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.
Can a Hypnotherapist Control Your Mind?
One of the biggest misconceptions about hypnosis is that a hypnotherapist can somehow take control of your mind and make you do things against your will.
The simple answer is no.
During hypnosis, you remain aware of what is happening and retain complete control over your actions. A hypnotherapist cannot force you to think, say or do anything that goes against your values, beliefs or wishes.
Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process. The therapist provides guidance and therapeutic suggestions, but you decide whether to accept those suggestions. If something doesn’t feel right to you, you can simply ignore it or choose not to follow it.
Rather than giving up control, many people find that hypnosis actually helps them feel more in control because they learn to change thoughts, emotions and behaviours that previously felt automatic.
Can You Be Hypnotised Against Your Will?
No. Hypnosis requires your cooperation and willingness to participate.
Even if someone attempted to hypnotise you without your consent, hypnosis would not occur unless you chose to engage with the process.
This is one of the key differences between clinical hypnotherapy and the myths often portrayed in films or television.
Is Hypnotherapy the Same as Stage Hypnosis?
Although both involve hypnosis, their purpose couldn’t be more different.
Stage hypnosis is designed as entertainment. Volunteers choose to participate because they want to enjoy the experience and often expect to behave in amusing or exaggerated ways in front of an audience. Stage hypnotists are also highly skilled at selecting volunteers who are naturally outgoing, responsive and comfortable performing publicly.
Clinical hypnotherapy has an entirely different purpose. It uses hypnosis in a safe, professional and ethical way to help people overcome difficulties such as anxiety, fears, phobias, stress, unwanted habits and low confidence. The focus is always on helping the client achieve their goals rather than entertaining an audience.
Why Do Stage Hypnosis Shows Look So Convincing?
Many people assume the volunteers are under the hypnotist’s control because of the way stage hypnosis is presented.
In reality, several factors contribute to what the audience sees:
- The volunteers have chosen to take part.
- They usually expect to have fun.
- Stage hypnotists carefully select the most responsive participants.
- Social pressure encourages people to continue participating.
- The atmosphere is designed to entertain.
This combination can create the impression that people have lost control, when in reality they are actively participating in the performance.
Can You Get Stuck in Hypnosis?
No.
This is another common myth. Hypnosis is simply a temporary state of focused attention.
If your therapist stopped talking unexpectedly, you would naturally return to your normal level of awareness after a short time or simply drift into ordinary sleep before waking naturally.
Just as you naturally drift in and out of daydreaming, hypnosis is a temporary state that ends naturally.
Will I Remember Everything Afterwards?
Most people remember the majority of their hypnotherapy session.
Some people describe small gaps in their memory, similar to forgetting parts of a conversation because they were deeply relaxed or concentrating on something else. This is perfectly normal.
It is important to remember that not consciously recalling every detail does not mean the therapeutic work has been ineffective. Much of the change that occurs during hypnotherapy happens automatically as the brain begins to develop new patterns of thinking and responding.
Can Hypnosis Make You Reveal Secrets?
No.
You remain aware throughout hypnosis and continue to choose what you say. A hypnotherapist cannot force you to disclose personal information or reveal thoughts that you would prefer to keep private. Successful therapy relies on trust rather than control.
While being open with your therapist can help them understand your situation and tailor therapy to your needs, you are always free to decide what you wish to discuss.
Can Hypnotherapy Help Medical Conditions?
Hypnotherapy is not a cure for medical conditions. However, it can often help people manage the emotional and psychological impact of illness, reduce stress and improve coping strategies.
Research has shown that hypnotherapy may be beneficial for some conditions where stress, anxiety or pain play a role, including:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Chronic pain
- Migraines
- Tension headaches
- Medical and dental anxiety
- Anxiety associated with long-term health conditions
If you are seeking hypnotherapy for a medical, neurological or psychiatric condition, it is important to consult your GP or consultant first to ensure hypnotherapy is appropriate as part of your overall care.
Hypnotherapy should always complement—not replace—appropriate medical advice and treatment.
How Many Hypnotherapy Sessions Will I Need?
This is one of the questions I’m asked most frequently.
The answer depends on several factors, including:
- The issue you would like help with.
- How long it has been affecting you.
- Your goals for therapy.
- Your motivation and participation.
Many people experience significant progress within a relatively short number of sessions, particularly for specific fears and phobias. More complex or long-standing issues may benefit from a longer course of therapy.
At the beginning of therapy, we will discuss your goals and provide a realistic indication of the number of sessions that may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Does Hypnotherapy Work for Everyone?
Like any form of therapy, results vary from person to person. Successful hypnotherapy depends on several factors, including:
- Your willingness to engage with the process.
- Your motivation to make changes.
- The therapeutic relationship.
- Choosing the most appropriate therapeutic approach for your needs.
Hypnotherapy is not something that is done to you. It is a collaborative process in which we work together towards your goals.
Choosing a Qualified Hypnotherapist
Because hypnotherapy is not currently subject to statutory regulation in the UK, it is important to choose a therapist carefully.
Before booking, consider asking about:
- Professional qualifications.
- Clinical experience.
- Membership of recognised professional organisations.
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Regular clinical supervision.
- Professional insurance.
A reputable hypnotherapist will be happy to answer your questions and explain how they work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnosis
Is hypnosis real?
Yes. Hypnosis is a genuine psychological state of focused attention that has been studied extensively and is widely used in therapeutic settings.
What does hypnosis feel like?
Most people describe hypnosis as feeling deeply relaxed while remaining fully aware of what is happening around them.
Can everyone be hypnotised?
Most people can experience hypnosis if they are willing to participate and feel comfortable with the process.
Will I lose control?
No. You remain aware throughout hypnosis and retain complete control over your actions.
Can a hypnotherapist make me do something against my will?
No. You cannot be made to think, say or do anything that conflicts with your values or wishes.
Is hypnosis safe?
For most people, hypnosis is considered safe when carried out by a suitably qualified and experienced hypnotherapist.
Can hypnosis help anxiety?
Many people find hypnotherapy helpful for reducing anxiety and developing calmer, more positive responses to situations that previously caused distress.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on your goals and individual circumstances. During your initial consultation, your therapist can provide guidance based on your specific situation.
Final Thoughts
Despite the myths that continue to surround hypnosis, it is simply a natural state of focused attention that can be used to support positive psychological change.
Rather than losing control, most people discover that hypnotherapy helps them gain greater control over their thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, stress, fears, phobias, confidence or unwanted habits, understanding how hypnosis really works can help you approach therapy with confidence and realistic expectations.
If you’re considering hypnotherapy and would like to find out whether it could help you, I offer a free consultation where we can discuss your situation, answer any questions you may have and decide whether hypnotherapy is the right approach for you.
