Current Practices and Perspectives in Brazilian Hypnosis (HYPNO CENSUS 2024): Addendum to an International Survey.

Abstract

An online survey of 103 clinicians using hypnosis was conducted to gain a broad real-world view of current practices, experiences, and perspectives on clinical hypnosis in Brazil. This research replicated a form focused on identifying clinical hypnosis practices across 31 countries, contributing to a global perspective on this intervention modality. The present study employed descriptive statistics in its data analysis. According to respondents, among the 36 most common uses of hypnosis, improving well-being, enhancing self-esteem, reducing stress, and controlling specific phobias and anxiety were reported as the most clinically effective applications. In Brazil, 90.3% of hypnotherapists do not consider hypnotizability relevant to the success of hypnotherapy. Concerns were raised about the technical-professional training of Brazilian hypnotherapists. This is the first investigation into hypnosis practices in Brazil. Although hypnosis has been regulated for over two decades by professional health councils, such as the Federal Council of Medicine and the Federal Council of Psychology, efforts to promote evidence-based practices must be made to address the identified gaps.