Mind & support

Hypnotherapy

การสะกดจิตบำบัด

The use of hypnosis – a state of focused attention and heightened response to suggestion – to help change habits, thoughts or the experience of symptoms.

IntensityGentle

Origin

Europe (France and Britain)

History

Roots in Mesmer's 'animal magnetism' (Paris, 1778 onwards); the term 'hypnotism' was popularised by James Braid around 1841

Licence in Thailand

Not required

Where it comes from

Hypnosis grew out of 'animal magnetism', the theory of the German physician Franz Anton Mesmer (1734–1815), who practised in Paris from 1778. In 1784 a royal commission including Benjamin Franklin and Antoine Lavoisier found no evidence of a magnetic fluid and attributed the effects to imagination – often cited as an early observation of the placebo effect.

Around 1841 James Braid popularised the terms 'hypnotism' and 'hypnosis', moving away from magnetic theories. In late-19th-century France, Jean-Martin Charcot described stages of hypnosis, while Hippolyte Bernheim stressed the role of verbal suggestion; Pierre Janet and Sigmund Freud brought in ideas about conscious and unconscious processes. In the 20th century, Milton Erickson became associated with indirect, conversational suggestion.

In 2015, the hypnosis division of the American Psychological Association published an updated definition: hypnosis is 'a state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion'. Some researchers criticised this definition, and the nature of hypnosis is still debated.

The principle

A session usually begins with an induction – instructions, often involving relaxation, that help the person become absorbed and focused. The practitioner then offers suggestions for a change in experience, for example feeling more comfortable or less drawn to a habit. People often experience these suggested effects as effortless or involuntary.

Many psychologists see hypnosis less as a therapy in itself and more as a set of tools used within another approach, such as cognitive behavioural therapy. There are two main theories: one sees hypnosis as a special altered state, the other as focused imagination and role engagement.

What people come for

Working on habits such as smoking
Learning deep relaxation and self-hypnosis
Coping with stress and nervousness
Exploring a different way of relating to discomfort
Preparing mentally for a challenging event
Complementing care for digestive symptoms, alongside a doctor

How it works on the body

Hypnosis works through attention and imagination: by narrowing focus and engaging with suggestions, people can change how they perceive sensations and situations.

A session, step by step

01
Conversation
The practitioner asks about your goals, health and any medication, and explains what will happen.
02
Induction
You sit or lie comfortably while guided instructions help you relax and focus.
03
Deepening
Some practitioners use further imagery or counting to help you become more absorbed.
04
Suggestions
The practitioner offers suggestions linked to your goal; you can ask to stop at any point.
05
Returning
You are guided back to full alertness.
06
Debrief and self-hypnosis
You discuss the experience and may learn a short self-hypnosis routine to practise at home.

Precautions

Hypnotherapy may not be safe if you have schizophrenia or a history of psychosis, or if you have epilepsy; tell the practitioner about all medical conditions and medicines.
Hypnosis should not be used to 'recover' memories: research shows it can create false memories and increase confidence in them.
It is not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment. For depression, trauma, anxiety disorders or other mental health conditions, see a psychiatrist or qualified psychologist.
Evidence is limited: hypnotherapy is rarely recommended in clinical guidelines, and a Cochrane review on irritable bowel syndrome judged the trials too poor in quality to draw firm conclusions.
Choose a practitioner carefully and leave any session where you feel uncomfortable; cases of abuse by people claiming to use hypnosis have been reported.

Complementary practice: does not replace medical advice.

In Thailand

Hypnosis is known in Thai as การสะกดจิต (kan sakot chit) and hypnotherapy as สะกดจิตบำบัด. We did not find any Thai law or official register specific to hypnotherapists, nor any official Thai information on how it is practised, so the qualifications of practitioners vary and are worth checking carefully. For mental health conditions, the safest first step is a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist working in a hospital or licensed clinic, who can advise whether hypnosis could play a complementary role.

Frequently asked questions

Will I lose control or be made to do things against my will?

Clinical hypnosis relies on your cooperation, and you can ask to stop a session at any time. Suggested effects can feel effortless, but misuse has been reported, so choose a practitioner carefully.

Does hypnotherapy work?

Evidence is mixed and generally not strong. The NHS may offer it for irritable bowel syndrome when other treatments have failed, but a Cochrane review found the trials too small and low-quality to reach firm conclusions.

Can anyone be hypnotised?

People differ in how responsive they are to suggestion – this is called hypnotizability – so experiences vary from person to person.

Is it the same as stage hypnosis?

No. Stage hypnosis is entertainment; hypnotherapy uses hypnosis in a private, goal-focused setting with consent.

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