Hypnotherapy

This article provides a comprehensive overview of hypnotherapy, including the mechanisms behind its effects, benefits, and conditions it may help treat. Furthermore, information is provided on what to expect during a session and any concerns.

Key Takeaways:

• Hypnotherapy utilizes hypnosis to help treat mental and physical conditions. When used professionally, it is used as an addition to other standard treatments, such as psychotherapy.
• The process of hypnosis brings about specific changes in consciousness and brain activity that make individuals more open to suggestions and behavior changes, which ultimately benefits their situation.
• Hypnotherapy is a safe, low-risk therapy when conducted by a licensed, qualified hypnotherapist. Yet, hypnosis in general is largely unregulated, so it’s important to contact your healthcare provider to find fully qualified hypnotherapists.

Understanding Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a specific form of therapy that utilizes hypnosis to bring about positive changes for psychological concerns or other medical issues. It is done under the guidance of a qualified hypnotherapist. Medical professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or medical doctors, may receive additional hypnotherapy training so that they can utilize this modality alongside standard treatments.

Within hypnotherapy, the therapist utilizes specific techniques to help induce hypnosis. Examples of induction techniques include suggesting that the client feel relaxed or calm, or think about pleasant experiences. This is designed to bring the person into hypnosis, which is a state of consciousness that involves highly directed attention, yet reduced peripheral awareness, and increased calmness and relaxation. In this state, individuals become more open to suggestions. ^{[1] [2]}

How Does Hypnotherapy Work?

Hypnotherapy works by altering your state of consciousness, such that you are able to “let go” of thoughts and worries, and become more open and receptive to suggestions and ideas. It also allows you to more easily access unconscious parts of your brain as well. ^[2]

This is highlighted by specific physiological changes during hypnosis, such as increased connectivity among certain brain regions and enhanced emotional and cognitive processing. ^[3]

Ultimately, by changing your perception and becoming more open to suggestions, hypnotherapy allows you to more easily receive beneficial suggestions for whatever issues are affecting you.

Hypnotherapy for Mental Health

Hypnotherapy is effective for many mental health concerns and conditions, including: ^{[1] [2] [4]}

• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Panic
• Phobias
• Depression
• Sleep issues

It has also been shown to improve psychological health for individuals who experience distress from medical conditions, such as chronic pain and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). ^[4]

Hypnotherapy is beneficial for these conditions for several reasons. For one, the hypnotherapy session itself often involves specific techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, or imagination, which help calm the mind and body. ^{[2] [5]}

Secondly, and more directly to the unique therapeutic actions, hypnotherapy helps individuals approach problems from new perspectives and facilitates more positive emotions, thoughts, and ideas.

Many individuals with psychological issues experience disruptions in cognitive and psychological functions, such as:

• A lack of present-moment awareness.
• Catastrophic imagination (e.g., worrying about what will happen).
• Intense dwelling in the past (as with PTSD or depression).
• Low self-esteem and confidence.
• Negative/unhelpful associations between events.
• Negative beliefs/ideas about oneself, others, events, etc.

Therefore, by changing one’s state of awareness, accessing subconscious states, and promoting positive suggestions, hypnotherapy can help individuals to: ^{[5] [6]}

• Redirect their mental energy.
• Develop healthier and more rational thoughts and ideas.
• Reduce negative associations.
• Create more positive beliefs and ideas about oneself, others, and the world.

Benefits and Risks

Hypnotherapy has the potential to be very beneficial, especially when combined as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, such as alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or with mental health medication. And overall, it is safe and relatively simple to implement.

However, there are certain risks with hypnotherapy as well. One of the risks is that hypnosis may be advertised by unqualified, inexperienced individuals. Therefore, you have to make sure that you’re receiving hypnotherapy from a qualified, licensed hypnotherapist, you run the risk of ineffective and possibly unsafe hypnosis. ^[2]

There is also a chance of side effects with hypnotherapy, such as:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Increased anxiety
• Sleep issues

These are all rare, but still important to be aware of.

Furthermore, hypnosis may not be safe for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as schizophrenia, or anyone dealing with hallucinations or delusions. ^[2]

Ethical Issues of Hypnotherapy

There are several ethical issues to consider with hypnotherapy, such as:

• Confidentiality: Some people may worry that the information they share during hypnosis will be shared with others.

• Informed consent: The hypnotherapist must obtain informed consent before beginning hypnosis. Make sure that the therapist has explained to you what it involves and that you’re comfortable proceeding.

• The possibility of loss of autonomy: Some individuals may be concerned that they’ll be controlled or manipulated.

• Causing Harm: Unethical hypnotherapy could lead to potentially harmful suggestions that cause negative effects for the patient or others around them.

