Effectiveness of Cognitive Hypnotherapy in Mental Diorders: A Systematic Review (2018–2023)
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May 23, 2026
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Abstract
Hypnotherapy is a growing field within psychology. However, its effectiveness in treating mental health disorders was last reviewed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) in 2018. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the evidence from 2018 to 2023 and determine the effectiveness of cognitive hypnotherapy. The methodology followed the PRISMA guidelines and the relevant Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. A total of six papers were identified as meeting the criteria. Significant symptom reduction was observed in five studies, and cognitive hypno- therapy was reported to be as effective as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in treating depression. The review suggests that hypnotherapy is a viable treatment option. Despite contrasting results from Rousseaux et al. (2022), the review highlights that tailored, interactive approaches may enhance the benefits of cognitive hypnotherapy. Future research should examine the effectiveness of different hypnotherapy techniques to determine whether certain hypnotherapeu- tic techniques are associated with different therapeutic outcomes.
References
Alladin, A., & Alibhai, A. (2007). Cognitive Hypnotherapy for Depression: An Empirical Investigation. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(2), 147–166. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207140601177897
Ardian, J. (2022). Indonesian Society’s Perception Of Hypnotherapy Compared To Other Types Of Psychotherapy: A Potential And Challenge. Journal of Psychiatry Psychology and Behavioral Research, 3(2), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.21776/ub.jppbr.2022.003.02.1
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health. (2013). Australian Guidelines for the Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder. ACMPH, Melbourne, Victoria. https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/212971/Australian-guidelines-treatment-acute-stress-posttraumatic-disorder.pdf
Australian Psychological Society. (2018). Evidence-based Psychological Interventions FOURTH EDITION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. https://psychology.org.au/getmedia/23c6a11b-2600-4e19-9a1d-6ff9c2f26fae/evidence-based-psych-interventions.pdf
Bastek, V., & Vliet. M. V. (2023). A whole new world of healing: exploring medical hypnotherapy for pediatric patients. European Journal of Pediatrics, 182(7), 3021–3032. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-023-04983-5
Brooker, E. (2018). Music performance anxiety: A clinical outcome study into the effects of cognitive hypnotherapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing in advanced pianists. Psychology of Music, 46(1), 107–124. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735617703473
Bryant, R. A., Moulds, M. L., Nixon, R. D. V., Mastrodomenico, J., Felmingham, K., & Hopwood, S. (2006). Hypnotherapy and cognitive behaviour therapy of acute stress disorder: A 3-year follow-up. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44(9), 1331–1335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2005.04.007
Ersan. E. (2020). The Effect of Hypnotherapy on Depression and Anxiety Levels in Obesity Patients. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 23(3), 343-351. https://doi.org/10.5505/kpd.2020.41196
Fuhr, K., Bender, A., Wiegand, A., Janouch, P., Drujan, M., Cyrny, B., Schweizer, C., Kreifelts, B., Nieratschker, V., & Batra, A. (2023). Hypnotherapy for agoraphobia—Feasibility and efficacy investigated in a pilot study. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1213792
Fuhr, K., Meisner, C., Broch, A., Cyrny, B., Hinkel, J., Jaberg, J., Petrasch, M., Schweizer, C., Stiegler, A., Zeep, C., & Batra, A. (2021). Efficacy of hypnotherapy compared to cognitive behavioral therapy for mild to moderate depression - Results of a randomized controlled rater-blind clinical trial. Journal of Affective Disorders, 286, 166–173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.02.069
Golden, W. L. (2012). Cognitive Hypnotherapy for Anxiety Disorders. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 54(4), 263–274. https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.2011.650333
Golden, W. L. (2007). Cognitive-Behavioral Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome-Induced Agoraphobia. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(2), 131–146. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207140601177889
