Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Effective is Hypnosis for Self-Esteem?

Angela Johnson
Angela Johnson

Hypnosis may be an effective way to improve one's self-esteem. The relaxing effect of hypnosis has been compared to that of meditation. Once the mind and body are relaxed and in a hypnotized state, a person may be more likely to accept positive affirmations than in a natural, awake state. Hypnosis for self-esteem can be very effective in some cases. Individuals may benefit from the positive aspects of hypnotherapy and the confidence that hypnosis can build.

During hypnosis, the hypnotherapist will use visual suggestions to help induce patients into a relaxed state. The patient may be asked to imagine that their body is relaxing one part at a time. The hypnotherapist may start with the head and then walk the patient through each part of the body, moving down to each individual toe. Once the individual is relaxed and transitioning into a hypnotic state, positive suggestions are given.

Hypnotism is a type of complementary medicine that might help someone quit smoking.
Hypnotism is a type of complementary medicine that might help someone quit smoking.

Ego strengthening is one technique used in hypnosis for self-esteem. This technique increases self-esteem through ego boosting suggestions. Some hypnotherapists build confidence by linking an event or trait that the patient has experienced or felt pride in doing. This can give a person a renewed sense of self-esteem and help to build confidence.

Hypnosis may not work after just one session. Some hypnotherapists suggest that a person typically needs between four and eight sessions for the therapy to be effective. As a support to the hypnosis, patients may choose to use self-hypnosis CDs. This type of supplemental therapy can help to maintain the effects of the hypnotic sessions.

Hypnosis is generally described as effective in boosting self-esteem.
Hypnosis is generally described as effective in boosting self-esteem.

During a patient's first visit with a hypnotherapist, they may discuss issues that led to the low self worth. This information will be used in therapy sessions during hypnosis for self-esteem boosting. The more a hypnotherapist knows about the causes of the feelings, the better they can use specific behavior modification techniques in session to resolve the problem.

Ego strengthening is one technique used in hypnosis for self esteem.
Ego strengthening is one technique used in hypnosis for self esteem.

Hypnosis for self-esteem can be an effective way to improve and build emotional strength, and to build confidence in individual who may be lacking it. When hypnotherapy has had a positive effect, some individuals may choose to continue using hypnotherapy for other purposes, such as smoking cessation or weight loss. These types of secondary issues can benefit from the increased self esteem built in previous sessions. Generally, people who battle issues such as obesity and poor relationships find that these issues can be resolved by increasing their self-esteem.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Hypnotism is a type of complementary medicine that might help someone quit smoking.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Hypnotism is a type of complementary medicine that might help someone quit smoking.
    • Hypnosis is generally described as effective in boosting self-esteem.
      By: Kurhan
      Hypnosis is generally described as effective in boosting self-esteem.
    • Ego strengthening is one technique used in hypnosis for self esteem.
      By: bertys30
      Ego strengthening is one technique used in hypnosis for self esteem.
    • Hypnotherapy may provide relief from emotional traumas that negatively impact a patient's self-esteem.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Hypnotherapy may provide relief from emotional traumas that negatively impact a patient's self-esteem.
    • Excessive criticism by parents while growing up can lead to low self-esteem in adults.
      By: kmiragaya
      Excessive criticism by parents while growing up can lead to low self-esteem in adults.