Date of Conferral
8-11-2026
Date of Award
August 2026
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Jay Greiner
Abstract
Somatic symptoms accompany psychological distress and can affect well-being. Hypnosis has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing psychological distress and related somatic symptoms, but limited research has explored hypnotherapists’ perspectives on its clinical application. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of licensed hypnotherapists with 3 years of experience using hypnosis to treat adults experiencing somatic symptoms associated with psychological distress. Guided by Engel’s biopsychosocial model and Hilgard’s neodissociation theory, data were collected through semistructured interviews with 10 licensed hypnotherapists and analyzed using phenomenological reduction and thematic analysis. Analysis resulted in four primary themes: (a) mind–body connection as a foundation of practice, (b) emotional processing as a pathway to healing, (c) hypnosis as a therapeutic mechanism for change, and (d) clinical considerations for effective hypnotherapy practice. Participants described hypnosis as facilitating emotional processing that supported emotional regulation and symptom improvement. Findings also highlighted the importance of therapeutic rapport, client readiness, and ethical practice in achieving treatment outcomes. Participants emphasized holistic, client-centered therapeutic approaches. Overall, findings support informed hypnotherapy practice and may contribute to positive social change by supporting greater awareness and integration of evidence-informed hypnotherapy as a holistic approach to treating psychological distress and related somatic symptoms.
Recommended Citation
Wilkerson, Tina, "Hypnotherapists’ Perspectives on Using Hypnosis to Address Somatic Symptoms in Clients With Psychological Distress" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 20633.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/20633
