What does the CNHC have to say about Hypnotherapy?

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Hypnotherapy is a skilled communication aimed at directing a person’s imagination in a way that

helps elicit changes in some perceptions, sensations, feelings, thoughts and behaviours.

In a typical hypnotherapy session the hypnotherapist and client will discuss the intended

alterations or therapeutic goals desired. The hypnotherapist will ask questions about previous

medical history, general health and lifestyle to decide on the best approach for the individual.

Hypnotherapy may be found to be helpful for those seeking relief from a range of problems and

is used alongside a person’s own willpower and motivation to seek a desired goal. It is often

used to help relieve anxiety, aid sleeping, help to address bedwetting, address attitudes to

weight, and help clients achieve behavioural change to stop smoking. It may also help with

minor skin conditions that are exacerbated by stress and confidence issues, and may also be

used to enhance performance in areas such as sport and public speaking. Hypnotherapy may

help people to cope with and manage the relief of perceived pain.

Hypnotherapy has also been used with both adults and children to help manage the pain

associated with irritable bowel. There is evidence to support its use in this condition for both

adults and children and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Guidance (NICE)

recommends the NHS should consider referring patients for hypnotherapy if their irritable bowel

is persistent and has failed to respond to simple prescribed medicine.

Choosing a practitioner

It is important to choose a qualified hypnotherapist who has undertaken all the necessary

training to understand the theory and practice of hypnotherapy.

You can check whether a hypnotherapist is registered with the Complementary & Natural

Healthcare Council (CNHC) by searching the register at www.cnhc.org.uk. By choosing

hypnotherapists registered with the CNHC you can be confident that they are properly trained,

qualified and insured.