Imagine looking in the mirror without immediately cataloguing which patches are worse today. What if you could attend social events without constantly adjusting your clothing or avoiding certain activities?

Psoriasis affects far more than just your skin. The relentless cycle of flare-ups, the hypervigilance about symptoms, and the emotional weight of managing a visible condition can consume mental energy that could be directed elsewhere.

Hypnotherapy offers a different approach. Rather than focusing solely on the physical symptoms, it addresses the psychological patterns that can influence psoriasis severity. Many people find that when their stress response calms, their skin follows suit.

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to create a state of heightened awareness. In this relaxed state, your mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions and new ways of thinking.

During a session, you remain completely aware and in control. The hypnotic state feels similar to that drowsy moment before sleep, or when you’re completely absorbed in a book or film. Your conscious mind quietens whilst your subconscious becomes more accessible.

For psoriasis, hypnotherapy works by addressing the stress-inflammation cycle that often drives flare-ups. It helps retrain your nervous system’s response to triggers, potentially reducing the intensity and frequency of symptoms.

The process involves learning self-regulation techniques that extend far beyond the therapy room. You develop tools to manage stress, change unhelpful thought patterns, and create a calmer internal environment where healing can occur more naturally.

How Effective Is Hypnotherapy for Psoriasis?

Psoriasis involves complex interactions between your immune system, stress hormones, and inflammatory responses. When you’re stressed or anxious, your body produces cortisol and other stress hormones that can trigger inflammatory cascades, potentially worsening psoriasis symptoms.

Hypnotherapy interrupts this cycle by activating your parasympathetic nervous system – your body’s natural relaxation response. This shift can reduce inflammatory markers and help regulate immune function.

Research published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis found that patients with psoriasis who received hypnotherapy showed significant improvements in both symptom severity and quality of life measures. The study followed participants over six months, revealing sustained benefits even after treatment ended.

Picture your nervous system like a sensitive car alarm that’s been triggered too often. Hypnotherapy helps recalibrate that system, teaching it to distinguish between real threats and false alarms. Over time, your stress response becomes more proportionate and less likely to fuel inflammatory flare-ups.

Sarah, a teacher in her forties, found that after eight hypnotherapy sessions, she began to notice longer periods between flare-ups. She particularly valued learning techniques to manage the anxiety that often preceded her worst symptoms.

However, individual responses vary considerably. Some people experience relatively quick improvements in stress levels and sleep quality, whilst others notice more gradual changes over several months. Managing underlying stress often proves crucial for sustainable improvement.

What Happens in a Session for Psoriasis?

Your first session typically begins with a detailed discussion about your psoriasis history, triggers, and goals. Your hypnotherapist will explore patterns between stress, emotions, and symptom flare-ups to tailor the approach specifically for you.

The hypnotic portion usually starts with progressive relaxation techniques. You’ll be guided to release tension from different parts of your body, often beginning with areas that feel particularly tight or uncomfortable.

Once relaxed, your therapist might use visualisation exercises. These could involve imagining your skin healing, your immune system finding better balance, or yourself feeling confident and comfortable in situations that previously caused anxiety.

Specific suggestions might focus on reducing the urge to scratch, managing stress more effectively, or developing a more positive relationship with your body. The language used is typically gentle and permissive rather than commanding.

Many sessions include teaching self-hypnosis techniques you can practice at home. These might involve breathing exercises, brief relaxation sequences, or specific phrases that help trigger the calm state you’ve learned to access.

Sessions usually conclude with a gradual return to full alertness, often leaving you feeling refreshed and more settled than when you arrived.

Common Misconceptions About Hypnotherapy

Many people worry they’ll lose control during hypnotherapy or reveal embarrassing secrets. In reality, you remain fully aware throughout the session and can reject any suggestions that don’t feel right for you.

Another common concern is that hypnotherapy only works on “weak-minded” individuals. Research actually suggests that people with good concentration and imagination often respond particularly well – qualities that indicate mental strength rather than weakness.

Some assume hypnotherapy offers instant miraculous cures. Whilst some people notice improvements relatively quickly, sustainable change typically develops gradually over several sessions and continued practice.

Professional hypnotherapists don’t make people cluck like chickens or perform embarrassing acts. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy maintains strict ethical guidelines that prioritise client wellbeing and autonomy.

How Many Sessions Are Needed for Psoriasis?

Most people with psoriasis find benefit from six to ten sessions, typically spaced weekly or fortnightly. This allows time to practice techniques between appointments and observe how your symptoms respond to the new approaches.

Some individuals notice improvements in sleep quality and stress levels within the first few sessions. Changes in psoriasis symptoms often take longer to manifest, as skin cell turnover and inflammatory processes need time to adjust.

Your hypnotherapist will regularly review progress and may suggest top-up sessions during stressful periods or seasonal changes when symptoms commonly worsen. Learning self-hypnosis techniques means you can maintain benefits independently.

The timeline often depends on how long you’ve had psoriasis, the severity of symptoms, and your current stress levels. People dealing with eczema or dermatitis alongside psoriasis might require a slightly longer treatment course to address multiple skin conditions comprehensively.

Is Hypnotherapy Right for Me?

Hypnotherapy works best when you’re genuinely motivated to make changes and willing to practice techniques regularly at home. If you’ve noticed connections between your stress levels and psoriasis flare-ups, you’re likely to find this approach particularly relevant.

It’s most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that might include medical management, lifestyle changes, and other supportive therapies. Hypnotherapy shouldn’t replace medical treatment but can significantly enhance your overall approach.

People who struggle with relaxation or find their minds constantly racing often benefit greatly from learning these focused attention techniques. The skills you develop extend far beyond psoriasis management into general stress resilience.

Consider hypnotherapy if you’re tired of feeling controlled by your symptoms and want to develop greater agency in your healing process. What if you could face each day with less anxiety about potential flare-ups?

Explore more about hypnotherapy for Performance & Productivity.

Is Hypnotherapy as Effective Online?

This session can be conducted online from anywhere in the world—research published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare has demonstrated that online hypnotherapy is equally effective as in-person sessions for anxiety, with the added benefits of convenience and accessibility from your own comfortable environment. 

Many clients find that being in their own space actually helps them relax more deeply. 

If after that initial session you feel hypnotherapy isn’t right for you, there’s no obligation to continue. 

Book your introductory session and discover whether this approach resonates with you.