In recent years, online hypnosis has become an increasingly popular choice for individuals seeking support for a range of psychological and behavioural concerns. From reducing anxiety to improving sleep and overcoming habits like smoking, hypnosis is a well-established therapeutic approach. But does online hypnosis offer the same benefits as in-person sessions? The evidence suggests that it does—and in some cases, it may even be more effective.

The Effectiveness of Online Hypnosis

Research indicates that online psychological therapies can be as effective as face-to-face sessions. A systematic review by Andrews et al. (2018) found that internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) was as beneficial as in-person therapy for a variety of mental health conditions.

Additionally, online hypnosis has shown promise in smoking cessation. A field study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic evaluated online hypnosis for smoking cessation, where participants attended two online group hypnosis sessions and had access to additional audio resources. After six months, 86% of participants who adhered to the intervention protocol remained smoke-free (Gilch & Wojak, 2021). These findings suggest that online hypnosis can be an effective tool for behaviour change, even in a remote setting.

Accessibility and Convenience

One of the most significant benefits of online hypnosis is accessibility. Many individuals seeking hypnotherapy may have difficulty accessing an in-person service due to geographical location, mobility issues, or time constraints. Online hypnosis removes these barriers, allowing clients to engage in therapy from the comfort of their own home.

A study by Carlbring et al. (2018) found that individuals who received internet-based interventions had higher engagement and completion rates compared to those attending face-to-face sessions. This suggests that online hypnosis may improve adherence to treatment, leading to better long-term outcomes.

Maintaining a Safe and Comfortable Environment

Being in a familiar setting can enhance the effectiveness of hypnosis. For many people, relaxation is easier to achieve in their own home, where they feel safe and comfortable. This can be particularly important for those experiencing anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as an unfamiliar clinical setting may trigger distress.

Additionally, online hypnosis allows for personalised adjustments in the environment. Clients can use their preferred chair, adjust lighting, and even incorporate personal relaxation tools like weighted blankets or aromatherapy to enhance their hypnotic experience.

Cost-Effectiveness

Online hypnosis also tends to be more cost-effective. Without the need for travel expenses or clinic overheads, both clients and practitioners benefit from lower costs. This can make hypnosis more accessible to a wider population, particularly those who may not have the financial means to attend in-person sessions regularly.

Privacy and Discretion

For many individuals, seeking hypnosis for issues such as smoking cessation, weight management, or confidence-building can feel deeply personal. Online hypnosis allows for greater privacy, as clients do not have to attend a physical location where they may worry about being seen by others. This increased discretion can encourage more people to seek the help they need.

Future Directions and Ongoing Research

The field of online hypnosis continues to grow, with ongoing research exploring how digital advancements—such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence—may further enhance hypnotic interventions. As technology evolves, online hypnosis is likely to become even more immersive and effective.

Conclusion

The research is clear: online hypnosis is a powerful and effective therapeutic tool. It offers the same benefits as in-person hypnosis while increasing accessibility, convenience, and comfort. With a strong evidence base supporting its effectiveness, online hypnosis represents the future of hypnotherapy, making it easier than ever for individuals to harness the power of their subconscious mind for positive change.

For those considering hypnosis, choosing a qualified health professional—such as a medical doctor, nurse, or psychologist—ensures a safe and evidence-based approach. If you’re ready to experience the benefits of hypnosis from the comfort of your home, online sessions may be the perfect solution.

References

• Andrews, G., Basu, A., Cuijpers, P., Craske, M.G., McEvoy, P., English, C.L., & Newby, J.M. (2018). Computer therapy for the anxiety and depression disorders is effective, acceptable and practical health care: An updated meta-analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 55, 70-78.
• Carlbring, P., Andersson, G., Cuijpers, P., Riper, H., & Hedman-Lagerlöf, E. (2018). Internet-based vs. face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 47(1), 1-18.
• Gilch, L.A., & Wojak, A. (2021). A Data-Analytic Evaluation of Smoking Cessation via Online Hypnosis. arXiv preprint arXiv:2109.10764.