What the research actually shows about hypnosis for PTSD
Hypnosis is more than surface-level relaxation.
Research shows it can reduce PTSD symptoms. Meta-analyses (studies of a number of studies) report large effects for hypnosis-based treatments.
What randomized trials and reviews found
Randomized studies show add-on hypnotherapy improves core PTSD symptoms compared with control conditions, and sleep-directed hypnosis added to cognitive processing therapy improves sleep—one of the issues related to PTSD.
Recent studies conclude hypnosis is suitable for down-regulating arousal and works well with to accelerate other therapies.
How hypnosis compares with first-line therapies
Hypnosis is often used to prepare the nervous system, target insomnia, reduce avoidance, and enhance imagery-based processing inside other therapies. Think “both-and,” not “either-or.” I use hypnotherapy to accelerate OEI therapy, which has evolved from EDMR, a strongly recommended treatments for trauma.
When hypnosis helps most
Hypnosis tends to help with hyperarousal, insomnia, nightmares, pain, and stuck avoidance. It can also support memory reconsolidation work to help put memories into the past. Further studies over 20 years, across mental and somatic conditions show medium-to-large benefits for hypnosis overall.
Also read: How hypnosis helps the traumatized brain rewire after trauma – available soon.
Listen, are you breathing just a little and calling it a life?
-Mary Oliver






















































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