In short: Healthy scepticism means asking good questions and looking at the evidence; dismissive scepticism means rejecting something before understanding it. When it comes to therapies such as solution-focused hypnotherapy, the most helpful position is somewhere in between: be curious, be realistic about what the evidence shows, and choose a properly trained practitioner. This article looks at how to weigh up a complementary therapy fairly, without either writing it off or overstating what it can do.

What is the difference between healthy and dismissive scepticism?

Scepticism is valuable in healthcare. It protects people from treatments that do not work, cost money or cause harm. Healthy scepticism asks:

What is this, and how is it supposed to work?
What does the research show, and how good is that research?
Who is offering it, and what are their training and standards?
What are the risks, costs and alternatives?

Dismissive scepticism is different. It tends to rely on assumptions rather than enquiry, for example judging therapeutic hypnotherapy by stage shows or films, assuming anything unfamiliar must be "nonsense", or generalising from one second-hand story. It can stop people exploring options that might suit them.

The opposite mistake matters just as much: uncritical enthusiasm, where personal stories or confident claims are taken as proof. Good decisions come from staying open-minded and asking for evidence at the same time.

What are common misconceptions about hypnotherapy?

Misconception	What actually happens in therapeutic hypnotherapy
The therapist controls your mind	You stay aware, can hear everything and can end the relaxation at any time.
You can be made to do things against your will	Suggestions are based on goals you have agreed beforehand; you cannot be made to act against your values.
It is like stage hypnosis	Stage hypnosis is entertainment. Therapy is a private, collaborative and goal-focused process.
You are passive	In solution-focused hypnotherapy much of each session is conversation in which you set the direction.

You can read more about how sessions work in our article on how solution-focused hypnotherapy puts you in control.

What does the evidence for hypnotherapy actually show?

A fair summary of the current UK position is:

Solution-focused hypnotherapy draws on solution-focused brief therapy, a recognised talking-therapy approach, combined with relaxation and hypnosis.
NICE guidance on irritable bowel syndrome includes hypnotherapy among psychological options for people whose symptoms have not improved after 12 months of medicines.
For many other uses, including anxiety, stress and habit change, studies tend to be small or of mixed quality, so the evidence is limited or inconclusive.
Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) have a considerably larger evidence base for anxiety and depression and are recommended by NICE for these conditions.

Limited evidence does not prove a therapy is ineffective. It means we cannot yet say with confidence how well it works, for whom, or compared with what. Some people find the experience calming and helpful, but individual experiences, however positive, are not the same as evidence from well-designed studies.

How can I weigh up a therapy with an open but critical mind?

Be clear about your goal. Is it to feel calmer, sleep better, build confidence or manage a specific condition?
Check the evidence for that goal. NHS and NICE web pages are good starting points.
Consider evidence-based options too. For conditions such as anxiety or depression, speak to your GP or refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies in England.
Check the practitioner. Hypnotherapy is not regulated by law in the UK. Look for registration with a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, such as the CNHC, and ask about training, insurance and supervision.
Watch for red flags. Be wary of guaranteed results, pressure to book many sessions upfront, or advice to stop medical treatment.
Review progress honestly. Agree how you will judge whether it is helping, and reconsider if it is not.

Who should be cautious about hypnotherapy?

The NHS advises that hypnotherapy may not be safe for people with schizophrenia or a history of psychosis, or with epilepsy. If you have any mental or physical health condition, discuss it with your clinician and tell your therapist. Hypnotherapy should complement, not replace, medical or psychological assessment and treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Is it wrong to be sceptical about hypnotherapy?

No. Asking questions is sensible. The aim is to base your view on accurate information rather than on stereotypes or on enthusiastic claims.

Is solution-focused hypnotherapy evidence-based?

It is built on recognised approaches, but research on this specific combination is limited. Evidence for hypnotherapy is strongest for some specific uses, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Can hypnotherapy be used alongside other treatment?

Often, yes. Let your GP or mental health team know, and do not stop any prescribed treatment without discussing it with your prescriber.

Key takeaways

Healthy scepticism asks questions; dismissive scepticism rejects without looking.
Avoid both blanket dismissal and uncritical enthusiasm.
Evidence for hypnotherapy is mixed and strongest for a few specific uses.
Hypnotherapists are not statutorily regulated; choose a practitioner on an accredited register.
Use complementary therapies alongside, not instead of, appropriate medical care.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Curious whether solution-focused hypnotherapy might suit you? Read about our hypnotherapy service and arrange an initial chat with our in-house solution-focused hypnotherapist at Ready Health in Standish, near Wigan. We are happy to answer your questions, sceptical ones included.