Hypnotherapy 101

Hypnotherapy 101: 10 things everyone wants to know

If you’re curious about hypnotherapy and how it can benefit you, you’re not alone. Many people are eager to understand what hypnotherapy is, how it works, and what to expect during a session. Whether you’re looking for help with anxiety, stress, or unwanted habits, hypnotherapy has become an increasingly popular option for personal growth and mental well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 things everyone wants to know about hypnotherapy, from the science behind it to common misconceptions, so you can make informed decisions about your mental health journey.

• What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural, focused state of mind where a person’s attention becomes highly concentrated, often described as being in a trance-like state. During hypnosis, the conscious mind becomes relaxed, while the subconscious mind becomes more open to suggestions. Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis does not involve “losing control” or being unconscious. Instead, individuals remain aware of their surroundings but are more receptive to positive suggestions. This state can feel like being deeply absorbed in a book or movie, where outside distractions fade, and the mind becomes singularly focused.

• How is Hypnosis Different from Hypnotherapy?

While hypnosis is the state of focused attention, hypnotherapy is the therapeutic practice that uses this state to address emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues. Hypnotherapy is a guided process led by a certified hypnotherapist who uses hypnosis as a tool to help clients overcome challenges such as anxiety, stress, phobias, and unwanted habits.

The key difference is that hypnosis is a naturally occurring mental state, while hypnotherapy involves using that state in a structured, therapeutic setting to promote positive changes. During a hypnotherapy session, the hypnotherapist works with the client’s subconscious mind to reprogram negative thought patterns, helping them achieve long-lasting results in personal growth and well-being.

• What happens in a hypnotherapy session?

At Oakes-Wilson hypnotherapy practice, the first consultation involves discussing your symptoms and how hypnotherapy could help you achieve your goals. Each session is customized to focus on your desired outcomes, whether that’s overcoming stress, improving sleep, or tackling public speaking anxiety. As a solution-focused hypnotherapist, I help you focus on how you want to feel and perform in the future, rather than dwelling on past experiences.

•  Do I have to talk about my past in hypnotherapy?

At my Bristol based hypnotherapy practice, we focus on solution-oriented techniques, rather than analytical therapy, which often delves into childhood and past traumas. While understanding the past can be insightful, reliving it isn’t always helpful for achieving change. With hypnosis, we can gently remove the emotional charge from past experiences without dwelling on them. This allows you to redirect your energy towards how you want to feel and behave moving forward.

• Can everyone be hypnothised?

Hypnosis is a state of mind we naturally enter several times a day. It is an integral part of human nature, but as there was no real understanding of what hypnosis is, it has been susceptible to misinterpretation. 

The moment we close our eyes and take a deep breath we enter a relaxed state of mind. The human brain enters this alpha state just before sleep and can be created during daydreaming, mindfulness, meditation or light hypnosis.

When we deepen this state even more, we are able to reprogram our mind. According to this, everyone can be hypnotised, if not by a hypnotherapist, then by their own thoughts and emotions!

There is an expression: ‘Blinded by emotion’ which illustrates this very well. Emotion, as one of the ways of updating our subconscious, also adds to our programming.

However, this may not always be favourable to us, as our brain tends to code painful events into beliefs about life and the world.

Hypnosis, on the other hand, allows us to be selective about the thoughts and ideas we want to adopt.

• Does hypnotherapy really work?

Hypnosis can work very quickly and clients can see results sometimes within a couple of sessions!

The best illustration of this is when they decide to stop smoking. Imagine having a habit for years and years and then being free from it within a couple of sessions. It is possible!

However, every client is different and sometimes there may be more symptoms working in the background, so something that looks like a spider phobia may also involve anxiety, early childhood trauma and low self-esteem.

Hypnosis can be very effective and there have been numerous studies to confirm this.

However, the success of the therapy depends on a variety of  factors: the complexity of the issue, client commitment and therapist’s expertise.

•  Is hypnotherapy evidence based?

There’s been a lot of research involving hypnotherapy and it has become a common complementary therapy in numerous world-renowned clinics.

Study called Hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety- and stress-related disorders  provided evidence that hypnosis is  a safe alternative to medication for improving anxiety-related conditions.

A 2009 meta-analysis also found that hypnosis is effective in improving symptoms of depression. 

A 2010 study found that hypnosis has a positive impact on the quality of sleep as it  is  inducing and increasing slow-wave REM sleep.

In the study, clients who listened to a hypnosis tape before taking a nap achieved 80 percent more REM sleep. Smokers who undergo hypnosis are more likely to stop smoking and stay non-smokers.

A study in 1994 suggested greater efficacy of smoking cessation and found that 80% of participants abstained from smoking even after 6 months.

• What does being hypnotized feel like?

When my clients come out of hypnosis they often report feeling like they had a very good rest.

Although they have actively participated in the therapy work, the process of clearing the subconscious barriers always leaves them feeling lighter, more clear headed and very calm.

In a deep state of hypnosis, bodily sensations may even fade, as one client who experienced severe pain reported feeling no discomfort during the session.

• Is hypnotherapy covered by insurance?

There is a growing number of  insurance companies offering to reimburse part or all of the costs of hypnotherapy treatments as long as they are done by licensed professionals.

Usually, to be eligible for reimbursement for hypnotherapy sessions, one needs to be referred by a GP.

• How to choose the right hypnotherapist?

When choosing a hypnotherapist, it’s essential to consider a few key factors to ensure you’re in good hands. First, look for professional credentials—make sure the hypnotherapist is certified by a recognized body. Check their experience—those with experience in your specific area of concern, such as anxiety or phobias, are likely to be more effective. Client testimonials or reviews can also provide insight into the therapist’s success and approach. Finally, schedule a consultation to gauge their communication style and how comfortable you feel with them.

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