In 1970, Alfred Barrios helped bring hypnosis into mainstream credibility by comparing its effectiveness to other common therapies. After reviewing over 1,000 studies and articles, he found:

• Hypnotherapy showed a 93% success rate after just 6 sessions

• Behavioral therapy had a 72% success rate after 22 sessions

• Psychoanalytic therapy showed only a 38% success rate after 600 sessions

Barrios concluded that hypnosis is not only highly effective, but also more efficient, often requiring fewer sessions than other methods.

 

In 2024, Jenny Rosendahl and colleagues published a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining the effectiveness of hypnosis for both mental and physical health conditions. This systematic review offers strong evidence supporting the clinical use of hypnosis across a wide range of issues. Key findings include (Rosendahl et. al):​

• The vast majority (99.2%) of outcomes demonstrated positive effects

• The strongest results were seen in children and adolescents, in pain management, and in supporting medical procedures.

The evidence strongly supports hypnosis as a valuable therapeutic tool. Mental health professionals and medical providers are encouraged to consider the use and referral of hypnosis interventions. 

​​​

In 2014 Daniel P Kohen et. al., published "Clinical Hypnosis with Children and Adolescents—What? Why? How?: Origins, Applications, and Efficacy" 

The field of pediatric hypnosis has blossomed in many ways over time:

1. Emphasis on the child’s creativity, imagination, and individual perspective.

2. A collaborative, interactive experience-more like a dance, with shared leadership between hypnotist and child.

3. Open, collaborative exchange within a global community of practitioners.

4. Flexible, individualized suggestions tailored to each child's needs, strengths, and interests. 

 

Study identifies brain areas altered during hypnotic trances By Sarah Williams

By scanning the brains of subjects while they were hypnotized, researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine were able to see the neural changes associated with hypnosis.

​

"It's a very powerful means of changing the way we use our minds to control perception and our bodies."

​