Case Study: Hypnotherapy for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Relief
Meet Jane: Living with Fibromyalgia and Daily Pain
Jane, a woman in her mid-thirties, had been living with fibromyalgia for over 11 years. She was managing her condition with several daily doses of painkillers but wanted to reduce her reliance on medication and explore more natural pain relief options.
Understanding Chronic Pain and Hypnosis
Before beginning any hypnosis work, we discussed the importance of using hypnotherapy only for chronic pain that has a clear, diagnosed cause. In Jane’s case, her condition was well-documented and her GP was aware she was exploring additional approaches.
We explored how pain isn’t only about nerve signals — it’s also shaped by how the brain interprets those signals. I used a simple exercise to illustrate this.
Jane imagined being touched on the shoulder:
First by me (a neutral interaction)
Then by someone she loved
Finally, by a stranger
Although the same nerves would fire in each scenario, the emotional context altered the sensation dramatically. This helped Jane understand that her mind plays a key role in how pain is felt.
Using Hypnosis to Reframe Pain Signals
Once Jane was in a deep state of hypnosis, I asked her to assign a colour to her chronic pain — a colour that represented how it felt to her. Then I introduced a visualisation of a healing “magic lotion”, assigned a different, soothing colour.
We repeated a cycle of applying this lotion to each area of discomfort, watching as the colour of pain faded or blended away. With each repetition, the pain visualisation diminished, and Jane reported a sense of lightness and comfort returning.
To support lasting change, I embedded a suggestion that Jane had unlimited access to this lotion, and in time, her subconscious mind would learn to apply it automatically — no conscious effort needed.
Safe, Self-Directed Pain Relief
Importantly, I emphasised that this hypnotic technique would only affect her chronic, ongoing pain. Any new pain — which might indicate a new issue requiring medical attention — would still be clearly felt.
Jane was gently brought out of the trance with a sense of calm and empowerment.
Reduced Medication and Renewed Confidence
Two months after the session, Jane shared a powerful update:
“I’ve gone from taking painkillers several times a day to just two or three times a week.”
She felt more in control of her pain, less dependent on medication, and more hopeful about managing her fibromyalgia in the long term.
Final Note
Reducing pain medication should always be done under medical supervision. Hypnotherapy can support your goals, but any changes to medication must be discussed with your doctor to avoid withdrawal symptoms or unmanaged pain.
How Online Hypnotherapy Works: What to Expect in Your First Session
Online hypnotherapy is an easy and effective way to tackle personal challenges, whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, or even chronic pain. If you’re new to it, you might wonder what happens during a session. Let me walk you through it!
Before your first session, I will ask you to provide some details about your goals and lay out the expectations for each of us during hypnosis. Our sessions will be held over Zoom, as I have found this to be the most reliable platform.
First, we’ll discuss your goals. Whether you want to manage anxiety, quit a habit, or overcome a phobia, this conversation is essential. It helps me understand your unique needs, ensure that the session is tailored to you, and make you feel understood and cared for.
Once we get into the actual hypnotherapy part, I’ll guide you into a state of deep relaxation. Rest assured, you’ll still be fully aware and in control the whole time, ensuring your safety and comfort. I’ll help you get into a calm, focused state using techniques like guided imagery or progressive relaxation. This is when the real magic happens as we address the goals you brought to the session.
The first session lasts 90 minutes. Any further sessions last one hour. An hour is enough time to enter a hypnotic trance deeply and make real progress, and from experience, this is the optimum duration. The initial 90 minutes session allows us to discuss your needs, answer questions and define a therapy plan tailored to you.
Afterwards, you’ll likely feel relaxed and more connected to your emotions. I might suggest a few follow-up practices to reinforce our positive work. If you decide to have regular sessions, you’ll find that the changes we work on become a natural part of your daily life, leading to long-lasting benefits.
So, now that you know what to expect, you can feel confident going into your first online hypnotherapy session. It’s a step toward achieving your personal goals, and I’ll be with you every step of the way!