What Is Hypnotherapy?
What Is a Hypnotherapist?
A hypnotherapist is a practitioner trained to use clinical hypnosis to help people work toward health or therapy goals. Many hypnotherapists are licensed mental health or medical professionals, such as psychologists, counselors, social workers or physicians, who have completed added training in hypnosis; others hold hypnotherapy certifications without a clinical license. Because training standards vary, it helps to ask about a hypnotherapist’s license and hypnosis training before you book a session.
How Does Hypnotherapy Work?
Many people naturally experience a trance-like state in everyday life, such as becoming deeply absorbed in a book or movie, doing a puzzle, or driving on a familiar route and momentarily losing track of time. Hypnotherapy intentionally uses a similar hypnotic state of focused awareness to help individuals work with thoughts, emotions, behaviors, or physical sensations in a structured and therapeutic way.
During hypnosis, the conscious mind remains engaged while attention is directed inward.
In a hypnotherapy session, a trained therapist first discusses the client’s goals and concerns, similar to other forms of therapy. The therapist then guides the client into a relaxed state using techniques such as controlled breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery. Guided imagery may involve inviting the client to imagine a place that feels calming or familiar, such as being in nature or relaxing in a comfortable setting. This relaxed state often deepens into a hypnotic state, characterized by focused attention and reduced awareness of external distractions.
During this process, the conscious mind becomes calmer and less preoccupied, allowing therapeutic suggestions to be introduced in a supportive way. These suggestions are designed to help change unhelpful patterns of thought, emotional responses, or physical sensations. Hypnotherapy is collaborative: the client stays in control throughout and can end the session at any time (Weir, 2024). Hypnosis cannot make someone do something against their will or values (Lynn et al., 2020).
Hypnotherapy is often described as a mind-body approach, meaning it works with the interaction between mental processes and physiological responses. For example, stress and anxiety are often experienced not only as worries or thoughts, but also through physical responses such as muscle tension, changes in breathing, or increased heart rate. Some practitioners describe hypnotherapy as working with both the conscious mind and the subconscious mind, using these terms descriptively rather than as strict scientific categories.
Hypnosis vs. Hypnotherapy: What Is the Difference?
Hypnosis is the state itself: focused attention, reduced awareness of what is around you and a greater ability to respond to suggestion. Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis by a trained professional to help with a medical or psychological concern (Elkins et al., 2015). Stage hypnosis, done for entertainment, is not hypnotherapy.
What Is Hypnotherapy Used For?
Hypnotherapy is used by some practitioners to support both psychological and physical concerns, often as part of a broader treatment plan. People may seek hypnotherapy for help with stress, anxiety, fears or phobias, unwanted habits, or managing physical symptoms influenced by emotional or psychological factors.
Research suggests hypnotherapy may be particularly helpful for pain management, including chronic pain, as well as for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and anxiety related to medical or dental procedures (Ford et al., 2014; Miller et al., 2015; Montgomery et al., 2007; National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [NCCIH], 2023; Weir, 2024; Whorwell et al., 1984). In these cases, hypnotherapy may help by promoting deep relaxation and changing how discomfort is perceived.
Hypnotherapy is also sometimes used to support behavior change, such as quitting smoking, improving sleep, or managing stress. Research on smoking cessation has been mixed, and results vary from person to person (NCCIH, 2023). As with many forms of therapy, some people find hypnotherapy feels intuitive and helpful early on, while others experience change more gradually as they become more comfortable entering an absorbed state.
Some practitioners work with clients on performance, confidence, motivation, or coping with life transitions. In trauma-related contexts, hypnotherapy has been explored as an adjunctive approach for symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, though it is not considered a first-line treatment and should be used cautiously and only by appropriately trained clinicians.
Some practices associated with hypnotherapy, such as past-life regression or attempts to recover memories, are not supported by scientific evidence. Research indicates that hypnosis can increase confidence in recollections, raising concerns about false memories, particularly when working with emotionally charged material (Lynn et al., 2020).
What Happens in a Hypnotherapy Session?
A typical hypnotherapy session may include:
- A discussion of goals and concerns
- Guided relaxation leading into a hypnotic state
- Therapeutic suggestions offered during deep relaxation
- A gradual return to ordinary awareness
Throughout the session, the client remains in control, and the conscious mind can reassert attention at any time. Outcomes depend on the individual, the issue being addressed, and the practitioner’s training and experience.
Who Might Benefit From Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy may be appropriate for adults or children when provided by a properly trained professional, particularly for:
- Managing chronic pain or other physical symptoms influenced by stress
- Reducing anxiety related to medical or dental procedures
- Supporting behavior change as part of a broader therapeutic plan
Hypnosis should be used with caution for individuals with dissociative disorders or complex trauma and only by clinicians with appropriate mental health training (International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, 2011).
How to Choose a Hypnotherapist
When considering hypnotherapy, it is important to ask about a practitioner’s training, professional background, and experience with your specific concerns. Training standards and regulation of hypnotherapy vary by location.
Some hypnotherapists are licensed mental health or medical professionals who have completed additional hypnosis training, while others hold standalone hypnotherapy certifications. Asking about credentials, scope of practice, and whether hypnotherapy will be used on its own or alongside other therapies can help you make an informed decision. Many practitioners offer an initial consultation to help determine whether hypnotherapy is a good fit.
