Hypnotic coaching is a non-clinical, non-medical modality designed to support personal development, behavior change, and goal attainment. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical, psychological, or psychiatric care. As such, careful screening, informed consent, and strict adherence to scope of practice are essential.
 

General Contraindications

Hypnotic coaching may be contraindicated when a client is unable to sustain sufficient attention, concentration, or cognitive stability to safely induce or maintain a hypnotic state.
 

Additional contraindications may include certain psychological or psychiatric conditions—particularly:
 

• Active psychosis

• Untreated or unstable severe mental health disorders

• Borderline or psychotic-spectrum presentations
   

In these cases, referral to appropriate licensed mental health or medical professionals is required, and hypnotic coaching should not proceed.
 

Seizure Disorders & Neurological Conditions

Special caution must be exercised with clients who have a history of seizure disorders.
 

Hypnotic coaching should not be undertaken with individuals diagnosed with epilepsy or seizure-related conditions without explicit written medical clearance from a qualified physician. Even with clearance, hypnotic coaching should proceed only within clearly defined boundaries and, where appropriate, in coordination with the client’s medical provider.
 

In limited circumstances, hypnotic coaching may be appropriate for clients with a history of closed head injury or traumatic brain injury—including cases where seizures have occurred—only when:
 

• Medical approval is documented in writing, and

• The work is conducted collaboratively with the client’s physician or healthcare team.
   

Practitioner judgment and client safety must always take precedence.
 

Diagnostic Categories Generally Not Recommended for Hypnotic Coaching

The following diagnostic categories, as referenced in DSM‑IV‑TR, are not recommended for the use of hypnosis or hypnotic coaching:
 

Psychotic & Related Disorders

• 297.1 Delusional (Paranoid) Disorders

• All disorders containing the term Schizoid or Schizophrenic
   

Eating Disorders

• 307.10 Anorexia Nervosa

• 307.51 Bulimia Nervosa
  (Note: In non-acute phases, work may be considered only with medical and psychological clearance.)
   

Personality Disorders (Axis II)

• 301.0 Paranoid Personality Disorder

• 301.20 Schizoid Personality Disorder

• 300.14 Dissociative Identity Disorder

• 301.22 Schizotypal Personality Disorder

• 301.7 Antisocial Personality Disorder

• 301.83 Borderline Personality Disorder

• 301.50 Histrionic Personality Disorder

• 301.81 Narcissistic Personality Disorder

• 301.82 Avoidant Personality Disorder

• 301.6 Dependent Personality Disorder

• 301.4 Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

• 301.9 Personality Disorder NOS
   

Mood Disorders

• 296.80 Bipolar Disorder
   

Clients presenting with these diagnoses should be referred to licensed mental health professionals. Hypnotic coaching should not be used as a primary or adjunctive intervention without explicit clinical oversight.
 

Areas Where Hypnotic Coaching May Be Appropriate

When used within scope, with appropriate screening and consent, hypnotic coaching may be beneficial for:

• 309.89 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)*

• 300.40 Dysthymic Disorder (Chronic Depression)*

• 300.02 Generalized Anxiety Disorder*

• 300.81 Somatization Disorder*

* Only when the client is stable, not in acute distress, and—where applicable—working concurrently with a licensed mental health professional.

Non-Clinical Applications

Hypnotic coaching is commonly and appropriately used for:

• Habit change and behavior modification

• Stress management and nervous system regulation

• Confidence, focus, and performance enhancement

• Goal clarification and achievement

• Everyday functional challenges and personal development
   

Professional & Ethical Standards

Hypnotic coaching is conducted within a coaching—not therapeutic—framework. Practitioners are responsible for:
 

• Maintaining clear scope of practice

• Conducting appropriate screening and referrals

• Obtaining informed consent

• Collaborating with medical or mental health providers when indicated
   

Client safety, autonomy, and ethical responsibility remain paramount at all times.