celebrities 4 min read

Why Celebrities Are Turning to Hypnotherapy

by Terri Beuthin |July 6, 2023

Celebrities like Ellen Degeneres and Drew Barrymore have embraced the power of hypnotherapy to transform their behaviors and break free from unwanted habits. It's no surprise that they have turned to hypnosis to quit smoking, achieve weight loss, and address numerous other challenges, given the remarkable effectiveness of hypnotherapy in transforming behaviors and eliminating undesirable habits.

Contrary to the stage performances where people imitate animals or engage in amusing acts like clucking like chickens (although it would be quite entertaining to witness Adele clucking), therapeutic hypnotherapy is far from that portrayal. Throughout a hypnosis session, you maintain complete control, and the suggestions and advice provided will remain accessible to you even after the session concludes, as you will hear and remember them.

Which Celebrities have used Hypnotherapy and what for?

Reese Witherspoon found hypnosis helpful in managing her panic attacks.
Jessica Alba turned to hypnosis for preparation during labor and motherhood.
Courtney Love opted for hypnosis as a means of achieving weight loss.
Tiger Woods utilized hypnosis to enhance his mental focus for golf tournaments.
Wynona Ryder successfully quit smoking with the aid of hypnosis.
David Beckham sought hypnosis to assist him with his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Sylvester Stallone utilized hypnosis to alleviate anxiety and fear.
Eva Mendes overcame her nail biting habit through hypnosis.
Even Albert Einstein employed hypnosis to enhance his existing skills.
Kate Middleton embraced Hypnobirthing techniques for her childbirth experience.

and many many more.

The origins of Hypnosis:

Hypnotherapy has been used for over 100 years to help with a range of issues. Although hypnotherapy is frequently viewed as more of a new-age treatment for a range of physical and psychological ailments, the truth is that this method has a long history and dates back thousands of years. Although the method wasn't known as hypnotism until around 1841, there is evidence to imply that hypnosis has been practiced since the beginning of history as it is currently known.

The Early History

Throughout history, the understanding of hypnosis has evolved, and its practice has endured for a significant time. In ancient times, the concept of hypnosis manifested in practices such as "temple sleep" among the Ancient Hindus. This form of self-induced hypnosis, achieved through meditation, was believed to have therapeutic effects for a range of ailments. The earliest recorded textual reference to this practice can be found in the Book of Healing, dating back to 1027. As hypnosis became intertwined with spirituality, it acquired an aura of mysticism among devout individuals in countries like Austria and Ireland. It was associated with prayer and integrated into various spiritual rituals, further heightening its enigmatic nature.

An Evolving Practice

By the late 1700s, hypnotherapy had transitioned from the realm of mysticism to the realm of science. Initially referred to as "animal magnetism," it was closely associated with the study of magnetic forces and their potential therapeutic applications. However, in the early 1800s, scientific thinkers started recognizing that the technique could be employed without the use of magnets. One individual who made a significant impact in this regard was Abbe Faria, a priest who caused a sensation by openly demonstrating his ability to alter someone's mindset solely through technique and the subject's consent. This groundbreaking display showcased the power of hypnotherapy and marked a pivotal moment in its scientific exploration.

The history of Faria’s discoveries

In the following years, Faria's research allowed doctors to use hypnotism as a practical form of anesthesia for major surgeries. However, there were doubts and misunderstandings about how and why it worked. Additionally, the perceived lack of control associated with hypnosis turned off many skeptics. By the 1860s, during the Civil War, more reliable anesthetics like chloroform became widely available, overshadowing the use of hypnosis in medicine. Nevertheless, during this time, hypnosis gained popularity in addressing mental health issues and shifted from being seen as a medical phenomenon to a psychological concept.

By the late 1800s, the First International Congress for Experimental and Therapeutic Hypnotism primarily consisted of researchers focusing on the human mind, including influential figures like Sigmund Freud.

Modern Applications of Hypnotherapy

Today, hypnotherapy is widely used to treat various illnesses, including PTSD, addictions, depression, weight loss, and more. Unlike in the past, hypnosis is now acknowledged and integrated into medical practices. Its application in improving anesthesia and directly addressing both physical and mental disorders represents a significant advancement for the field. In many countries, hypnotherapy is regulated similarly to other medical treatments, and doctors often recommend these "alternative" therapies.

While most people associate hypnotherapy with stage magic and dramatic performances, it has always had serious applications as a lesser-known science. There is now more evidence than ever supporting its safety and effectiveness as a legitimate field of medical research.

Hypnotherapy can benefit anyone, and that's why many celebrities place their trust in hypnosis to assist them in their daily lives and successful careers. The perception of hypnosis is evolving, thanks in part to celebrities openly endorsing hypnotherapy for its positive impact on their lives.