Gonsalkorale, W. M., Toner, B. B., & Whorwell, P. J. (2004). Cognitive change in patients undergoing hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 56(3), 271–278. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-3999(03)00076-x
Haipt, A., Rosenbaum, D., Fuhr, K., Giese, M., Batra, A., & Ehlis, A.-C. (2022). The effects of hypnotherapy compared to cognitive behavioral therapy in depression: a NIRS-study using an emotional gait paradigm. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 272, 729-739. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-021-01348-7
Hypnotherapy Council of Australia – Australia’s Peak Body For Hypnotherapy. (n.d.). Retrieved February 9, 2024, from https://hypnotherapycouncilofaustralia.com
Jong, M. C., Boers, I., Van Wietmarschen, H. A., Tromp, E., Busari, J. O., Wennekes, R., Snoeck, I., Bekhof, J., & Vlieger, A. M. (2019). Hypnotherapy or transcendental meditation versus progressive muscle relaxation exercises in the treatment of children with primary headaches: a multi-centre, pragmatic, randomised clinical study. European Journal of Pediatrics, 178(2), 147–154. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-018-3270-3
Khazraee, H., Bakhtiari, M., Kianimoghadam, A. S., & Ghorbanikhah, E. (2023). The Effectiveness of Mindful Hypnotherapy on Depression, Self-Compassion, and Psychological Inflexibility in Females with Major Depressive Disorder: A Single-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 71(1), 63–78. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2022.2160257
Krouwel, M., Farley, A., Greenfield, S., Ismail, T., & Jolly, K. (2021). Systematic review, meta-analysis with subgroup analysis of hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome, effect of intervention characteristics. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 57(102672), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102672
Krouwel, M., Greenfield, S., Farley, A., Ismail, T., & Jolly, K. (2018). Factors which affect the efficacy of hypnotherapy for IBS: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-regression. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 21, 58–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2018.06.003
Lindfors, P., Ljótsson, B., Bjornsson, E., Abrahamsson, H., & Simrén, M. (2012). Patient satisfaction after gut-directed hypnotherapy in irritable bowel syndrome. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 25(2), 169-186. https://doi.org/10.1111/nmo.12022
Lupu, V., Matu, S., & Lupu, I. R. (2019). Cognitive-Behavioural Hypnotherapy Augmented With Virtual Reality Exposure In Flight Phobia: A Case Study. Journal of Evidence - Based Psychotherapies, 19(1), 49-57. http://ezproxy.lib.uts.edu.au/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/cognitive-behavioral-hypnotherapy-augmented-with/docview/2299164648/se-2
Page, M.J., McKenzie, J.E., Bossuyt, P.M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T.C., & Mulrow, C.D. (2020). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. The BMJ, 372:71. doi: 10.1136/bmj.n71
Page, M.J., McKenzie, J.E., Bossuyt, P.M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T.C., Mulrow, C.D., Shameseer, L…. McKenzie, J.E. (2021). PRISMA 2020 explanation and elaboration: updated guidance and exemplars for reporting systematic reviews. The BMJ, 372:160. doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n160
Rotaru, T.-Ș., & Rusu, A. (2016). A Meta-Analysis for the Efficacy of Hypnotherapy in Alleviating PTSD Symptoms. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 64(1), 116–136. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2015.1099406
Rousseaux, F., Dardenne, N., Massion, P. B., Ledoux, D., Bicego, A., Donneau, A.-F., Faymonville, M.-E., Nyssen, A.-S., & Vanhaudenhuyse, A. (2021). Virtual reality and hypnosis for anxiety and pain management in intensive care units. European Journal of Anaesthesiology, 39(1), 58–66. https://doi.org/10.1097/eja.0000000000001633
Rutten, J. M. T. M., Reitsma, J. B., Vlieger, A. M., & Benninga, M. A. (2013). Gut-directed hypnotherapy for functional abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome in children: a systematic review. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 98(4), 252–257. https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2012-302906
Schlarb, A., Friedrich, A., & Claben, M. (2017). Sleep problems in university students – an intervention. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 13, 1989–2001. https://doi.org/10.2147/ndt.s142067
