Who Should Not Use Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural, focused state, and most people can use it safely. It is not right for everyone, though. Some health conditions mean hypnosis should not be used at all, and others mean it should wait for a doctor's written permission or clinical support.

At Happy Whole Human®, hypnotic coaching is a coaching practice, not therapy. It does not diagnose, treat or replace medical, psychological or psychiatric care. That is why every HWH Certified Hypnotic Coach screens new clients before the first session, using the guidelines below from our Hypnotic Coach Training Workbook.

The short answer: hypnosis is generally not recommended for people who cannot hold their focus long enough to enter a hypnotic state, people with seizure disorders who have no written medical clearance, and people with certain mental health diagnoses, including psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, dissociative identity disorder and personality disorders. In those cases, the right step is a referral to a licensed professional.

1. When focus cannot be held

The most common reason hypnosis does not work, or should not be attempted, is that the person cannot keep their concentration long enough to enter or stay in a hypnotic state. This can be temporary, for example during acute distress, or longer-lasting. Pushing ahead does not help. The coach slows down, works on grounding and regulation first, or refers on.

2. Seizure disorders, epilepsy and brain injury

Seizure disorders call for special care. HWH coaches do not work with anyone diagnosed with epilepsy or a seizure-related condition without a written letter of permission from their doctor.

People with a closed head injury or traumatic brain injury, including cases where seizures have occurred, can sometimes work with a hypnotic coach. That happens only when medical approval is in writing and the work is coordinated with the person's physician or healthcare team.

3. Diagnoses where hypnosis is generally not recommended

Our workbook lists the following diagnoses (named here as in the current DSM-5-TR) as generally not recommended for hypnosis or hypnotic coaching. Anyone with one of these diagnoses should be referred to a licensed mental health professional.

• Psychotic and related disorders: delusional (paranoid) disorders, and any disorder with "schizoid" or "schizophrenic" in its name
• Mood disorders: bipolar disorder
• Eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa (in a non-acute phase, work may be considered only with medical and psychological clearance)
• Dissociative disorders: dissociative identity disorder
• Personality disorders: paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal, antisocial, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic, avoidant, dependent and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders, and unspecified personality disorder

The common thread is that hypnosis works with focused attention and inner experience. When a person's sense of reality, mood stability or sense of self is already under strain, that work belongs with a clinician.

4. When deeper work should wait

Some situations are not a reason to avoid hypnotic coaching altogether, but they are a reason to go gently.

• When someone seems "shut down". A person can look calm while actually being numb, flat or far away. In that state, deepening hypnosis is not appropriate. The coach focuses on grounding and gentle activation first.
• Before deeper parts work. Some HWH protocols explore when a pattern first formed. These are used only after earlier sessions have built a stable, steady adult perspective. A coach refers to a licensed therapist first if the person has diagnosed PTSD, complex trauma or a dissociative disorder without current clinical support, or if difficult early experiences come up and the person has no support system in place.

5. What hypnotic coaching is used for

Within those limits, hypnotic coaching is commonly and appropriately used for:

• habit change and behavior change
• stress management and nervous-system regulation
• confidence, focus and performance
• getting clear on goals and following through on them
• everyday challenges and personal development

How an HWH coach keeps you safe

Every HWH Certified Hypnotic Coach works inside a coaching framework, not a therapeutic one. In practice, that means four things:

1. Screening before the first session, using the guidelines above.
2. Informed consent, so you know what hypnotic coaching is and is not.
3. Referral to licensed medical or mental health professionals when needed.
4. Collaboration with your doctor or therapist when that is appropriate.

Our training follows the ICF Code of Ethics and the ACHE Code of Ethics. As our practice guideline puts it: "When in doubt, refer. Scope of practice is the foundation of an ethical hypnotic coaching practice."

Frequently asked questions

Is hypnosis safe? For most people, yes. Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention. It is not recommended for people with the conditions listed above, and a good practitioner screens for them before starting.

Is hypnotic coaching the same as clinical hypnosis or hypnotherapy? No. Clinical hypnosis is used by licensed health professionals as part of treatment. Hypnotic coaching is non-clinical. It supports personal development and behavior change, and refers out whenever treatment is needed.

Can I use hypnotic coaching if I am seeing a therapist? Often, yes, as long as your therapist agrees and the work is coordinated. Your HWH coach will ask about this during screening.

Find the right support

If hypnotic coaching sounds right for you, find an HWH Certified Hypnotic Coach or get matched with one. If you are a coach who wants to add hypnosis to your practice safely, see our ICF and ACHE accredited Hypnotic Coach Training.

For the full reference list, see Contraindications to Hypnosis.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are in crisis, call 112 (Europe) or 911 (US), or contact your local emergency services.