Does hypnotherapy work?

Sit back and relax. Close your eyes. Imagine you're sitting on a calm beach. Now, do you feel more open to suggestion?

Hypnotherapy has been around for centuries, and you might've heard about it being used for everything from PTSD to addiction and even IBS.

Norman and Tegan guide us through the evidence for using hypnosis in a therapeutic setting, and whether there are any downsides.

References:

Brain Activity and Functional Connectivity Associated with Hypnosis

Not everyone can be hypnotized - and researchers are one step closer to understanding why

Functional Brain Basis of Hypnotizability

A Systematic Review of Hypnosis for Clinical Pain Relief

The effectiveness of hypnosis for pain relief: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 85 controlled experimental trials

Hypnosis as a non-pharmacological intervention for invasive medical procedures - A systematic review and meta-analytic update

Gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS: what is it and what are the options?

Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis