Hypnotherapy or hypnosis can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions including anxiety and phobias, substance dependency, habit control, and pain management. But how does it work?
There are many definitions of hypnosis which can give a clue to understanding how it works, our preferred definition being:
“One person (the subject) is guided by another (the hypnotist) to respond to suggestions for changes in subjective experience, alterations in perception, sensation, emotion, thought or behaviour.”
— The official American Psychological Association’s Division 30 Definition and Description of Hypnosis
Hypnosis involves taking the patient through a number of stages to achieve the desired outcome, whether that is age regression, relaxation, or positive thinking.
This first step is crucial. If unsuccessful, the hypnosis will not be effective. It involves building rapport between the subject and the hypnotherapist. The hypnotherapist gathers information about the patient’s issues and explains the process to ensure comfort. Some clinicians may also test the patient’s suggestibility to determine if the required depth of trance can be achieved.
Several techniques can induce a hypnotic trance, with one of the most common being the eye-fixation technique. The patient stares at a fixed point while the hypnotherapist suggests sensations such as heavy eyelids and tiredness, eventually leading to deep relaxation.
Another method is the hand levitation technique, where the patient experiences their hand lifting and touching their face, triggering eye closure and entry into a trance-like state.
After the trance is initiated, it is deepened using techniques such as counting, silence, visual imagery, hand rotation or automatic movements, confusional strategies, or rhythmic cues like a metronome.
The hypnotherapist then uses the hypnotic state to deliver therapeutic suggestions aimed at resolving the patient’s condition—whether that be anxiety, a phobia, or another issue.
This stage helps reduce tension, anxiety, and apprehension, while boosting the patient’s confidence and belief in their ability to overcome their problems.
To end the hypnotic trance, the hypnotherapist often uses a counting method. Before termination, post-hypnotic suggestions may be offered to encourage ongoing positive thinking or the use of self-hypnosis, sometimes supported by a recording of the session.
As with all therapies, it is important to select a qualified hypnotherapist who belongs to a professional organisation such as the Royal College of Psychiatrists or the UK Council for Psychotherapy with whom you feel you can build a trusting relationship and to ensure the best outcome following treatment.
* The official American Psychological Association’s Division 30 Definition and Description of Hypnosis. www.psychologicalhypnosis.com
Yes, when conducted by a qualified and trained professional, hypnosis is considered safe. It is a natural and relaxed state of focused attention. Patients remain aware and in control throughout the session, and they cannot be made to do anything against their will.
No. Contrary to popular myths, hypnosis does not involve mind control. You remain fully aware of your surroundings and can choose to accept or reject suggestions. You can also stop the session at any time.
Most people can enter a hypnotic state to some degree. However, the depth of hypnosis and the person’s responsiveness to suggestions can vary. Willingness, openness, and trust in the hypnotherapist are key factors.
Hypnotherapy is commonly used for anxiety, phobias, habit change (e.g. smoking, nail biting), sleep problems, pain management, and even to support weight loss. It can also be useful alongside other psychological or medical treatments.
The number of sessions varies depending on the issue being addressed and the individual’s response to hypnotherapy. Some people notice improvement after just a few sessions, while others may require a longer course of treatment for lasting change.
