Does the NHS recommend Hypnotherapy?

So… you’ve typed it into Google and here you are! A warm welcome from me, Hannah from The Grounded Path Hypnotherapy - If you’re wondering if hypnotherapy is currently recognised by the NHS, you’re not alone. There are lots of people out there, just like you who are curious about how this gentle, solution focused approach fits within mainstream healthcare.

So… the NHS does acknowledge hypnotherapy as a therapeutic option, particularly for certain conditions. For example, NHS guidance notes that hypnotherapy can be helpful for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) when other treatments haven’t worked. Some NHS hospitals and pain clinics also integrate hypnotherapy as part of wider wellbeing or pain‑management programmes. In fact, back in 2024 Northampton General Hospital’s Consultant Anaesthetist, Dr Paul Slater, and Acute Pain Pracitioner, Louise Foulsham-Mcfall offered hypnotherapy to some of their patients because they knew how powerful it could be! (A link to the full article can be found here - NGH launches hypnotherapy support for some patients)

With this being said, hypnotherapy isn’t widely available on the NHS. This is most likely due to limited resources rather than a lack of evidence or interest. As a result, most people choose to work with a qualified private hypnotherapist like myself!

The important thing to remember is that hypnotherapy, especially Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, is grounded in modern neuroscience and positive psychotherapy. It supports people in reducing anxiety, building confidence, changing habits, and moving towards the future they want, without needing to revisit the past - this is where we are so different to other forms of therapy!

So while the NHS may not offer hypnotherapy routinely, it does recognise its value. And for many people, accessing it privately provides a warm, supportive, and effective way to create meaningful change.

If you’re curious about how solution focused hypnotherapy could help you, I’m always happy to talk things through in one of my FREE initial consultations - complete the form below to book yours now!