These issues are rarely an issue when you’re treated by a qualified and licensed hypnotherapist. Proper hypnotherapy involves fully informed consent and full confidentiality, and you remain in total control of your thoughts and actions. However, if anything concerning arises, stop the treatment and notify your healthcare provider.

What Else Can Hypnotherapy Help With?

In addition to mental health benefits, hypnotherapy has also been shown to help with: ^{[1] [2] [4]}

• Pain.
• Hot flashes/menopausal symptoms.
• Cancer treatment side effects.
• IBS.
• Anxiety/distress before surgery and medical procedures.
• Weight loss.
• Quitting smoking.

What to Expect from a Hypnotherapy Session

Before starting the session, you’ll meet with your hypnotherapist. They’ll likely explain the process of hypnosis and what to expect, and review your specific concerns and goals.

After this, the actual session begins. The first part of a hypnotherapy session is the induction period, in which the hypnotherapist speaks in a slow, calming manner to help you relax and asks you to close your eyes. The exact techniques that accompany this vary, but the hypnotherapist may ask you to think about pleasant experiences, describe relaxing images or settings, focus on your breath, or have you tense and relax your muscles. ^{[1] [2]}

The induction period is carried out until the hypnotherapist decides that you’ve reached a deep enough point of hypnosis. Once you’ve reached hypnosis, the therapist then begins saying the suggestions that are relevant to your current concerns and goals. ^[1]

After this period, your hypnotherapist will gradually bring you back to your normal state of consciousness and awareness. This often includes specific words or phrases to get you back in touch with yourself and your surroundings.

How Long Does it Last?

Most hypnotherapy sessions delivered professionally last around an hour. However, the length can vary considerably, ranging from 10 to 90 minutes. ^[6]

How to Find a Hypnotherapist

Compared to other therapies, hypnotherapy is largely unregulated, which makes it essential to find only qualified, licensed hypnotherapists. To do this, it’s best to speak with your primary care doctor or healthcare provider. They can help you find hypnotherapists who are right for your goals.

In addition, many organizations offer certifications for hypnotherapy, such as:

• International Hypnosis Association.
• American Council of Hypnotist Examiners.
• American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.

What to Look For

Ideally, you should look for a licensed and credentialed healthcare professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or medical doctor, who has additional training in hypnosis and hypnotherapy.

To ensure that you find a qualified hypnotherapist, you should make sure that they have: ^[1]

• Specialized training in hypnosis.
• With significant training hours and experience.
• From reputable schools/organizations.
• An active license to practice hypnotherapy in your state or area.
• Several years of experience.
• A significant number of positive ratings and reviews (not necessary, but often helpful).

Summary

Hypnotherapy offers several potential benefits for mental health issues, as well as other medical conditions, and improved life quality in general. It is a safe, low-risk practice when conducted by licensed, qualified hypnotherapists and offers additional benefits when used alongside other standard treatments, such as psychotherapy.

It may not work for everyone, but if you’re interested in seeing how hypnotherapy may help your symptoms or conditions, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider. Many options are available.

Hypnotherapy FAQs

Many people have questions and concerns about hypnotherapy. Some of the main ones are detailed below.

Are you fully conscious during hypnotherapy?

Yes. While it’s a common belief that you lose part or all of your consciousness during hypnotherapy, this is not the case. While you are deeply relaxed, you remain fully conscious and aware of what’s going on, with full control over your behaviors.

Is hypnotherapy suitable for children?

Yes, hypnotherapy is safe and effective for children. In fact, one review found that hypnotherapy was even more effective for children/adolescents compared to adults. ^[4]

Does hypnotherapy work on everyone?

No, not everyone will experience benefits or positive results from hypnotherapy. People have varying levels of hypnotic susceptibility and response. It’s difficult to say for certain until you try it out.

Is hypnotherapy covered by insurance?

Coverage for hypnotherapy can vary. In general, hypnotherapy is covered by insurance if it’s deemed medically necessary and you’re receiving therapy from a licensed healthcare professional. Be sure to ask both your hypnotherapist and insurance company any questions you have regarding coverage.

Can you hypnotize yourself?

Yes. In fact, your hypnotherapist may teach you how to do this during the sessions. You can then practice what you’ve learned over time to get better at it.

Author

Jack Cincotta

Jack Cincotta holds a M.S. degree in Psychology. He is also a board-certified holistic health practitioner through AADP and an AFPA-certified holistic health coach and nutritionist.

Activity History - Last updated: March 19, 2026, Published date: March 19, 2026

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Reviewer

Kaye SmithPhD

Dr. Smith is a behavioral health coach, clinician, writer, and educator with over 15 years of experience in psychotherapy, coaching, teaching, and writing.

Activity History - Medically reviewed on April 7, 2026 and last checked on March 19, 2026