Introduction:

In the last 50 years, the study and practice of hypnosis as a therapeutic resource has gained more relevance within the field of health. Despite of this, the ignorance of this technique and the existence of false beliefs about it prejudice its optimal use.

Objective:

To describe the attitude of care psychologists in Santa Clara municipality in relation to hypnosis.

Methods:

The research has a descriptive scope, based on a cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach carried out from September to November 2016. The sample consisted of 38 health psychologists. A 16-item questionnaire was used to discuss the hypnosis knowledge, the beliefs attributed to hypnosis, the therapeutic value assigned to it and the experience in its use.

Results:

A low level of knowledge about hypnosis was noticed. The main way of obtaining knowledge resulted to be self-preparation. Most of those polled do not use the technique, however they grant to it a great therapeutic value. Irrational beliefs about hypnosis do not prevail.

Conclusions:

Care psychologists of Santa Clara municipality in Villa Clara province demand greater knowledge and preparation through academic institutions on the use of hypnosis as a therapeutic resource. Beliefs related to the therapist's special conditions and loss of behavioral control in patients are not predominant. There is recognition of the therapeutic value of hypnosis, despite not being used by many of the professionals surveyed.

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