Is Hypnosis Dangerous for Anxiety?

15 Aug

Written By OLIP THERAPY - Online and In Person Therapy

Understanding the safety profile of hypnotherapy is essential for anyone considering it as a treatment for anxiety. In this post, we’ll explore what hypnosis involves, examine UK‑specific data on anxiety, review the evidence on adverse effects, and explain why, in the hands of a qualified practitioner, hypnotherapy is an overwhelmingly safe and effective option for managing anxiety.

Anxiety in the UK: A Snapshot

Anxiety remains one of the most common mental health challenges in Britain:

In the latest quarter (October–December 2024), 22.6% of UK adults reported high levels of anxiety - higher than any quarter between 2015 and 2019 .
Women consistently report higher anxiety than men, with 37.1% of women and 29.9% of men indicating elevated anxiety in 2022/23.
Every week in England, 6 in 100 people are diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) .

These figures underscore the need for a range of evidence‑based treatments—including hypnotherapy, which many find a valuable addition to their self‑care and therapeutic toolkit.

What Is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis (or hypnotherapy) is a structured, trance‑like state of focused attention, facilitated by a trained practitioner. In this state, clients remain fully conscious but are more open to positive suggestion and guided imagery, helping them to:

Reframe anxious thoughts
Establish calmer behavioural responses
Access coping strategies stored in the subconscious mind
In the UK, the British Society of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis (BSCAH) sets standards for training and ethical practice, ensuring practitioners follow rigorous guidelines to keep clients safe and supported .

Examining the Risks: What Does the Evidence Say?

Frequency and Nature of Adverse Effects

A review of clinical trials found just 0.47% of sessions reported any form of adverse event, on a par with many low‑risk medical procedures.
In an international survey of hypnotherapists, 44.7% of clinicians reported zero clients experiencing adverse effects, and most reported only short‑lived reactions such as mild headache, dizziness or transient anxiety .

Common, Mild Side Effects

While very rare, short‑term reactions can include:

Headache or lightheadedness immediately post‑session
Emotional release or tearfulness, as deep‑rooted feelings surface
Temporary confusion or grogginess

These effects typically resolve within hours and are far less severe than potential side effects of some pharmacological treatments, such as drowsiness or gastrointestinal upset.

Why Serious Harm Is Extremely Unlikely

Professional standards: Accredited hypnotherapists undergo intensive training in client assessment, contraindications (e.g. severe psychosis) and crisis management.
Non‑invasive process: Hypnosis involves no medication or medical procedures.
Client consent and collaboration: Sessions begin with a full intake and informed consent, ensuring clients set the pace and scope of the work.

Who Should Avoid Hypnosis?

Although hypnotherapy is suitable for most adults with anxiety, it may not be appropriate for:

Individuals with active psychosis or certain personality disorders
Those with unmanaged post‑traumatic stress, unless integrated into specialist care
Clients seeking mind‑control fantasies - hypnosis is collaborative, not coercive

A thorough pre‑session assessment by a qualified hypnotherapist will identify any contraindications.

Your Next Steps: Embracing Safe, Effective Anxiety Relief

If you have been asking yourself, “Is hypnosis dangerous for anxiety?”, the evidence is clear: no- provided you work with a properly trained, accredited practitioner. Hypnotherapy offers non‑invasive, low‑risk support that can be tailored to your individual needs and integrated with other therapies or lifestyle changes.

At OLIP Therapy, all of our hypnotherapists are fully trained, experienced and members of a professional body. We combine compassionate, client‑centred care, online or in-person, seven days a week at a time to suit you. Our evidence‑based techniques will help you: