Hypnosis for Confidence: How It Works, Examples, & Effectiveness

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy uses a hypnotic trance to facilitate focused awareness where the critical or analytical faculty is temporarily bypassed. There are many misconceptions about what the hypnotic trance state is and isn’t. For example, hypnosis is not sleep. Those in a trance are aware and can engage with the therapist either verbally or through gestures.

What Causes Low Confidence?

One of the aims of hypnotherapy for confidence is to work towards resolving any underlying subconscious causes of low self-esteem. Most people who are willing and ready to change can benefit from hypnotherapy. However, many people who experience low self-esteem already struggle to believe such change is possible.¹ They may have already tried any number of tactics to increase their confidence and found limited or fleeting success. Therefore, reframing any doubts or hesitations from the beginning is important.

Some causes of low-self confidence may be related to:

• Growing up with disapproving caregivers
• Growing up with over-supportive caregivers
• A history of physical and emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Early childhood losses and trauma
• Bullying
• Alcoholism and addiction
• Chronic stress and anxiety
• Obesity
• Belief systems that promote shame and guilt

How Can Hypnotherapy Help Someone With Low Self-Esteem?

Hypnotherapists may use various techniques while clients are in hypnotic trance states. Some of the most effective for working through self-esteem issues and boosting confidence include memory regression, reevaluation, and anchoring positive resource states.

The following techniques are used when applying hypnosis for confidence:

Memory Regression

As mentioned, low self-esteem is often related to negative or traumatic past experiences. When these experiences are unresolved, they can contribute to feelings of shame, guilt, and a distorted view of one’s core identity long after the event.

While in hypnosis, difficult memories can be revisited and various therapeutic interventions applied. The therapist may instruct the person to imagine themselves counseling and advising their younger self. They can also remind their younger self that they have survived the event, thereby instilling feelings of resiliency that allow the person to begin letting go of the memory and move on.

Reevaluating

Lack of confidence and low self-esteem are often characterized by focusing on shortcomings while ignoring or downplaying good qualities. While in hypnosis, the therapist may suggest a person recall their strengths, skills, and past successes. A lack of critical self-evaluation allows individuals to better acknowledge and appreciate these positive aspects.

Anchoring Resource States

Anchoring is a technique that teaches a person how to create triggers for more desirable outcomes. While in a trance, a person will be guided into a state where they feel confident, capable, and self-assured. They will then be instructed to create an “anchor” to those feelings.

This can be a phrase, a specific place, or a physical gesture such as pressing the thumb and forefinger together. They can enter the desired state whenever the chosen anchor is activated through physical and mental association.

Example of Hypnosis for Confidence

A typical course of hypnosis treatment for low confidence and self-esteem will include an initial assessment, several sessions, and some follow-up and support. A therapist may ask a person how low self-esteem affects their life, what triggers their low confidence, and what confidence means to them. They will then work to set achievable goals and formulate the hypnotic suggestions that will best support healthy changes in attitudes and behaviors.

Then come the actual hypnosis sessions. The number of sessions needed will vary from person to person. Some people experience satisfying results after one or two sessions while others benefit from a longer program of treatment.

During the first session, the therapist will induce a hypnotic trance, guiding the person into deep relaxation and focused awareness. Several therapeutic techniques may be applied, including hypnotic suggestions, future pacing, memory regression, and emotional release.

Through future pacing, the person imagines succeeding in future problematic and challenging situations. They may imagine speaking confidently in front of their coworkers, completing a job interview, or performing well on a test or athletic competition.

Examples of hypnotic suggestions used in hypnotherapy for confidence include:

• “I acknowledge and celebrate my many good qualities.”
• “When I’m not feeling good about myself, I do something to take care of myself.”
• “When I doubt my inherent value or abilities, I remember the many successes I’ve already had.”

Is Hypnotherapy Effective for Building Confidence?

Studies analyzing the efficacy of hypnotherapy for confidence claim that many people experience positive results in enhancing self-efficacy, affect, and sports performance.² Additionally, hypnosis can help strengthen the ego and facilitate a stronger sense of self for those in anxiety or depression treatment.³

Those utilizing self-hypnosis for chronic drug and alcohol use may also improve self-esteem and confidence, helping to prevent relapse.⁴ When applied in academic settings, self-hypnosis may help university students feel more confident when speaking in public.⁵

How to Find a Hypnotherapist

Hypnotherapy emphasizes personal empowerment and choice. Making educated choices about your mental and emotional health requires time and research. The more knowledgeable you are about hypnosis, the easier it will be to determine which hypnotherapist is right for you.

Requirements vary from state to state and country to country. Check prospective therapists’ credentials and ensure they are qualified to practice in your region. Many hypnotherapists offer free initial consultations, offering opportunities to meet several providers and compare their services.

In the end, trust your gut as well as your head. If you get the impression the therapist has empathy for your issue and you feel a sense of rapport, then that person is likely a good fit. Using an online therapist directory can help you get started.

Questions to ask a hypnotherapist before pursuing hypnosis for confidence include:

• What is your experience with helping people with self-esteem issues?
• What kind of success have you had with past clients?
• What additional support do you offer before and after your sessions?
• Who do you consider to be an ideal client?

Final Thoughts

Hypnosis for confidence can be an effective form of self-help and improvement. Consider looking into local resources to find a practicing hypnotherapist near you.