What the public think about hypnosis and hypnotherapy: A narrative review of literature covering opinions and attitudes of the general public 1996–2016

Abstract

Most people are positive towards hypnotherapy, and would consider its use under the right circumstances.

How do people with refractory irritable bowel syndrome perceive hypnotherapy: Qualitative study protocol

“…Figures regarding the current availability and use of hypnotherapy for IBS in the UK do not seem to exist, and their value would be debatable as it appears that provision of hypnotherapy services for IBS within the UK healthcare system is geographically variable, with a few areas benefiting from centres which treat dozens or even hundreds of patients a year, such as the Hypnosis Unit, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester [29,37] or Sandwell's Nurse led Hypnotherapy service [38] [39]. This mirrors the existing quantitative research into the public perception of hypnotherapy which suggests the majority of the public are positive towards it, although this is conditional upon the perceived qualifications of the therapist and their endorsement by the medical establishment, such as through a referral from their doctor [40]. However, this is theoretical data, how many actually use it is unclear.…”

“…However, as none of this is either formally or informally universal and a practitioner may have anything from a post graduate qualification to no qualification, it cannot yet be said to be an established profession [79]. In addition, it can be seen from previous quantitative research into public perceptions of hypnotherapy that most people are more open to hypnotherapy if it has an association with the medical or psychological establishment [40] which fits with Weber's concept of bureaucratic authority. Weber's theory has been used to explain and examine diverse environments [80][81][82] but to date we have been unable to identify its application within a health care setting.…”

How do people with refractory irritable bowel syndrome perceive hypnotherapy?: Qualitative study

“…[10][11][12][13] Hypnotherapy appears acceptable to the public, conditional upon its endorsement by the medical or psychological establishment. 14 Only one previous study carried out in the UK in 2008 has looked at the acceptability of GDH for people with IBS. 15 Although hypnotherapy was viewed as acceptable there is however little evidence that acceptability translates into usage, with the only identified study covering the topic, a US study also in 2008, finding only 1.4% of people with IBS had used hypnotherapy for their condition.…”

A Review of Hypnotherapy for Overactive Bladder

“…In terms of patient and healthcare-professional acceptability, there is increasing interest in complementary approaches, both in patients (Krouwel et al, 2017;Slavin et al, 2010), and professionals (Freeman & Adekanmi, 2005;Gavin-Jones & Handford, 2016;MacArthur, Wilson, Herbison, et al, 2016;Weisberg, 2014). In a survey of women with pelvic floor dysfunctions, 50% (120/237) had tried a complementary therapy, 75% (179/237) were willing to try such an approach, and 32% (76/237) were willing to try hypnotherapy in particular (Slavin et al, 2010).…”