Are you looking for NHS hypnotherapy through your GP or NHS hospital? Jason Demant, London hypnotherapist, will explain more about hypnotherapy and whether the NHS provides it or not. In this article we will talk about how the NHS views hypnotherapy as a possible treatments. We will consider how the NHS approaches hypnotherapy. For more information about my hypnotherapy services in London and online, click here.
NHS hypnotherapy treatments
Hypnotherapy is now seen as a scientific and evidence based treatment. The NHS does not recommend it as frequently as we would wish. Hypnotherapy is not generally considered as a ‘go to’ treatment on the NHS. However, many NHS doctors do now trust hypnotherapy for conditions such as pain management, IBS or the general reduction of stress. As a hypnotherapist myself, I often treat NHS doctors for a whole range of conditions. I’ve helped doctors with addictions, weight loss, as well as stress and anxiety.
What does the NHS say about hypnotherapy?
The NHS does recognise hypnotherapy as a legitimate therapy approach. NHS hypnotherapy is limited since NHS doctors will often recommend other treatments such as CBT as a first option. CBT is now a common treatment for depression and anxiety, since it does have more evidence and session number is often a block of six or 12 sessions only. Many NHS Trusts do now recommend hypnotherapy for IBS and chronic pain. Hypnotherapy has even been used instead of anaesthetic when people are unable to have anaesthetic for operations. Though, of course this is very rare.
Can your GP refer you to a hypnotherapist?
Yes, many GPs are increasingly seeing hypnotherapy as a wonderful way to treat conditions without reaching for medication or other expensive NHS treatments. However, since hypnotherapy is always private, there is a barrier to recommending specific hypnotherapists. Doctors don’t want to be seen as favouring one private therapist over another. If you see a private doctor they can recommend a particular hypnotherapist. For example, several gastroenterologists refer their IBS patients to me for symptom management and IBS pain management.
Again, since for NHS’s cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is favoured, they are less likely to recommend or even know about hypnotherapy, be that for stress and anxiety or depression.
Why might there be hesitation in the NHS to recommend hypnotherapy?
One obstacle may be a lack of standardisation amongst hypnotherapists. In other words, since there were different qualifications and accreditation bodies, some doctors worry about a lack of universally accepted curriculum and accreditation. Hypnotherapy is fairly self regulated in the United Kingdom. Also, some doctors simply don’t know about hypnotherapy and its effectiveness.
There is increasing evidence for the effectiveness of hypnotherapy for many conditions and NHS hypnotherapy is available more than in the past. However, the NHS functions on an evidence based system. Basing, clinical decisions on NICE guidelines. Yes, there are studies that support hypnotherapy’s effectiveness. However, some question the level of evidence for hypnotherapy. Having said that, treatments for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and pain and anxiety do now have a consistently high level of scientific evidence base for them.
Another issue is a scepticism or stigma, which hangs around the neck of hypnotherapy. Just think about movies and TV shows depicting stage hypnotists as charlatans or magicians. So, there is a cultural bias and maybe cultural barrier to seeing hypnotherapy as a legitimate practise, rather than just a bit of a parlour trick. Though of course, as a clinical hypnotherapist, I can tell you that the benefits are many and manifold. So, NHS hypnotherapy options rmain limited in many cases.
Is price a consideration?
Since hypnotherapy is not offered by the NHS. Some people can have their medical insurance pay for sessions. Otherwise, hypnotherapy sessions are paid privately by individuals. This does unfortunately mean that if you lack financial resources, you may find that a barrier to booking hypnotherapy sessions. Like other hypnotherapist, I do offer a few cut price sessions each week.
It would be a shame if a lack of financial resources would be a barrier to receiving help. In fact, it’s always important to help people, especially when that help might help them feel better and more able to improve their lives. If finances are a problem for you, it is always worthwhile asking a hypnotherapist if they have some reduced rate sessions or would consider reducing the session fee for you.
NHS hypnotherapy takeaways
If you’re looking for help for a whole range of issues; from addictions to stress and anxiety and phobias, or conditions such as IBS, look for a hypnotherapist near you today. Sometimes the NHS can be helpful. But also remember that the NHS hypnotherapy is stilll limited and often doctors won’t always recommend hypnotherapy. This will change over time, as hypnotherapy becomes more evidence based and there are simply more scientific studies carried out. I see clients in London and online. For more information about my hypnotherapy sessions, click here for more details.