Vagnoli, L., Bettini, A., Amore, E., De Masi, S., & Messeri, A. (2019). Relaxation-guided imagery reduces perioperative anxiety and pain in children: a randomized study. European Journal of Pediatrics, 178(6), 913–921. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-019-03376-x
Wofford, N., Snyder, M., Corlett, C. E., & Elkins, G. (2023). Systematic Review of Hypnotherapy for Sleep and Sleep Disturbance. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 71(3), 176–215. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2023.2226177
Ardian, J. (2022). Indonesian Society’s Perception Of Hypnotherapy Compared To Other Types Of Psychotherapy: A Potential And Challenge. Journal of Psychiatry Psychology and Behavioral Research, 3(2), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.21776/ub.jppbr.2022.003.02.1
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health. (2013). Australian Guidelines for the Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder. ACMPH, Melbourne, Victoria. https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/212971/Australian-guidelines-treatment-acute-stress-posttraumatic-disorder.pdf
Australian Psychological Society. (2018). Evidence-based Psychological Interventions FOURTH EDITION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. https://psychology.org.au/getmedia/23c6a11b-2600-4e19-9a1d-6ff9c2f26fae/evidence-based-psych-interventions.pdf
Bastek, V., & Vliet. M. V. (2023). A whole new world of healing: exploring medical hypnotherapy for pediatric patients. European Journal of Pediatrics, 182(7), 3021–3032. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-023-04983-5
Brooker, E. (2018). Music performance anxiety: A clinical outcome study into the effects of cognitive hypnotherapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing in advanced pianists. Psychology of Music, 46(1), 107–124. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735617703473
Bryant, R. A., Moulds, M. L., Nixon, R. D. V., Mastrodomenico, J., Felmingham, K., & Hopwood, S. (2006). Hypnotherapy and cognitive behaviour therapy of acute stress disorder: A 3-year follow-up. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44(9), 1331–1335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2005.04.007
Ersan. E. (2020). The Effect of Hypnotherapy on Depression and Anxiety Levels in Obesity Patients. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 23(3), 343-351. https://doi.org/10.5505/kpd.2020.41196
Fuhr, K., Bender, A., Wiegand, A., Janouch, P., Drujan, M., Cyrny, B., Schweizer, C., Kreifelts, B., Nieratschker, V., & Batra, A. (2023). Hypnotherapy for agoraphobia—Feasibility and efficacy investigated in a pilot study. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1213792
Fuhr, K., Meisner, C., Broch, A., Cyrny, B., Hinkel, J., Jaberg, J., Petrasch, M., Schweizer, C., Stiegler, A., Zeep, C., & Batra, A. (2021). Efficacy of hypnotherapy compared to cognitive behavioral therapy for mild to moderate depression - Results of a randomized controlled rater-blind clinical trial. Journal of Affective Disorders, 286, 166–173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.02.069
Golden, W. L. (2012). Cognitive Hypnotherapy for Anxiety Disorders. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 54(4), 263–274. https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.2011.650333
Golden, W. L. (2007). Cognitive-Behavioral Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome-Induced Agoraphobia. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(2), 131–146. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207140601177889
Gonsalkorale, W. M., Toner, B. B., & Whorwell, P. J. (2004). Cognitive change in patients undergoing hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 56(3), 271–278. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-3999(03)00076-x
Haipt, A., Rosenbaum, D., Fuhr, K., Giese, M., Batra, A., & Ehlis, A.-C. (2022). The effects of hypnotherapy compared to cognitive behavioral therapy in depression: a NIRS-study using an emotional gait paradigm. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 272, 729-739. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-021-01348-7
Hypnotherapy Council of Australia – Australia’s Peak Body For Hypnotherapy. (n.d.). Retrieved February 9, 2024, from https://hypnotherapycouncilofaustralia.com
Jong, M. C., Boers, I., Van Wietmarschen, H. A., Tromp, E., Busari, J. O., Wennekes, R., Snoeck, I., Bekhof, J., & Vlieger, A. M. (2019). Hypnotherapy or transcendental meditation versus progressive muscle relaxation exercises in the treatment of children with primary headaches: a multi-centre, pragmatic, randomised clinical study. European Journal of Pediatrics, 178(2), 147–154. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-018-3270-3
