focused, trance-like state.

The Power of Suggestion

During hypnosis, your mind becomes more responsive to positive suggestion. This is especially true when suggestions align with goals you already want to achieve. As a result, change can feel both natural and manageable.

If you want suggestions that increase calm and control, you can have them. Likewise, you can receive suggestions that support anxiety management and stress regulation. You can also use hypnosis to step back from the edge of burnout. That makes it a powerful tool for burnout prevention and recovery.

In fact, hypnotherapy can help with a wide range of challenges. I explore this in more detail in another post on my website. I also wrote a book on the subject. It is called How to Cope With Almost Anything with Hypnotherapy (Bloomsbury). The book focuses on wellbeing and resilience. It includes 23 downloadable hypnosis sessions and won a wellness award.

A few years ago, hypnotherapy helped people cope during Covid. It can also ease symptoms of Long Covid. In addition, it works well for pain management. This includes post-surgical pain and chronic conditions. Examples include chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, burnout, and chest pain.

Hypnotherapy is also effective when delivered online. While this became essential during the pandemic, I had used it this way for years before. All you need is a reliable connection and a comfortable chair. Many clients prefer headphones or earbuds for a more immersive experience.

Unfortunately, hypnotherapy attracts myths and misconceptions. I have addressed many of these in an article I wrote for Psychology Today. Clearing up these misunderstandings helps people engage with treatment more confidently.

I have worked with hypnotherapy in clinical practice since 2003. I am accredited with the National Hypnotherapy Society and the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis. This ensures safe, ethical, and evidence-based work.

Hypnotherapy also integrates well with other approaches. These include CBT, solution-focused therapy, and compassion-focused therapy. It works particularly well alongside rational emotive behaviour therapy. Together, they form an effective programme for anxiety management, stress management, and burnout prevention and recovery.