Hypnotherapy and guided imagery
Contrary to common myths, you remain aware and in control throughout hypnosis. In fact, many people feel more in control because they are engaged with their emotions, rather than feeling overwhelmed by them.
Hypnosis is often misunderstood, and because of that, many people dismiss it before really understanding what it involves. In a dental setting, hypnosis is not about losing control or being “put under” in the way it’s sometimes portrayed in movies. Instead, it is a natural state of focused attention, similar to being deeply absorbed in a book or a movie, where your mind becomes more open to helpful suggestions. Guided imagery can be a powerful part of a broader approach to managing dental anxiety.
For people with dental anxiety, this state can be incredibly useful. When you are anxious, your mind tends to focus on threats such as sounds, sensations, or anticipated discomfort. Hypnosis and guided imagery work by gently redirecting that focus toward something calming, safe, and controlled.
Guided imagery is often the simplest way to experience this. You might be guided (either by a clinician or an audio recording) to imagine yourself in a place where you feel completely at ease such as at a beach, a quiet forest, or even a familiar comfortable environment. The key is to engage your senses: what you can see, hear, feel, and even smell in that space. The more vivid the imagery, the more your brain responds as though you are actually there.
This matters because the brain does not strongly distinguish between vividly imagined experiences and real ones. Just as imagining something negative can increase anxiety, imagining something calming can reduce it. Your breathing slows, your muscles relax, and your overall sense of threat decreases.
Hypnosis can also involve reframing sensations. For example, instead of interpreting a sensation as “painful,” it might be reframed as “pressure” or “movement.” This doesn’t deny what you are feeling, but it changes how your brain interprets it, which can significantly alter your experience.
Another important aspect is the sense of control. Contrary to common myths, you remain aware and in control throughout hypnosis. In fact, many people feel more in control because they are actively engaging with their mental state, rather than feeling overwhelmed by it.
Some people choose to work with a trained hypnotherapist, while others use simple guided recordings during dental visits. Even brief exercises before an appointment can reduce anticipatory anxiety and help you arrive feeling calmer.
It’s also important to acknowledge that hypnosis does not work the same way for everyone. Some people find it very effective, while others prefer different strategies. That’s completely normal. The goal is not to find a “magic solution,” but to explore what helps you feel safest and most comfortable.
When used alongside clear communication, gradual exposure, and patient control techniques, hypnosis and guided imagery can be a powerful part of a broader approach to managing dental anxiety.
Written by Dr Trent Davidson and Dr Helen Fisher from Mindset Dental in Brisbane 2026