Khazraee, H., Bakhtiari, M., Kianimoghadam, A. S., & Ghorbanikhah, E. (2023). The Effectiveness of Mindful Hypnotherapy on Depression, Self-Compassion, and Psychological Inflexibility in Females with Major Depressive Disorder: A Single-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 71(1), 63–78. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2022.2160257
Krouwel, M., Farley, A., Greenfield, S., Ismail, T., & Jolly, K. (2021). Systematic review, meta-analysis with subgroup analysis of hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome, effect of intervention characteristics. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 57(102672), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102672
Krouwel, M., Greenfield, S., Farley, A., Ismail, T., & Jolly, K. (2018). Factors which affect the efficacy of hypnotherapy for IBS: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-regression. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 21, 58–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2018.06.003
Lindfors, P., Ljótsson, B., Bjornsson, E., Abrahamsson, H., & Simrén, M. (2012). Patient satisfaction after gut-directed hypnotherapy in irritable bowel syndrome. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 25(2), 169-186. https://doi.org/10.1111/nmo.12022
Lupu, V., Matu, S., & Lupu, I. R. (2019). Cognitive-Behavioural Hypnotherapy Augmented With Virtual Reality Exposure In Flight Phobia: A Case Study. Journal of Evidence - Based Psychotherapies, 19(1), 49-57. http://ezproxy.lib.uts.edu.au/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/cognitive-behavioral-hypnotherapy-augmented-with/docview/2299164648/se-2
Page, M.J., McKenzie, J.E., Bossuyt, P.M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T.C., & Mulrow, C.D. (2020). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. The BMJ, 372:71. doi: 10.1136/bmj.n71
Page, M.J., McKenzie, J.E., Bossuyt, P.M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T.C., Mulrow, C.D., Shameseer, L…. McKenzie, J.E. (2021). PRISMA 2020 explanation and elaboration: updated guidance and exemplars for reporting systematic reviews. The BMJ, 372:160. doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n160
Rotaru, T.-Ș., & Rusu, A. (2016). A Meta-Analysis for the Efficacy of Hypnotherapy in Alleviating PTSD Symptoms. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 64(1), 116–136. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2015.1099406
Rousseaux, F., Dardenne, N., Massion, P. B., Ledoux, D., Bicego, A., Donneau, A.-F., Faymonville, M.-E., Nyssen, A.-S., & Vanhaudenhuyse, A. (2021). Virtual reality and hypnosis for anxiety and pain management in intensive care units. European Journal of Anaesthesiology, 39(1), 58–66. https://doi.org/10.1097/eja.0000000000001633
Rutten, J. M. T. M., Reitsma, J. B., Vlieger, A. M., & Benninga, M. A. (2013). Gut-directed hypnotherapy for functional abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome in children: a systematic review. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 98(4), 252–257. https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2012-302906
Schlarb, A., Friedrich, A., & Claben, M. (2017). Sleep problems in university students – an intervention. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 13, 1989–2001. https://doi.org/10.2147/ndt.s142067
Vagnoli, L., Bettini, A., Amore, E., De Masi, S., & Messeri, A. (2019). Relaxation-guided imagery reduces perioperative anxiety and pain in children: a randomized study. European Journal of Pediatrics, 178(6), 913–921. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-019-03376-x
Wofford, N., Snyder, M., Corlett, C. E., & Elkins, G. (2023). Systematic Review of Hypnotherapy for Sleep and Sleep Disturbance. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 71(3), 176–215. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2023.2226177
Article Details
Keywords:
Hypnotherapy, Cognitive Hypnotherapy, Mental Health Disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, Phobia, Systematic Review, PRISMA, RCT, Evidence-Based Practice, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, Complementary Therapies, Clinical Hypnosis
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How to Cite
Khachumovaa, A. ., & White, D. (2026). Effectiveness of Cognitive Hypnotherapy in Mental Diorders: A Systematic Review (2018–2023). Graduate Student Journal of Psychology, 26. https://doi.org/10.52214/gsjp.v26i.13938