Thinking about hypnotherapy? Discover what hypnosis really is, how it works, what it feels like, and the truth behind common myths in this complete guide.
If you’ve ever considered hypnotherapy, you’ve probably wondered what hypnosis is really like. Can you be made to do something against your will? Will you lose control? Are you asleep? Will you remember everything afterwards?
These are some of the most common questions people ask before trying hypnotherapy, and they’re understandable. Much of what people think they know about hypnosis comes from stage shows, television programmes and films rather than from clinical hypnotherapy. In reality, hypnosis is very different from the way it is often portrayed in the media.
This guide explains what hypnosis is, how it works, what it feels like and answers many of the most common questions about hypnotherapy. Whether you’re considering therapy for anxiety, a phobia, stress, confidence, unwanted habits or another issue, understanding hypnosis can help you make an informed decision.
What Is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a completely natural state of focused attention and heightened awareness.
Although many people imagine hypnosis as a form of sleep or unconsciousness, this isn’t the case. During hypnosis you remain awake, aware of your surroundings and able to hear everything that is being said. Rather than losing awareness, your attention simply becomes more focused.
Most of us naturally enter similar states several times every day without even realising it.
For example, you may have experienced:
- Becoming completely absorbed in a good book.
- Watching a film and losing track of time.
- Daydreaming while looking out of the window.
- Driving a familiar route and suddenly realising you’ve arrived without consciously thinking about every part of the journey.
These everyday experiences are examples of naturally occurring trance states. Hypnosis simply uses this natural ability in a purposeful way to help create positive change.
What Is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy combines hypnosis with therapeutic techniques to help people change unhelpful thoughts, feelings and patterns of behaviour.
During hypnosis, the mind becomes deeply relaxed and highly focused. This relaxed state allows you to explore thoughts, beliefs and automatic responses that may be contributing to the difficulties you’re experiencing.
Hypnotherapy is commonly used to help with:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Fears and phobias
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Panic attacks
- Public speaking anxiety
- Smoking cessation
- Weight management
- Sleep difficulties
- Medical and dental anxiety
Rather than being a treatment in itself, hypnosis provides a relaxed state in which therapeutic change can take place.
How Does Hypnosis Work?
Our minds constantly process enormous amounts of information every second. Many of our thoughts, emotions and behaviours happen automatically because they have been learned over time.
For example, you don’t consciously think about how to tie your shoelaces, drive a car or ride a bicycle. These skills have become automatic through repetition and learning.
The same applies to emotional responses. Sometimes the brain learns associations that were once helpful but are no longer beneficial.
A difficult dental appointment during childhood may lead to anxiety every time you visit the dentist. A frightening flight may result in a fear of flying. An embarrassing presentation may create a lasting fear of public speaking.
Hypnotherapy aims to help change these learned responses by working with the way the brain stores and retrieves thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
Instead of automatically responding with anxiety or fear, the mind can learn calmer, more helpful ways of responding.
What Happens During Hypnosis?
Every hypnotherapist works slightly differently, but most sessions follow a similar structure. Initially, you’ll spend time discussing your goals and understanding the issue you’d like help with. When you’re ready, you’ll be guided into a comfortable state of relaxation using calm, focused instructions.
This may involve:
- Focusing on your breathing.
- Gradually relaxing different muscle groups.
- Visualising peaceful surroundings.
- Paying attention to particular thoughts or sensations.
Once you’re deeply relaxed, therapeutic techniques appropriate to your situation are used. At the end of the session, you’ll gradually return to your normal level of alertness feeling relaxed, refreshed and fully aware.
What Does Hypnosis Feel Like?
One of the biggest surprises for many people is how ordinary hypnosis actually feels. There is no single way that hypnosis should feel because everyone’s experience is slightly different. Some people describe it as feeling similar to deep relaxation. Others say it feels like becoming completely absorbed in a daydream.
Some notice a pleasant heaviness in their arms and legs, while others experience a feeling of lightness or simply feel calm and comfortable.
Many people wonder whether they have “been hypnotised properly” because they remain aware throughout the session. In reality, remaining aware is completely normal. Most people can hear everything that is being said and could speak or move if they wanted to.
Are You Asleep During Hypnosis?
No. Although hypnosis is deeply relaxing, it is not sleep. Brain activity during hypnosis differs from both normal wakefulness and sleep.
Throughout hypnosis you remain aware of your surroundings, able to hear your therapist and capable of responding if you choose. Many people say they feel as though they are somewhere between being fully awake and drifting off to sleep.
Can Everyone Be Hypnotised?
Most people can experience hypnosis, provided they want to. Hypnosis is not something that can be forced upon someone against their wishes. Like any therapeutic process, it requires your willingness to participate.
Some people naturally enter hypnosis very quickly, while others may take a little longer to become comfortable with the process. Neither experience is better than the other.
Your ability to benefit from hypnotherapy depends far more on your motivation, participation and willingness to engage with the process than on how deeply hypnotised you feel.
There are some situations where hypnotherapy may not be appropriate, including certain medical or psychiatric conditions. A qualified hypnotherapist will always discuss your medical history before beginning therapy and, where appropriate, may recommend that you seek advice from your GP or another healthcare professional.
Is Hypnosis Safe?
For most people, hypnosis is considered a safe and natural experience when carried out by a suitably trained and qualified hypnotherapist. Hypnosis itself is simply a naturally occurring state of focused attention that we experience every day.
As with any therapy, it is important to choose a therapist who has appropriate qualifications, receives regular supervision and works within recognised professional and ethical standards.
If you are seeking help for a medical condition, psychiatric condition or neurological disorder, your therapist may recommend obtaining approval from your GP or consultant before treatment begins.
Does Hypnosis Really Work?
Research has shown that hypnotherapy can be helpful for a variety of psychological and physical conditions, particularly when combined with evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
However, hypnosis is not magic. It cannot instantly remove problems or make changes without your involvement.
Successful hypnotherapy is a collaborative process. Your therapist provides guidance, techniques and support, while you actively participate in making the changes you want to achieve. Like learning any new skill, lasting change usually develops through repetition, motivation and practice.
Common Misconceptions About Hypnosis
Many concerns about hypnosis come from misunderstandings rather than from clinical hypnotherapy itself. Some of the most common myths include:
- Hypnosis is the same as sleep.
- You lose control during hypnosis.
- You can be made to reveal secrets.
- A hypnotherapist can control your mind.
- Some people can become permanently “stuck” in hypnosis.
The reassuring reality is that none of these beliefs accurately reflects how hypnotherapy works.
In the next part of this guide, we’ll look at each of these myths in more detail and answer the questions people ask most often before trying hypnotherapy.
