HypnoNews

Is Hypnotherapy Safe? Side Effects, Risks, and Who Should Avoid It

Last updated: March 2026

A 2024 umbrella review of 49 meta-analyses — covering over 20 years of clinical trials — found that safety data were reported in fewer than half the included reviews. In those that did report safety outcomes, no serious adverse events were attributed to hypnosis (Rosendahl et al., 2024). A separate 2025 systematic review of 20 RCTs involving 1,250 patients found that adverse effects during hypnosis for invasive medical procedures were minimal (Walter et al., 2025).

So the short answer is: yes, hypnotherapy is generally safe — and considerably safer than many pharmacological alternatives. But “generally safe” isn’t the same as “safe for everyone in every context.” This guide covers what you actually need to know: what side effects are possible, who should avoid it, and how to spot a practitioner you should walk away from.

Table of Contents

What the research says about safety

Hypnotherapy has one of the better safety profiles among psychological interventions, largely because it doesn’t involve medication, invasive procedures, or loss of consciousness. The APA Division 30 defines hypnosis as a state of focused attention with enhanced suggestibility — not a state of unconsciousness or surrender of control (Elkins et al., 2015). You remain aware throughout, and you can open your eyes or stop the session at any time.

Across multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses, the consistent finding is that serious adverse events from clinical hypnosis are extremely rare. The Rosendahl et al. (2024) umbrella review — the most comprehensive analysis to date — noted that while safety monitoring was inconsistent across studies, no serious adverse events were documented in any of the included meta-analyses.

This doesn’t mean hypnotherapy is entirely without effects you might not expect. Minor, transient experiences are occasionally reported. But the distinction between a “side effect” and a normal part of the therapeutic process matters — and that’s worth understanding before your first session.

Possible side effects

The clinical literature and practitioner reports describe several experiences that some people encounter during or after hypnotherapy sessions. These are generally mild and short-lived.

Drowsiness or grogginess after a session is the most commonly reported experience. This is similar to what you might feel after a deep meditation or nap — your body was in a deeply relaxed state, and it takes a few minutes to fully re-orient. Walking around, having a glass of water, or giving yourself 10 minutes before driving usually resolves this.

Emotional responses during the session are not uncommon, particularly when working on anxiety, trauma-adjacent material, or deeply personal topics. Some people experience unexpected sadness, tearfulness, or the surfacing of memories they hadn’t thought about in years. This is generally considered a normal part of the therapeutic process — not a side effect — but it can feel surprising if you weren’t expecting it. A 2024 review noted that unwanted emotional effects may include the recollection of a traumatic memory, and that these responses may depend on the specific hypnotic techniques used (Sherwood et al., 2024).

Headache or dizziness occurs in a small number of people, typically resolving within an hour of the session ending. This is more commonly reported with deeper or longer inductions. Structured rapid techniques like the Dave Elman induction include built-in checks that help practitioners monitor depth throughout.

Difficulty with the emergence phase — feeling slightly disoriented or “foggy” immediately after being brought out of hypnosis — can happen if the emergence is too abrupt. Experienced practitioners use gradual techniques (counting up, progressive re-alerting) specifically to prevent this.

None of these are considered medically significant adverse events. They’re closer to what you might experience after an intense therapy session of any kind — a natural consequence of doing emotional or cognitive work in a deeply focused state.

Who should avoid hypnotherapy

While hypnotherapy is safe for the large majority of people, certain conditions may make it inappropriate or require additional caution.

People with psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder) should generally avoid hypnotherapy. The altered state of focused attention and suggestion could theoretically interact with psychotic symptoms in unpredictable ways. Most professional hypnotherapy organizations explicitly list active psychosis as a contraindication.

People with severe dissociative disorders should approach hypnotherapy with significant caution. Hypnosis involves a form of focused dissociation, and for individuals who already experience problematic dissociation (such as dissociative identity disorder), hypnotherapy could potentially worsen symptoms if not handled by a highly specialized clinician.

People with epilepsy that is poorly controlled should discuss hypnotherapy with their neurologist before proceeding. While there is no strong evidence that hypnosis triggers seizures, the relaxation and altered attention states involved warrant medical clearance.

People under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not undergo hypnotherapy. Altered consciousness from substances interferes with the focused attention that makes hypnosis work, and informed consent becomes problematic.

Children and adolescents require age-appropriate protocols and parental involvement. Hypnotherapy research in pediatric populations shows positive results — particularly for pain and anxiety — but it should only be delivered by practitioners trained in working with younger clients.

If you’re unsure whether hypnotherapy is appropriate for your situation, the safest step is to consult your primary healthcare provider before booking a session. For broader context on how hypnotherapy works and what to expect, see what hypnotherapy is and how it works.

Red flags in practitioners

The safety of hypnotherapy depends as much on the practitioner as on the technique itself. Hypnotherapy is not uniformly regulated — in many countries, anyone can call themselves a hypnotherapist. Knowing what to watch for protects you more than any other single factor.

Be cautious if a practitioner makes claims about curing specific medical conditions. Ethical hypnotherapists position their work as complementary to medical treatment, not a replacement for it. Anyone promising to eliminate your diagnosis is either uninformed or dishonest.

