The Danger of Hypnosis in Trauma Therapy

by Tim Brunson, PhD

Those who practice any form of hypnotherapy – to include clinicians whose practice incorporates the rather trendy concept of mindfulness – absolutely must tread carefully if they learn or detect that their patient or client has experienced or continues to suffer from a past traumatic experience. As the power of the hypnosis process relies largely on bypassing some of a person's natural protective faculties (i.e. the innate resistance to pattern change) and very often involves mental reprogramming through association, its use may be contrary to their client's natural defense mechanisms. Careless use of hypnosis can intensify the use of these mechanisms and easily result in long-term suffering. Therefore, the use of hypnosis with trauma patients must be limited to only mental health clinicians, who are specifically trained in trauma care.

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