The Hidden Risks of YouTube Hypnosis Videos
Despite being the oldest Western form of psychotherapy, hypnosis has been in association with images of stage tricks and cult-like representations. While how effective hypnosis is highly dependent on the individual, many studies have shown that it can be an effective form of therapy.
As modern medicine advances, many studies have shown not just the psychological effect of hypnosis, but also the physiological. A 2016 Stanford study revealed that it is possible to alter the brain physically during a hypnotic trance.
The study showed that while only 10% of the population is in the category of being “highly hypnotizable,” there has been varying success with using hypnosis to lessen medical & chronic pain, treat addiction, and help relieve symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and phobias.
The Rise of Hypnosis Videos on YouTube
Hypnosis videos have become a rising trend in recent years due to the high likelihood of people listening to the end and repetition – two things are recipes for YouTube success. As with any other type of content on YouTube, there will be a mix of both professional and amateur content.
Within the YouTube Hypnosis niche, there are several recurring categories:
- Emotional Regulation — Relieve Depression & Anxiety, Releasing Negative Emotions, Positive Thinking, Motivation or Increased Confidence
- Lifestyle Changes — Relieving Addiction (Social Media, Smoking, Drinking), Weight Loss, Healthier Eating Habits, Circadian Rhythms Resets
- Holistic Abundance — Financial Wellness, Inviting Luck, Career Opportunities
While others don’t fit into these categories, such as those meant to help you meet your spiritual guides, unlock your sacred spirit, chakra cleansing, and lucid dreaming.
Hidden Risks of YouTube Hypnosis Videos
Many enterprising creators who have minimal or no background in creating these kinds of content are jumping on the bandwagon. The lack of professional training opens up a range of possible issues that unsuspecting listeners may encounter. Here are a few of them:
Ear Damage & Infection
Unlike professional hypnotic therapy sessions done in clinics, listeners of YouTube meditations are often comforts of their homes. Many YouTube meditations claim that they are the most effective when using headphones in order to get the maximum experience.
According to a 2002 Malaysian research on 136 customer service representatives, the use of headphones cause infection in the ear canal and contribute to hearing loss for people with pre-existing conditions.
While bacteria are present in most headphones, too much can have lasting issues. If you do not regularly clean your listening devices, you will prone to several issues. This includes but is not limited to eczema, allergies, and clogged ears.
Many people listen to YouTube hypnosis videos before they sleep. If there was an increasing escalation of sound, you could unknowingly be hearing it at unsafe levels.
Accidents
Most online meditations make it almost compulsory to note that you shouldn’t be listening to their content while driving or operating machinery.
This warning is hard to miss when you’re listening to a vocal guided meditation. However, some less professional produced videos will only have this flashed on the screen. Many first-timers may miss this or not take it seriously.
In 2015, a Florida principal was sent to jail for practicing hypnosis without a license on students. Despite having some success with some of his students, it did not work for all of them. After having sessions with him, three of his students met untimely deaths.
Dependency & Not Seeking Professional Help
With the rise of YouTube hypnosis, many people use it to self-medicate issues like anxiety and depression. While it can be an effective way to help with temporary relief, it should not take the place of professional help. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis, but some people are more vulnerable than others.
The one size fits all method that YouTube hypnosis content creators do means that it will not be fit for your particular needs. A generic hypnosis session will not be able to give you the full benefit of treatments that trained professionals can.
Some notable certified Psychotherapists do create YouTube Hypnosis videos, but they’re a small number compared to the unregistered creators who are riding on the engagement train.
There are differences between therapeutic and recreational hypnosis. While YouTube can be helpful as an introduction, it is not the best way to experience it. Through meeting a trained professional to tailor fit the session to your particular goals and needs, hypnotic therapy can be better and safer.
As a therapeutic method, the goal of hypnosis is not for you to be dependent on it. Therapeutic hypnosis seeks to help you regain control of your behavior and emotions; instead of them controlling you.
