Are group hypnosis sessions effective?
There are two basic types of group hypnosis sessions. The first type is perhaps the best known, the hypnotist who reserves hotel meeting rooms on a circuit he or she travels, doing smoking cessation or weight loss with perhaps 100 strangers who pay $75.00 to $125.00 each. Although they often advertise 98% or better success rates, these are greatly inflated figures. Realistic estimates are closer to 30% to 50% at the most. But this is pretty impressive when you compare it to strategies in the medical model (e.g. nicotine gum or patches) which have a success rate of only 5% to 15%! The other type of group hypnosis sessions occur in a stable group where members know each other and meet on a regular basis. This type of group is common for weight loss. Members may meet weekly for reinforcement until they accomplish their goals, then may come monthly for a period of time. Obviously, in this setting more individual attention is possible and success rates increase.
