What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a type of complementary therapy that uses guided hypnosis to help people enter a deeply relaxed, focused state — often called a trance-like or hypnotic state — where they may be more open to positive suggestions and therapeutic change.
How It Works
- Induction – The hypnotherapist guides you into deep relaxation and focused attention.
- Deepener – Used if a client needs a deeper level of trance or more time to become completely relaxed.
- Suggestion phase – While in this state, the therapist offers carefully chosen suggestions and visualisations aimed at helping you change habits, manage symptoms, or address emotional challenges.
- Return to alertness – You’re gradually brought back to full awareness, often feeling refreshed or very relaxed.
What It Can Help With
Research and practice suggest hypnotherapy may support:
- Supporting performance in sports or public speaking
- Managing pain and phobias
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Breaking habits like smoking or nail-biting
- Improving sleep and confidence
Key Points to Know
- You remain fully in control during hypnosis — you can reject any suggestion you don’t want to accept.
- It’s different from stage hypnosis, which is for entertainment; hypnotherapy is a structured, goal-focused therapeutic process.
- It’s not suitable for everyone — for example, people with certain mental health conditions like psychosis should avoid it unless advised by a doctor.