How Hypnosis Can Be An Acceptable Therapeutic Option for LDS Members:

How Hypnosis Can Be An Acceptable Therapeutic Option for LDS Members: 

There is some confusion amongst LDS members about hypnosis. 

The LDS church quotes below (and their accompanying articles) clarify 

that hypnosis is not to be used for entertainment purposes (often called “stage hypnosis”), 

but it can be acceptable, helpful, and effective when conducted for therapeutic purposes 

by competent, well-trained professionals (called “medical/clinical hypnosis”).

Accordingly, the following quotes clarify the LDS church’s position on using hypnosis for therapeutic purposes:

“The use of hypnosis under competent, professional medical supervision for the treatment of diseases or mental disorders is a medical question to be determined by competent medical authorities. Members should not participate in hypnosis for purposes of demonstration or entertainment.” 

--Selected Church Policies #21.3.5 

Handbook 2: Administering the Church


“Hypnosis is a powerful force and in my opinion should be employed only by the best-trained and most ethical professionals for very important reasons.”
--Joe J. Christensen
New Era July, 1979