What Is Hypnotherapy?
By Claire de la Varre, PhD, HGDipP, GQHP, therapist and author.
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 trance-like 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.
How Does Hypnotherapy Work?
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: clients are not controlled, and hypnosis cannot make someone do something against their will or values (American Psychological Association, n.d.).
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.
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 (Whorwell et al., 2015; Montgomery et al., 2010; National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [NCCIH], 2023; Ford et al., 2014). 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 smoking cessation, improving sleep, or managing stress—though results vary from person to person and are generally strongest when used alongside other evidence-based treatments (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 a trance-like 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.
Certain practices sometimes 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., 2015; American Psychological Association, n.d.).
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 aware of their surroundings, 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, n.d.).
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 how 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.
Search and find a qualified hypnotherapist near you on TherapyTribe – therapist directory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnotherapy
Is hypnotherapy safe?
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.
Does hypnotherapy really 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.
Important Medical Disclaimer
Hypnotherapy is not a substitute for medical or mental health care. If you are experiencing new, severe, or unexplained symptoms—such as persistent pain, neurological symptoms, or significant mood changes—consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before seeking hypnotherapy.
References
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Hypnosis. https://www.apa.org/topics/hypnosis
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 in irritable bowel syndrome: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 109(9), 1350–1365. https://journals.lww.com/ajg/fulltext/2014/09000/
International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. (n.d.). Guidelines for treating dissociative disorders. https://www.isst-d.org
Lynn, S. J., Lilienfeld, S. O., Merckelbach, H., Giesbrecht, T., & van der Kloet, D. (2015). Hypnosis, memory, and suggestibility: A cautionary note. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 57(3), 1–20.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.2014.976785
Montgomery, G. H., Schnur, J. B., & David, D. (2010). The impact of hypnotic suggestibility in clinical care settings. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 102(3), 1–9. https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/102/3/1/2520200
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2023). Hypnosis. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/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://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PII0140-6736(84)92793-4/fulltext