Hypnosis has been used for hundreds of years. And its use by celebrities is nothing new. (Mozart and Albert Einstein were reportedly fans!)
Each year, the popularity of hypnotherapy continues to grow.
Prestigious research institutions like The Mayo Clinic offer hypnotherapy services. And many people – including A-List celebrities like Tiger Woods, Oprah and Adele – are using (or have used) hypnosis for self-improvement AND sharing their positive results with the world.
Hypnosis is a powerful quit-smoking aid, for example, and numerous celebrities are using hypnosis to quit smoking. It’s also an effective childbirth aid, helping to ease labor pain, improve focus during labor, and reduce reliance on childbirth drugs. (And this happens to be a favorite celebrity hypnosis application, from Gisele to Melissa Joan Hart!)
The truth is, though, hypnosis is an effective therapy for many things: Weight loss, stage fright, fear of flying, insomnia. The list goes on and on.
Are you wondering which celebrities have embraced hypnotherapy? These are 30 famous people have found success and improved their lives using hypnosis.
Celebrities Who’ve Used Hypnosis to Quit Smoking
Smoking is a difficult habit to break. Quitting requires resolve, willpower, and persistence. In fact, the majority of people quit smoking 7 times before they find success.
The reason its so difficult, though, is that our addiction is so ingrained in our subconscious thinking. Triggers, cravings, the pleasure – they’re all rooted in our subconscious. And that’s why so many traditional smoking cessation plans fail.
Hypnosis, though, works directly with the subconscious, helping practitioners remove those automatic cravings, urges and the positive thoughts about smoking. That’s why many people quit after a single session.
And celebrities have taken notice! Numerous celebrities – from Ellen DeGeneres, to Matt Damon – have quit smoking with hypnosis.
Celebrities who have quit smoking with hypnosis: 
- Adele – It’s hard to imagine – considering how beautiful her voice is – but Adele was once a pack-a-day smoker. Just before the release of her single “Hello,” she tried hypnosis, and quit immediately.
- Ewan McGregor – A heavy smoker for years, McGregor said hypnosis made stopping feel “effortless.” The actor quit smoking in 2009.
- Chelsea Handler – The comedienne and late-night host took to Instagram to promote hypnosis for smoking. She said a single session helped her kick the habit.
- Matt Damon – The Oscar-winning actor credits hypnosis with helping him quit after 16 years as a heavy smoker. On The Tonight Show, Damon said it was the best choice he ever made and that “it works.”
- Debra Messing – The Will & Grace star says hypnosis helped save her life. After just three hypnosis sessions, the actress never touched a cigarette again and remains smoke-free many years later.
- Drew Barrymore – Barrymore was a 2 pack-a-day smoker for many years. Hypnosis offered a solution. She’s been smoke free since trying hypnosis.
- Ellen DeGeneres – Ellen actually shared her smoking hypnosis session on her show. And she credits the therapy with helping her quit.
Hypnosis in Childbirth: Celebrity Practitioners
Many expecting mothers get anxious about labor. Thanks to Hollywood portrayals and word-of-mouth, many build it up in their minds to expect a painful, miserable experience.
Hypnosis during child birth has been shown to calm this anxiety and offer mothers more control over thoughts and sensations of pain in the delivery room. In fact, studies have shown that mothers who use self-hypnosis methods in the delivery room use fewer drugs and have more positive experiences.
Not surprisingly, hypnobirthing methods are gaining in popularity. And many celebrity mothers have jumped on board.
- Gisele Bundchen – Birthing hypnosis empowers mothers to be more present, calmer and more in control of their thoughts in the delivery room. And that’s exactly why supermodel Gisele said she preferred hypnobirthing to an epidural.
- Jessica Alba – The actress and entrepreneur said she utilized hypnobirthing techniques when having her daughters in 2008 and 2011. Alba described it as a sort-of guided meditation, which allowed her to stay relaxed and focus on her breathing.
- Kate Middleton – The Duchess of Cambridge reportedly learned hypnobirthing techniques prior to delivering her first baby and has since used the techniques for her second and third as well.
- Miranda Kerr – Supermodel Miranda Kerr has been an outspoken proponent of hypnobirthing and has encouraged many friends to try it.
- Melissa Joan Hart – As reported in the book, Your Best Birth by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein (the women behind the movie, The Business of Being Born), Melissa Joan Hart enrolled in hypnobirthing classes.
Hypnosis for Stage Fright: Celebrity Proponents
Celebrities spend their lives in the limelight. That means stage fright can quite literally end a performer’s career. Hypnosis for public speaking and stage fright is one of the oldest uses for this therapy.
