In short: Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and focused attention to help people change how they respond to symptoms, thoughts or habits. In the UK, the strongest evidence and clearest NHS role is for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that has not responded to other treatment, where NICE includes hypnotherapy among recommended psychological options. Some NHS hospitals offer hypnotherapy in specific services, but there is no national NHS programme creating hypnotherapist roles, and hypnotherapy is not a statutorily regulated profession.

This article, reviewed by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist, sets out what hypnotherapy is, what the evidence says, how it is used in the NHS and how to choose a practitioner safely.

Is the NHS creating jobs for clinical hypnotherapists?

An earlier version of this article said the NHS was creating job roles for clinical hypnotherapists. We have not found evidence of any national NHS policy or workforce programme to do this, so we have corrected it. What is accurate is that:

Some individual NHS trusts have employed or contracted hypnotherapists for particular services, for example gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS or hypnotherapy-based relaxation within cancer and complementary therapy services.
NHS guidance lists IBS that has not improved with other treatment as a situation where the NHS may offer hypnotherapy.
Availability varies widely by area, and most people in the UK access hypnotherapy privately.

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is a state of focused attention and deep relaxation in which people tend to be more responsive to suggestion. You stay aware and in control throughout; you cannot be made to do something against your will. Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis within a structured therapy session, often combined with techniques drawn from cognitive behavioural therapy, to work towards an agreed goal such as reducing gut symptoms or managing anxiety around a procedure.

What does the evidence say?

Use	Evidence summary
Irritable bowel syndrome	The best-supported use. NICE recommends considering referral for psychological interventions, including hypnotherapy, for people with IBS that has not responded to medicines after 12 months.
Anxiety, including around medical or dental procedures	Some studies suggest benefit, but quality varies. Usually used alongside, not instead of, established treatments.
Pain	Mixed evidence; may help some people as part of a wider pain management plan.
Stopping smoking	Reviews have not found clear evidence that it works better than other methods. NHS stop smoking services and licensed treatments have stronger evidence.
Weight loss, sleep and other habits	Limited or low-quality evidence.

Brain imaging research shows that hypnosis is associated with changes in attention-related brain activity, but this does not on its own prove that hypnotherapy works for a particular condition. Claims of guaranteed results should be treated with caution.

Is hypnotherapy regulated in the UK?

No. Anyone can call themselves a hypnotherapist; there is no legal requirement to register. The NHS advises choosing a practitioner who belongs to a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), which operates a PSA-accredited register, includes hypnotherapy. Ask about a practitioner's training, insurance, supervision and experience with your particular concern.

Is hypnotherapy safe?

For most people it is low risk when delivered by a trained practitioner. It may not be suitable if you have psychosis, schizophrenia or certain other mental health conditions, and you should tell the practitioner about any diagnoses, including epilepsy. Hypnotherapy should not delay medical assessment of new or worsening symptoms, and you should not stop prescribed treatment without talking to your clinician.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get hypnotherapy on the NHS?

Sometimes, mainly for IBS that has not responded to other treatments, and only where a local service exists. Ask your GP or gastroenterology team.

Will I lose control under hypnosis?

No. You remain aware and can choose to stop at any time.

How many sessions are usually needed?

It varies. Gut-directed hypnotherapy programmes for IBS commonly involve several weekly sessions; your practitioner should agree a plan and review progress with you.

How do I check a hypnotherapist is properly trained?

Look for membership of a PSA-accredited register such as the CNHC, ask about their qualifications and insurance, and check they will work alongside your GP where appropriate.

Key takeaways

There is no national NHS scheme creating hypnotherapist roles; some local NHS services use hypnotherapy.
The clearest evidence and NICE support are for IBS that has not responded to other treatment.
Evidence for other uses is mixed or limited.
Hypnotherapy is not statutorily regulated; choose a practitioner on a PSA-accredited register.
It should complement, not replace, medical assessment and treatment.

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.

If you are considering hypnotherapy, you can find out more about our hypnotherapy service at Ready Health in Standish, Wigan, and discuss whether it is a suitable option for you.

Hypnotherapy in the UK: Evidence, Regulation and NHS Use