Dianetics vs. Hypnosis: An Evidence-Based Comparison

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis (also called hypnotherapy) is a therapeutic technique where a trained hypnotherapist guides you into a deeply relaxed, focused state called a trance. According to the American Psychological Association, in this state, your mind becomes more open to suggestions. The hypnotherapist then uses verbal cues and imagery to help you change thought patterns, reduce anxiety, or manage pain.

Hypnosis has been used for over a century to treat various conditions, including anxiety, phobias, smoking cessation, and chronic pain. In South Africa, hypnotherapy is offered by registered psychologists, counselors, and certified hypnotherapists. Sessions typically cost between R680-R1,300 per session for face-to-face consultations, or around R900 per session for online sessions.

How Does Hypnosis Work?

During a hypnosis session, the therapist guides you into a relaxed state using techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery. Once you're in this focused state, the therapist makes suggestions designed to help you change behaviors or thought patterns.

For example, if you have anxiety, the hypnotherapist might suggest: "When you feel anxious, you will take a deep breath and feel calm." The idea is that your subconscious mind accepts these suggestions more readily when you're in a trance state, making it easier to change your responses to stress.

What Happens in a Typical Session?

• Initial consultation: The hypnotherapist discusses your goals and medical history
• Induction: You're guided into a relaxed, trance-like state
• Suggestion phase: The therapist makes verbal suggestions to help you change thoughts or behaviors
• Awakening: You're gradually brought out of the trance state
• Debrief: You discuss your experience and any insights gained

A typical course of hypnotherapy involves 4-8 sessions spaced 4-7 days apart, with each session lasting 60-90 minutes.

What is Dianetics?

Dianetics is a set of ideas and practices developed by L. Ron Hubbard in 1950 and detailed in his book "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health". According to Dianetics, your mind has two parts: the analytical mind (rational, conscious) and the reactive mind (stores painful memories and trauma). These painful memories, called "engrams," are said to cause mental distress, anxiety, depression, and other problems.

Dianetics uses a process called "auditing" to locate and remove these engrams. During auditing, you work with a trained auditor who asks you questions while you hold two metal cylinders connected to an E-meter (a device that measures electrical resistance in your body). The goal is to find and process traumatic memories until they no longer affect you.

Unlike hypnosis, which manages symptoms, Dianetics claims to permanently remove the source of your mental distress. The cost is significantly higher—typically varies based on individual needs for a complete course of auditing—but proponents say it's a one-time investment with permanent results.

Comparing Hypnosis and Dianetics

Scientific Evidence for Hypnosis

Hypnosis has been studied extensively for various mental health conditions. Here's what the research says:

For Anxiety

A 2019 meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis reviewed 17 studies with 1,229 participants. The researchers found that hypnosis reduced anxiety more than 79% of control participants^[13]. However, they also noted that hypnosis was more effective when combined with other psychological interventions than as a stand-alone treatment.

For Depression

The evidence for hypnosis treating depression is weaker. A 2010 Cochrane review found insufficient evidence to recommend hypnosis for depression clinically. While some studies show promise, more high-quality research is needed.

For Chronic Pain

Hypnosis has strong evidence for managing chronic pain conditions. Multiple studies show it can reduce pain intensity and improve quality of life for conditions like fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancer-related pain.

Cost Comparison

Cost is an important factor when choosing a mental health treatment. Here's how hypnosis and Dianetics compare:

Hypnosis Costs in South Africa

• Face-to-face sessions: R680-R1,300 per session
• Online sessions: Around R900 per session
• Typical course: 4-8 sessions = R2,720-R10,400 total
• Maintenance: May need occasional follow-up sessions
• Medical aid: Some schemes cover hypnotherapy under PMB benefits

Dianetics Costs in South Africa

• Initial book: R300-R500 (Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health)
• Auditing sessions: varies based on individual needs (contact for pricing or see the Professional Dianetics Auditor directory)
• Duration: Varies by individual (weeks to months)
• Maintenance: None claimed—results said to be permanent
• Medical aid: Not covered by medical schemes

Hypnosis is significantly cheaper upfront but may require ongoing maintenance. Dianetics is more expensive initially but claims to be a one-time investment with permanent results.

Which Approach is Right for You?

The choice between hypnosis and Dianetics depends on your goals, budget, and preference for evidence-based vs. anecdotal approaches.

Choose Hypnosis If:

• You want a treatment with scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness
• You prefer a lower upfront cost (R2,720-R10,400)
• You're comfortable with symptom management rather than root cause removal
• You want a treatment accepted by mainstream medical professionals
• Your medical aid may cover some of the costs

Choose Dianetics If:

• You want to address the root cause of your mental distress, not just symptoms
• You're willing to invest varies based on individual needs upfront for claimed permanent results
• You're comfortable with a treatment based on anecdotal success stories
• You want a finite process with a clear endpoint, not ongoing therapy
• You're looking for an alternative to medication and traditional therapy

Next Steps

If you're interested in exploring hypnosis, look for a registered psychologist or certified hypnotherapist in your area. If you're curious about Dianetics, start by reading the book and visiting a local Dianetics center to learn more.

Want to try the Dianetics approach? Order the book for R400 with free delivery anywhere in South Africa. Unlike hypnosis, Dianetics keeps you fully conscious and in control while addressing the root causes of your mental health challenges.

For personalized support, Dianetics auditing services are available in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and other cities.

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Written by

Tony Peacock

Humanitarian & Mental Health Research Advocate

Published: 2024 • Updated: November 2025

Tony is an Australian who moved to South Africa and made it his home. At 25, he overcame drug and alcohol addiction through Dianetics after trying alternative healing approaches. He served as Church staff in Australia for 12 years before moving to SA in 2022. As a humanitarian and philanthropist, he has made significant contributions to mental health infrastructure across Southern Africa. His mission: help the able become more able using technology that makes people causative.