How is it caused? The anxiety and fear associated with stage fright originate in the subconscious. The thought of performing in front of a crowd of people awakens automatic, negative thinking patterns. And these patterns spin out of control, amplifying nervousness and fear.
Hypnosis allows us to gain control over these automatic thoughts. We can temper them, calm the mind, and retain control over our thoughts as we step on stage. And that’s why many dozens of celebrities use it for stage fright.
- Mel B – The former Spice Girl is no stranger to being in the limelight. Yet, stage fright is something she’s had to battle her whole career. That’s why she turned to hypnosis, when launching her Vegas burlesque show in 2009.
- Mandy Moore – The actress/musician experienced overwhelming anxiety for an album release party, and said she found relief with hypnosis.
- Jenny Slate – Comedienne Jenny Slate experienced crippling stage fright after being fired from SNL. She struggled to perform on stage, something she’d never experienced before. Hypnosis allowed her to tame the anxiety and start performing again with confidence.
Celebrities Who Have Used Hypnosis for Weight Loss
Hypnosis helps people struggling with weight loss in numerous ways. It can help calm cravings for sugary snacks and fatty foods. Hypnosis can help make exercise more enjoyable. And hypnosis can help with overeating.
Hypnosis for weight loss is one of the most popular therapies for celebrities.
- Fergie – The Blackeyed Peas singer has credited hypnosis with helping her make sensible eating choices. In the past, Fergie has said she was “heavily into hypnosis,” but now, when she heads to the refrigerator, she has more control over her choices.
- Lily Allen – The singer reportedly lost two dress sizes after turning to hypnosis for weight loss.
- Geri Halliwell – Halliwell – the former Spice Girl – reportedly tried hypnosis for weight loss, according to a number of sources.
- Sarah Ferguson – The Duchess of York has reportedly used hypnosis for weight loss, as well as for numerous habits including nail-biting.
- Orlando Bloom – As a kid, Bloom had a serious sweet tooth! His mom reached out to a hypnotherapist to help him overcome his chocolate addiction.
- Oliva Munn – Munn has used hypnosis for OCD and other conditions in the past. Yet, when her hypnotherapist found out she rarely exercised, he helped her change that. Through hypnosis, Munn was able to develop a passion for exercise, something she now does every day.
Other Ways Celebrities Use Hypnosis
Hypnosis works for a variety of conditions: Stubborn habits like cellphone addiction, irrational fears, relationships or anxiety. You name it, and hypnosis can help.
Hypnotherapy allows us to work directly with the subconscious, which is where we store self-beliefs, attachments, and fears.
With hypnosis, we can provide the subconscious with newer, more helpful ways of thinking and unseat negative thinking patterns that drive bad habits. That's why celebrities and others use hypnosis to overcome many fears, conditions, and bad habits – from a fear of spiders to seasickness.
- Fear of Flying – Florence Henderson, of The Brady Bunch, tried hypnosis to overcome her fear of flying. In fact, it was so effective that she became a certified hypnotherapist herself.
- Drinking – Aaron Eckhart, who’s been in numerous TV shows and films over the years, credits hypnosis with helping him kick his drinking habit. “I couldn’t be happier with that decision,” he says. “I recommend it to anybody.”
- Pole Vaulting Fears – Yes, hypnosis can help with a fear of pole vaulting. Who would have thought? Olympic gold medalist Steve Hooker used hypnosis to become a better vaulter.
- Regression Therapy – Jazz Jennings, the LGBTQ rights activist underwent past life regression therapy, which was broadcast on the TLC network.
- Insomnia – A-lister Kevin Bacon uses hypnosis to deal with insomnia and get deeper, more restful sleep. (Learn more about hypnosis for insomnia.)
- Arachnophobia – Eva Mendes said hypnotherapy helped her overcome her fear of spiders.
- Improving Performance – Hypnosis helps improve confidence on the field or during a performance. Tiger Woods, for instance, used hypnosis to improve his golf game.
- Better Focus – Tennis great Andre Agassi said hypnosis helped improve his on-court focus.
- Seasickness – While working on Waterworld, Costner reportedly found relief from seasickness through hypnosis.
Start Your Own Hypnosis Journey
You don’t have to be a celebrity to try hypnosis. It’s not some expensive therapy that only a celebrity could afford. In fact, it’s much more accessible than many people realize.
