Hypnosis Gains Recognition as Effective Therapeutic Tool in Israel Amid Strict Regulations
An 18-year-old Israeli named T. struggled with severe anxiety manifesting as physical symptoms, including fears of cancer and heart attacks, leading him to carry an EpiPen regularly. Rejecting medication initially, he turned to hypnosis, learning to use guided imagery to manage his anxiety and physical reactions. He describes hypnosis as a deep, focused meditation that works on the subconscious, helping him visualize healing "diamonds" in his body that represent mental strength, energy, and immunity. After about twenty sessions, his symptoms significantly improved, allowing him to live normally without medication.
Dr. Alex Aviv, a psychiatrist and advisor to Israel's Health Ministry on hypnosis, explains that hypnosis enhances a person's ability to accept suggestions by focusing attention and reducing external distractions. He emphasizes that therapeutic hypnosis is a scientifically grounded medical tool, distinct from the entertainment hypnosis often seen on stage, which is banned in Israel due to ethical concerns. Aviv highlights hypnosis's effectiveness in treating anxiety, phobias, habits, pain, and certain childhood issues, but cautions it is not a cure-all and must be administered by trained professionals.
Hypnosis has ancient roots, with documented use dating back to Greek and Egyptian healing temples, but modern clinical hypnosis developed in the 19th century. It was sidelined for decades after Freud favored psychoanalysis but regained prominence in the mid-20th century through the work of psychiatrist Milton Erickson. Today, hypnosis is recognized worldwide as a legitimate therapeutic method, though it requires careful application to avoid psychological harm.
Israel pioneered legal regulation of hypnosis in 1984 following a 1975 incident where a woman was harmed during a stage hypnosis show. The law restricts hypnosis use to licensed medical and psychological professionals for diagnosis, treatment, research, or teaching. Stage hypnosis and entertainment uses are prohibited. Even licensed practitioners must only apply hypnosis within their professional expertise. This strict framework makes Israel one of the most regulated countries regarding hypnosis, balancing its therapeutic benefits with safeguards against misuse.
Dr. Aviv stresses that hypnosis aims to restore patients' control over their minds and bodies, countering fears that it causes loss of control. Instead, when properly used, it helps individuals manage anxiety and pain by accessing subconscious processes. Despite its simplicity, hypnosis requires professional skill to ensure safety and effectiveness, and it remains an underutilized but promising tool in Israeli healthcare.