Hypnosis is a state of deeply relaxed focus used to access the subconscious mind. It comes from the Greek word Hypnos, meaning “to sleep.”
It’s similar to daydreaming or being in deep meditation. The difference is hypnosis is guided by a trained hypnotherapist.
Its first recorded use was in the 1700s. Since then, the practice has grown in popularity and is considered a complementary and alternative (CAM) therapy commonly used to overcome phobias, addictions, insomnia, anxiety, and even pain.
In this article, we dig into the evidence and answer questions like “what happens during hypnotherapy” and “is hypnosis safe.”
Is Hypnosis Real?
For many people, hypnosis has a mystical and magical reputation. Thinking of what happens during hypnotherapy may conjure up images of doing things against your will. However, evidence shows it is a real (and safe) psychological process when guided by a trained clinical hypnotherapist.
A hypnotherapist uses hypnotic induction to guide you into an altered state of consciousness. In this state, your muscles relax, your breathing rate slows, and your focus moves inward. It may dampen down activity of the left brain, associated with logic, and boost right brain activity, associated with creativity. You become more susceptible to suggestions to change your behaviour.
Hypnosis is not a form of mind control that makes you lose all your inhibitions. In addition, not everyone can be hypnotized. You must be a willing participant.
You are always awake and in control of your thoughts and actions. It won’t make you do things you don’t want to do.
What happens during hypnotherapy?
It’s normal to be nervous before going under hypnosis. Let us ease your mind about what happens during hypnotherapy.
It is a collaborative process with a hypnotherapist based on trust and professionalism. The therapist will discuss your issues and goals for hypnotherapy.
Once you are comfortable, they guide you through an induction process using various techniques – including guided imagery and verbal cues. While you feel deeply relaxed, you are in control and awake the whole time.
In a state of hypnosis, your mind is clear; you may be more open to advice as you focus on the therapist’s voice and direction. The therapist suggests positive behavioural changes to help you make healthier choices in your everyday life. Suggestions are based on your goals and may focus on giving up smoking, weight loss, or a greater sense of well-being.
At the end of the session, the therapist guides you out of hypnosis and back to wakefulness. You will also remember everything about your hypnotherapy session.
How long does hypnosis last?
A typical hypnotherapy session lasts 1 hour. That said, the time spent in hypnosis varies from person to person. For some, the therapist will spend 15-20 minutes on the induction process. For others, induction may only take a few minutes.
What are things that hypnosis can do?
Hypnotherapy may be helpful for a range of mental, emotional, and physical symptoms. It seems to be effective as a long-term solution for stress-related issues like anxiety1, PTSD2, insomnia, and irritable bowel syndrome3.
This meta-analysis found hypnosis alongside cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) was more effective for weight loss than CBT alone4.
Hypnotherapy may also reduce physical pain5. In fact, a form of hypnotherapy, called hypnobirthing, may help women through labour and childbirth with fewer medical interventions.6
Researchers are still debating how exactly hypnosis does this. That said, they can agree that it strengthens the mind-body connection and engages the relaxation response.
How safe is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is considered safe for adults and children. It rarely causes side effects when guided by a trained hypnotherapist.
However, people with significant trauma or diagnosed mental health disorders may experience heightened anxiety or panic attacks during hypnosis. In these cases, hypnotherapy must be guided by a trained mental health therapist.
How do you feel after hypnotherapy?
It’s normal to feel emotional during and after hypnotherapy. The more relaxed and comfortable you are with your therapist, the easier it is to release repressed emotions.
Most people describe hypnosis as a pleasant experience. You may feel relaxed after a hypnotherapy session and experience immediate positive changes – like improved sleep7.
Your therapist may recommend follow-up sessions and give you hypnotherapy audios to reinforce the changes between appointments.
Conclusion
Hypnosis is a real and safe process that helps people change their habits and limiting beliefs. Research suggests it is effective for addictions, pain, insomnia, and anxiety.
Hypnotherapy also works well when used in conjunction with other conventional and CAM therapies.
You can find a trained hypnotherapist today by searching our Treatwiser Practitioner Directory.
Resources
- Roberts et al. (2021). Effect of Hypnosis on Anxiety: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial with Women in Post menopause. J Clin Psychol Med Settings.
- Rotaru & Rusu. (2016). A Meta-Analysis for the Efficacy of Hypnotherapy in Alleviating PTSD Symptoms. Int J Clin Exp Hypn.
- Donnet et al. (2022). Hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: patient expectations and perceptions. Therap Adv Gastroenterol.
- Milling et al. (2018). The effectiveness of hypnosis as an intervention for obesity: A meta-analytic review. Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice.
- Leonard et al. (2021). Hypnosis and the Alleviation of Clinical Pain: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.
- Landolt & Milling. (2011). The efficacy of hypnosis as an intervention for labour and delivery pain: a comprehensive methodological review. Clin Psychol Rev.
- Cordi et al. (2014). Deepening sleep by hypnotic suggestion. Sleep.