In fact, using self-hypnosis you can start using it for weight loss, to quit smoking, or to prepare for childbirth in your own home. Try these resources from Grace:
- App – Recordings in our hypnosis app
- Coaching – 1-on-1 sessions with certified hypnotherapists
- Books – Best-selling hypnotherapy books like Close Your Eyes, Get Free
It’s amazing how many celebrities used hypnosis to improve their lives and still, it’s not yet mainstream. But on the bright side, hypnotherapy is getting more and more popular, and celebrities speaking about it help spread the word tremendously!
Such a powerful tool! I’m absolutely sure it will become mainstream sooner rather than later.
I love this blog!
I love reading about celebrities using hypnosis! It’s so fun and encouraging. Celebrities are powerful influencers. They know they NEED to be at the top of their game in ever area of life and I love that they are using hypnosis to help them do that.
Hollywood has had such a negative impact on the perception of hypnosis in the past century but I also think Hollywood and it’s celebs are the key to changing it around. The people who need the most help are everyday people, caught up in everyday social media and not always seeking out alternative therapies. There’s also the idea that celebs have any modality and tool available to them, so if they choose hypnosis, it speaks even more to it’s power and efficacy. (and speed!)
Wow! Who knew Florence Henderson of the Brady Bunch became a hypnotherapist! I love how versatility of hypnotherapy…from irrational fears and peaceful childbirth, to weight loss and bossting confidence, to OCD and insomnia…and even finding success in relationships. I had no idea that so many celebrities turned to hypnotherapy and found success. They are always using the latest and greatest techniques to enhance their lives, so it makes me want to try it as well. Thanks Grace for the free and affordable resources and options!
It is so great how so many people are living more healthy, confident stress reduced/free lives through hypnosis. The choice of years of therapy, endless battles of “trying” to quit an unhealthy habit or even just being a kinder person can all be attained through hypnosis. WOW!! How wonderful that we are all starting to wake up to a better way of living our best lives.
I love that you put Duchess Kate at the top! I’m so inspired by her, and knowing that she did HypnoBirthing for all three of her births makes me think I am definitely on the right path by pursuing Hypnosis as a profession!
It continues to amaze me how many applications there are for hypnotherapy. Minimizing fears, reducing pain, stopping bad habits, and for me – being able to relax enough to really breath deeply from my diaphragm for the first time I can remember. Try it!
This was exciting to read! I didn’t even know/realize some of these celebrities whom I admire, used hypnosis to kick bad habits to the curb. I wish it was more mainstream in a positive light but I know it is already heading in that direction with all of the education people provide as well as the research, studies and testimonies.
What a great idea to outline how many celebrities have used hypnosis in so many different areas! We can always count on celebrities to be trendsetters!
What a great article! Love hearing all the positive outcomes, especially around smoking and insomnia.
Wow, it is so fascinating to me when I hear how many Celebrities and the like have used hypnosis with clear results!! Especially since Celebrities are more likely to have an influence with their large audience, so that will only help us hypnotherapists with future clients!!!
SO cool that so many big names are using and promoting hypnotherapy as a viable option for such a variety of issues! I wish they would put themselves out there a bit more to promote this natural healer to their audiences. Everyone deserves to have mental freedom from their biggest fears and phobias,and perform at the top of their game!
This article illustrates well how everyone, even celebrities, can benefit from all that is hypnotherapy. By focusing on those we know from afar, we are able to see how positive their own use of hypnotherapy can be and how it has made changes to their lives…..in this way, we can hopefully shed a better light on its great potential for change and make it more mainstream!!
This is a great article showcasing celebrities and the need of this great tool for healing. I love how so many say it changed their life for the better and in so many different ways it can be used. Excellent!
Love it! I appreciate this article because it will help bring this to the mainstream! Sharing. Thank you for all you do, Grace and team! <3
I like the association in this blog to people that are well known and how they’ve successfully used hypnosis to achieve a new result. I can see how the power to reframe a scenario works well for everyone! Thank you for sharing!
This was UNBELIEVABLE. Who knew there are so many celebrities who are open about the healing powers of hypnotherapy? Why isn’t it talked about more.. when you have such a popular group of people participating and proving that it works! I am super intrigued with hypnosis at childbirth. Can’t wait to study more about it.
I love how hypnosis is gaining traction around the world — even Duchess Kate using hypno-birthing therapy. Nice! GS Hypnosis recorded sessions (and live) make this amazing tool available to anyone willing to transform their habits. yay.
This is so great! Of course all these A-listers use hypnotherapy; they understand the secret to their success is really mind over matter!
I completely enjoyed this blog. I had no idea that so many celebrities had successfully used hypnotherapy to solve their problems. I appreciate that these celebrities were willing to share their stories in order to spread the word about hypnotherapy and to help others.
Wow!! I wish I had known about hypnosis for childbirth. I’m sure it would have been a much different experience.
