NCT06844058

Islamic-Oriented vs. Standard Ericksonian Hypnotherapy for Anxiety and Depression

Efficacy of Islamic-Oriented Ericksonian Hypnotherapy vs. Standard Ericksonian Hypnotherapy in Reducing Anxiety and Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 90 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Istanbul Nisantasi University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to compare the effectiveness of Islamic-Oriented Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (IEH) and Standard Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (SEH) in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study will enroll 90 participants with mild to moderate anxiety and depression, who will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) IEH intervention, (2) SEH intervention, or (3) control group (no intervention). Participants in the intervention groups will receive 12 weekly hypnotherapy sessions, each lasting 60 minutes. The primary outcomes include changes in Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores from baseline to post-intervention and at a 4-week follow-up. The study will also assess whether religious belief levels moderate the effects of the intervention using the OK-Religious Attitude Scale. Data collection will be performed at Istanbul Nişantaşı University, and ethical approval has been obtained.

Detailed description

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the differential effects of Islamic-Oriented Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (IEH) and Standard Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (SEH) in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression among religious Muslim adults. The primary objective is to examine whether the integration of Islamic religious elements into Ericksonian hypnotherapy enhances clinical outcomes compared to its standard application. The study follows a parallel-group design with three arms: IEH, SEH, and a no-intervention control. Ninety participants (30 per group) are randomized using stratified block randomization based on age and gender. All intervention sessions are manualized, delivered by trained clinical psychologists, and conducted weekly over 12 weeks (each lasting 60 minutes). IEH sessions incorporate culturally and religiously adapted therapeutic elements, such as Quranic metaphors, Islamic imagery, and spiritual affirmations, in line with the Ericksonian framework. SEH sessions utilize traditional hypnotic techniques including metaphorical storytelling, guided imagery, and indirect suggestions, without religious content. Primary outcome measures include changes in Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores from baseline to Week 12 (post-intervention) and Week 16 (follow-up). Secondary analyses will investigate whether religiosity levels (measured via the OK-Religious Attitude Scale) moderate treatment effects. Blinded outcome assessors will ensure unbiased data collection. This study addresses the need for culturally responsive mental health interventions within Muslim populations. Ethical approval was obtained from the İstanbul Nişantaşı University Ethics Committee (Approval No: 20250103-27). Results are expected to contribute to evidence-based development of spiritually integrated psychotherapeutic models for anxiety and depression.

Conditions

• Anxiety Disorders
• Depressive Disorder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Islamic-Oriented Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (IEH)	This intervention involves 12 weekly sessions (60 minutes each) of Ericksonian hypnotherapy integrated with Islamic religious elements. Sessions incorporate: Quranic metaphors and Islamic imagery Spiritual affirmations to enhance relaxation and emotional regulation Faith-based guided hypnosis adapted to cultural and religious beliefs Techniques such as indirect suggestions, therapeutic storytelling, and guided imagery The intervention is designed for Muslim participants with mild to moderate anxiety and depression.
BEHAVIORAL	Standard Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (SEH)	Participants receive 12 weekly sessions (60 minutes each) of standard Ericksonian hypnotherapy, which includes: Metaphorical storytelling and guided imagery Indirect hypnotic suggestions to promote psychological flexibility Relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms Unlike the Islamic-Oriented Hypnotherapy (IEH), this intervention does not integrate religious or faith-based elements.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-01-15
• Primary completion: 2025-06-25
• Completion: 2025-08-15
• First posted: 2025-02-25
• Last updated: 2025-03-26

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)