Find a qualified hypnotherapist near you.
Hypnotherapy FAQs
Is hypnotherapy safe, and what are the downsides?
Hypnotherapy is generally considered safe when provided by a properly trained professional. People remain aware and in control during hypnosis. It should be used with caution for individuals with complex trauma or dissociative disorders and is not a substitute for medical or mental health care. Side effects are uncommon and usually mild, such as headache, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping or a short rise in anxiety after a session (Cleveland Clinic, 2025). Tell your hypnotherapist if you notice any of these.
Does hypnotherapy actually work?
Hypnotherapy can be helpful for some people, particularly for pain management, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and anxiety related to medical procedures. Results vary depending on the individual, the concern being addressed, and the practitioner’s training.
What does a hypnotic state feel like?
A hypnotic state is often described as a state of deep relaxation and focused attention. Many people compare it to being fully absorbed in a book, movie, or daydream.
Can you lose control or be made to do things you don’t want to do?
No. Hypnotherapy does not involve mind control. People remain aware during hypnosis and cannot be made to say or do anything against their will or values.
Is hypnotherapy the same as being unconscious or asleep?
No. Hypnosis is not sleep or unconsciousness. During hypnotherapy, the conscious mind remains present and able to respond, even while attention is focused inward.
Can hypnotherapy help with trauma or PTSD?
Hypnotherapy has been explored as an adjunctive approach for symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, but it is not considered a first-line treatment. Trauma-focused work should only be done by clinicians with appropriate training.
Can hypnotherapy cause false memories?
Research shows hypnosis can increase confidence in memories, which may increase the risk of false memories, especially in emotionally charged situations. Ethical practitioners avoid techniques aimed at “recovering” memories.
Can hypnotherapy help with anxiety or panic attacks?
Hypnotherapy may help some people with anxiety. A 2019 review of controlled studies found that hypnosis reduced anxiety compared with control conditions (Valentine et al., 2019), and it has been studied most for anxiety before medical or dental procedures (Montgomery et al., 2007; NCCIH, 2023). There is little research on panic attacks specifically, so hypnotherapy is best used alongside proven treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), not in place of them. If panic attacks are frequent, start with a licensed mental health professional.
How much does hypnotherapy cost?
Costs vary by location, session length and the practitioner’s credentials, so ask about fees and the expected number of sessions before you start. Many insurance plans do not cover hypnotherapy on its own, but when a licensed mental health or medical professional uses hypnosis as part of covered treatment, the session may be billed as therapy. Some practitioners offer a free first consultation.
Important Medical Disclaimer
If you have new, severe, or unexplained symptoms (for example, persistent pain, neurological symptoms, or significant mood changes), consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before seeking hypnotherapy.
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2025, January 28). Hypnosis. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22676-hypnosis
Elkins, G. R., Barabasz, A. F., Council, J. R., & Spiegel, D. (2015). Advancing research and practice: The revised APA Division 30 definition of hypnosis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 63(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2014.961870
Ford, A. C., Quigley, E. M. M., Lacy, B. E., Lembo, A. J., Saito, Y. A., Schiller, L. R., Soffer, E. E., Spiegel, B. M. R., & Moayyedi, P. (2014). Effect of antidepressants and psychological therapies, including hypnotherapy, in irritable bowel syndrome: Systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 109(9), 1350–1365. https://doi.org/10.1038/ajg.2014.148
International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. (2011). Guidelines for treating dissociative identity disorder in adults, third revision. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 12(2), 115–187. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299732.2011.537247
Lynn, S. J., Kirsch, I., Terhune, D. B., & Green, J. P. (2020). Myths and misconceptions about hypnosis and suggestion: Separating fact and fiction. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 34(6), 1253–1264. https://doi.org/10.1002/acp.3730
Miller, V., Carruthers, H. R., Morris, J., Hasan, S. S., Archbold, S., & Whorwell, P. J. (2015). Hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: An audit of one thousand adult patients. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 41(9), 844–855. https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13145
Montgomery, G. H., Bovbjerg, D. H., Schnur, J. B., David, D., Goldfarb, A., Weltz, C. R., Schechter, C., Graff-Zivin, J., Tatrow, K., Price, D. D., & Silverstein, J. H. (2007). A randomized clinical trial of a brief hypnosis intervention to control side effects in breast surgery patients. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 99(17), 1304–1312. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djm106
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2023). Hypnosis. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/hypnosis
Valentine, K. E., Milling, L. S., Clark, L. J., & Moriarty, C. L. (2019). The efficacy of hypnosis as a treatment for anxiety: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 67(3), 336–363. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2019.1613863
Weir, K. (2024, April 1). Uncovering the new science of clinical hypnosis. Monitor on Psychology, 55(3), 47. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/04/science-of-hypnosis
Whorwell, P. J., Prior, A., & Faragher, E. B. (1984). Controlled trial of hypnotherapy in the treatment of severe refractory irritable-bowel syndrome. The Lancet, 324(8414), 1232–1234. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(84)92793-4