Celebrities are just like us! I love to see so many people who have tons of resources and availability turn to hypnosis to support them in their journey to happy, healthy lives!
That is so encouraging, Grace, thank you for sharing all that research with us. It gives me hope for those who have seemingly unshakeable, self-destructive habits.
It’s fascinating how many celebrities have used hypnosis to overcome obstacles in their lives. There is great power in hypnotherapy.
I love that so many celebrities have opened up about how hypnotherapy has helped them to improve the quality of their lives, as this helps it become more mainstream! It’s amazing how many applications there are for hypnotherapy and how many issues it can help with, ranging from weight loss to quitting smoking, childbirth, public speaking, athletic performance and more. Hopefully this is just the start of the conversation and that more celebrities and influencers will continue to open up and share their positive experiences!
Love reading about what other people use hypnosis for, everyone’s journey is interesting
I was totally amazed at the number of celebrites that used hypnosis for various reasons but yet it’s benefits and results remain hidden or unspoken in main stream media. One should ask themselves why is this, I certainly plan to do my part with continued to sharing of the information. I would love to see more holistic healing such as hyponsis . It has been very powerful in my own life.
Wow, so fascinating to know that hypnotherapy is a thing in A-list circles. From spiders to stage fright to quitting cigarettes, hypnosis is a trusted source for effective results. Using their large platforms to tell the public about the benefits of hypnosis is even cooler, as I use hypnosis to help me in every area of my life. I hope that sooner or later it really does become mainstream, but kudos to these celebs for taking the message to the streets!
So cool that so many celebs are using their platforms in support of hypnosis and all its awesomeness. They have the power to help so many people turn to an effective therapy, as well as helping to make hypnosis more mainstream. Love this!
I ordered the 5 power nap and paid by PayPal. Where is it? On my phone? When?
My step-mom used hypnosis to quit smoking but it didn’t work for her. I was curious to see what other people thought about hypnosis. While reading this blog I looked up the video with Ellen DeGenerous and taken back by the emotions the hypnotist was able to bring about. It looked to me like Ellen was really ready to quit smoking and that is why it worked for her. I know my step-mom never wanted to quit even though she watched her mom die from smoking related illnesses. My step-mom also died because of smoking related illnesses. I know hypnosis can be very powerful to help quit bad habits and improve your out look on life but you have to want it. Hypnosis is not mind control, it is away to help someone that has made the conscious decision to make a change in their lives and they have convinced their sub-subconscious mind that this is really going to happen.
Joan, you are on the right track with that line of thinking. For your step mom, she may be missing the all-important piece of the formula. It’s important for her to understand ‘why’ she smokes. When she answer why, then the hypnotist can give her a very effective formula of success to her subconscoius and she can reinforce it with self hypnosis. She can replace and fulfill her needs of ‘why’ in a more productive healthy way. She’s receieving something from the habit, what is it? I hope that helps. My name is De’Anna, i’m an experienced Hypnotist so I share this from an informed and professional perspective. Reach out to the great folks who put this site together and have that Quit Smoking session!!
What a fun read! Loved seeing all the celebrities…. they have such an impact on how the public perceives hypnosis!
This was such a fun and inspiring article! Often people might not know of anyone in their lives who have utilized hypnosis but realizing that these celebrities, who are real people with real problems, have all experienced success with hypnosis helps normalize this amazing field.
There is no doubt that celebrities are role models to hundreds of thousands of people so it’s exciting to see this influence is helping make hypnosis mainstream!
Such an informative article! It’s a shame that these celebrities don’t talk more openly about how hypnosis has literally changed their lives. It would provide hypnosis with the much needed social proof.
This is so wonderful! I don’t know why I was surprised to see Mandy Moore’s name on this list—she was one of my favorite teen idols that I looked up to/felt we’d be friends if we knew each other when I was a pre-teen (she’s three years older than me) and I met her in 2017… it was a highlight of my adult life, for sure. This is so helpful knowing that she’s used it to overcome stage fright and I’d love to use it in that way as well, as public speaking is something I know I want to do and could become better at through hypnosis. Thank you!
I find it very encouraging to have so many celebrities use hypnosis to improve their lives. It’s a definite sign of it’s growing popularity.
Hypnosis…sounds like one of the best kept secrets of Hollywood!
It is refreshingly awesome to see more and more celebrities using hypnotherapy! Hollywood and the media had made many people become doubtful about this amazing method for years. It’s wonderful to hear hypnosis being used for what it’s really meant for.
Love these testimonies! Not really about ‘who’ it is, but how it worked!