Walk away if a practitioner discourages you from seeing other healthcare providers or suggests you stop medication. This is a serious ethical violation regardless of the therapeutic modality.

Question practitioners who cannot clearly explain their training, qualifications, or approach. A legitimate hypnotherapist should be transparent about where they trained, how long they’ve been practicing, and what professional bodies they belong to.

Be wary of practitioners who pressure you into long prepaid treatment packages before you’ve had a single session. It’s reasonable to commit to 2–3 sessions as a trial — it’s not reasonable to pay for 20 upfront. For guidance on typical session ranges, see how many sessions do you need.

Ask about their experience with your specific issue. A hypnotherapist who specializes in smoking cessation may not be the best fit for trauma-related anxiety. Specialization matters in hypnotherapy just as it does in any other therapeutic field.

How to verify credentials

Because regulation varies by country, here are the professional bodies whose membership indicates legitimate training.

In the US, the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) requires members to hold a healthcare license (psychology, medicine, nursing, social work, dentistry) in addition to completing ASCH-approved hypnosis training. The Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH) has similar requirements.

In the UK, the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BSCH) and the British Society of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis (BSCAH) both require members to be registered healthcare professionals.

In Australia, the Australian Society of Hypnosis (ASH) requires members to hold qualifications in medicine, psychology, dentistry, or a related healthcare profession.

A common pattern across countries: the most credible hypnotherapy organizations require their members to be licensed healthcare professionals first, with hypnotherapy training as an additional qualification. This is a useful filter. Membership in a lay hypnotherapy organization (which may have minimal training requirements) is a weaker signal of competence than membership in a professional healthcare body.

If your practitioner doesn’t belong to any recognized professional body, that doesn’t automatically mean they’re incompetent — but it means you have no external validation of their training. For some people that’s acceptable; for others, particularly those dealing with clinical anxiety, trauma, or medical conditions, it’s an unnecessary risk.

Self-hypnosis and app safety

Self-hypnosis — practiced independently or through apps — carries even fewer risks than practitioner-led hypnotherapy, primarily because you maintain full control throughout the process. There is no one else introducing suggestions, and you can stop at any time. The main risk with self-practice is unrealistic expectations leading to frustration, not physical or psychological harm. Research indicates that self-hypnosis is most effective when learned as a structured skill with at least three practice sessions (Eason & Parris, 2019). Hypnotherapy apps from established providers (such as Reveri, developed by Stanford researchers, or clinical apps like Nerva for IBS) follow evidence-based protocols and are designed with safety in mind. However, the app market is unregulated — not every app labeled “hypnosis” uses clinically validated approaches. For guidance on choosing quality apps, see our best hypnotherapy apps guide. One practical safety note: avoid practicing self-hypnosis while driving, operating machinery, or in any situation where reduced alertness could be dangerous. For step-by-step techniques you can practice safely at home, see our self-hypnosis techniques guide. For the broader evidence on whether hypnotherapy delivers results, see does hypnotherapy actually work?

Frequently asked questions

Can you get "stuck" in hypnosis?
No. This is one of the most persistent myths about hypnosis, and it has no basis in clinical evidence. Hypnosis is a state of focused attention, not a state you can be trapped in. If the hypnotherapist were to suddenly leave the room, you would either naturally emerge on your own or transition into normal sleep, from which you’d wake normally. No clinical trial or case study has documented someone becoming permanently “stuck” in a hypnotic state.
No. You retain awareness and agency throughout hypnosis. You cannot be made to act against your values, reveal information you want to keep private, or perform actions that violate your sense of self. Stage hypnosis shows create the impression of control, but those rely on social pressure and willing participation, not actual loss of volition.
Research indicates that hypnosis during pregnancy and childbirth is generally safe. A Cochrane review of hypnosis for pain management in labor found no adverse effects for mothers or babies. However, as with any intervention during pregnancy, discuss it with your obstetrician or midwife first.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have a pre-existing mental health condition or are uncertain whether hypnotherapy is appropriate for you, consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning treatment.

Sources

1. Rosendahl, J., Alldredge, C. T., & Haddenhorst, A. (2024). Meta-analytic evidence on the efficacy of hypnosis for mental and somatic health issues: a 20-year perspective. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1330238. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1330238

2. Walter, N., et al. (2025). Hypnosis as a non-pharmacological intervention for invasive medical procedures — systematic review and meta-analytic update. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 192, 112117. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2025.112117

3. Elkins, G. R., Barabasz, A. F., Council, J. R., & Spiegel, D. (2015). Advancing research and practice: The revised APA Division 30 definition of hypnosis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 63(1), 1–9. DOI: 10.1080/00207144.2014.961870

4. Sherwood (Leo), A., et al. (2024). “Close your eyes and relax”: the role of hypnosis in reducing anxiety, and its implications for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1411835. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1411835

5. Eason, A. D., & Parris, B. A. (2019). Clinical applications of self-hypnosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice. DOI: 10.1037/cns0000173

This website is for informational and educational purposes only. The content on HypnoNews does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new therapy, including hypnotherapy.