Hypnosis is a completely natural, altered state of mind.
It is not an induced sleep or a state of unconsciousness. Instead, it is a focused state of mind similar to when you are deeply engrossed in a movie, driving a familiar route without noticing the time pass, or meditating. Everyone naturally enters this relaxed, altered state multiple times a day.
Brain scans confirm that when a person is under hypnosis, their brain wave activity shifts from the active Beta state to the calm Alpha or even the very deep Theta state.
Crucially, hypnosis does not cause amnesia or loss of control. In fact, it is a state of heightened focus and awareness. Clients remember everything because this increased focus is exactly what allows the subconscious mind to integrate therapeutic suggestions for powerful and lasting change.
Most people can enter hypnotic relaxation easily, provided they:
Want to participate in the process.
Feel comfortable with the hypnotherapist and the methodology.
Hypnotherapy is the deliberate combination of therapy and hypnosis.
It is an open, reflective process that utilizes the deeply relaxed state of hypnosis to directly access and work with the subconscious mind. This allows us to plant and reinforce positive suggestions, ultimately creating lasting change in the individual’s outlook and life.
While there are numerous techniques and effective applications, successful hypnotherapy always requires three key points from the person seeking help:
A definite desire for change and improvement.
Entering a deeply relaxed state of focus (hypnosis).
Being receptive to language and visualization that resonates on an emotional level.
The key difference lies in the application and depth of the work. Hypnosis is the tool; Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic method.
Hypnosis is the process of inducing a deeply relaxed, focused, and receptive state of mind. It facilitates direct communication between the conscious and subconscious mind.
A hypnotist (or practitioner) mainly uses this state to deliver relaxation and hypnotic suggestions to address specific issues like smoking cessation, weight management, or insomnia. This typically focuses on changing the immediate behavior.
Hypnotherapy is the psychological healing method that utilizes hypnosis to treat and resolve underlying problems. It involves a deeper counseling process.
A hypnotherapist is a certified or licensed professional who uses the hypnotic state for advanced techniques, such as:
Regressing to childhood to discover the root patterns causing persistent issues.
Changing those negative patterns within the subconscious for lasting results.
Optimizing mental health and reducing deeply rooted issues like phobias.
Almost anyone who can daydream and is willing to follow instructions can be hypnotized.
The key requirement is willingness; no one can be hypnotized against their will, and a person can easily resist the process at any time.
The ability to be hypnotized is not about “giving up control.” In fact, the hypnotic state is characterized by heightened focus and awareness, meaning you remain completely aware and in control at all times. Differences exist only in the degree or depth to which an individual allows themselves to relax into the trance state.
Many people who believe they can’t be hypnotized already experience this natural, altered state daily—such as when they are deeply absorbed in a movie or TV show, or when drifting into or waking up from sleep.
Absolutely not. You always retain 100% control and full awareness while in a hypnotic state.
Hypnosis is a completely natural state of relaxed, deep focus—very similar to being engrossed in a movie or book. Just as you can emerge from that focused state anytime you wish, you can become fully awake during hypnosis at any point. A hypnotherapist merely acts as a guide on your journey.
You Set the Depth: Because you are the one in control, you decide how deeply into hypnosis you wish to go. This empowers you to initiate change within yourself.
Safety and Ethics: Hypnosis cannot make you do anything against your will, your morals, or your personal value system. No hypnotherapist can make you do something you don’t want to do.
Privacy is Protected: You will not unknowingly reveal your deepest secrets. In fact, you can even tell lies while in hypnosis, which is why testimony given under hypnosis is not permissible evidence in a court of law.
For hypnosis to be effective, it’s essential that you want the change. Hypnosis is a powerful tool that facilitates change more quickly and easily by tapping into the subconscious mind.
If you emotionally resist suggestions (for example, the subconscious desire to smoke), an experienced hypnotherapist can work with you to address those deeper emotional attachments to help you achieve lasting positive results.
Hypnosis works by shifting your mind into a safe, altered state characterized by deep relaxation and heightened focus. This trance state makes the subconscious mind extremely open to positive suggestion, visualization, and therapeutic language.
When you enter this hypnotic state, the hypnotherapist’s suggestions bypass the critical, logical filter of the conscious mind (which only accounts for about 12% of your mental activity). This allows the suggestions to be received directly by the subconscious mind (the remaining 88%).
Because the subconscious mind does not distinguish between a vividly visualized experience and a genuine real-world experience, the positive changes take root as permanent truth. For example, a person with claustrophobia can be guided to visualize a sense of wide-open space while in an “elevator,” and the brain and body react successfully to that visualization.
The true power of hypnosis lies in accessing this subconscious level to address the root of complex issues, such as addictive patterns or chronic habits. By working at this foundational level, hypnotherapy achieves a greater and more long-lasting success rate than traditional methods that rely solely on the willpower of the conscious mind.
Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool used to achieve lasting improvements across emotional, physical, and behavioral health.
Improve Physical Conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), skin conditions, tinnitus, and migraines.
Control Pain (acute and chronic, with physician referral).
Preparation for Surgery or other medical procedures.Ease Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Labor.
Improve Performance at work, in school, or in sport.
Enhance Self-Confidence and self-esteem.Improve Concentration, Study Habits, and Memory.
Increase Motivation for personal and professional achievement.
Control Stuttering and speech habits.
Selecting a hypnotherapist is a personal decision that relies on both professional credentials and personal comfort.
1. Ask Questions: Always start with a phone consultation. Ask any questions you have about their process, experience, and fees. Listen for friendly, informative, and clear replies.
2. Verify Credentials: Ask about their professional training, qualifications, and certifications. Look for memberships in reputable professional organizations (like the AHA or HMI).
3. Check References: Feel free to read online reviews or ask for client references to gauge their track record.
4. Trust Your Instincts: On a personal level, you must be comfortable with the person’s manner, voice, and style. Choose a hypnotherapist whose presence instills confidence in you.
Always remember that hypnosis is not a treatment or cure for mental illness.
Individuals who suffer from psychosis, severe suicidal depression, or those who are undergoing psychological treatment with medication should only be hypnotized by an experienced hypnotherapist with the express approval and referral of their psychiatrist or medical doctor.