What is Hypnotherapy?
A complete guide to clinical hypnosis: how it works, what it treats, and what to expect in your first session.
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness, allowing positive suggestions to create lasting behavioral and emotional changes.
Unlike stage hypnosis for entertainment, clinical hypnotherapy is an evidence-based treatment endorsed by multiple medical associations worldwide. A 2025 meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials found that hypnosis significantly reduced anxiety and pain in patients undergoing medical procedures, with minimal adverse effects.
Are You Hypnotizable?
Find out in 60 seconds
Hypnotizability Assessment
Adapted from the Stanford & Tellegen clinical scales
When reading a book or watching a movie, do you get so absorbed you lose track of time?
This natural state of focused concentration helps bypass the critical conscious mind to access the subconscious, where habits, beliefs, and emotional patterns are stored. Think of it like updating the operating system of your mind – you're not changing who you are, you're changing patterns that no longer serve you.
What This Guide Covers
- The science behind hypnotherapy
- Conditions hypnotherapy can treat
- What happens in a session
- How many sessions you'll need
- Myths vs. facts about hypnosis
- How to choose a qualified hypnotherapist
How Does Hypnotherapy Work?
Hypnotherapy works by guiding you into a deeply relaxed state called a hypnotic trance, where your mind becomes highly focused and receptive to positive suggestions. In this state, your brain shifts from analytical thinking to a more creative, open mode where new patterns of thought and behavior can take root.
During hypnosis, your brain activity changes measurably. Research using brain imaging has shown increased connectivity between the executive control network and the insula, along with reduced activity in the default mode network. These changes explain why hypnotized individuals can focus intensely while feeling detached from their surroundings.
Are made by the subconscious mind. Hypnotherapy gives you access to this part of your brain.
Source: Neuroscience research on decision-making
The process typically involves three key stages:
Induction
Guided into deep relaxation through breathing techniques and visualization.
Suggestion
Therapeutic suggestions are introduced to address your specific goals.
Emergence
Gently guided back to full awareness, often feeling refreshed and calm.
What Conditions Can Hypnotherapy Treat?
Clinical hypnotherapy has been studied extensively for a wide range of mental and physical health conditions. Here's what the research shows:
Anxiety & Stress
A 2025 meta-analysis found hypnosis significantly reduced anxiety (SMD = -0.43, p < 0.001) compared to standard care.
Learn more →Chronic Pain
Research found significant pain reduction (SMD = -0.35, p < 0.001) in patients undergoing invasive procedures.
Learn more →IBS
75-80% of patients experience significant symptom improvement. NHS-recommended treatment.
Learn more →Hot Flashes
Clinical trials showed 74% reduction in hot flashes, with 57% physiological confirmation.
Weight Loss
Nearly doubles weight loss results compared to diet alone (11.83 lbs vs 6 lbs).
Learn more →Smoking Cessation
Addresses psychological aspects of addiction, breaking mental associations and habits.
Research also supports hypnotherapy for:
- Sleep disorders and insomnia
- Phobias and fears
- PTSD and trauma
- Depression (as adjunct to other treatments)
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Curious if hypnotherapy could help you?
Take a quick quiz to find out if you're a good candidate.
Apply to Work With Me →What Happens in a Hypnotherapy Session?
Many people feel nervous before their first session because they don't know what to expect. Let me walk you through exactly what happens.
Initial Consultation
We discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns. I explain exactly what hypnosis is and isn't, so you feel comfortable and prepared.
Induction Phase
Using calming techniques, breathing exercises, and visualization, I guide you into a relaxed, focused state. You'll remain aware and in control.
Therapeutic Work
Suggestions and techniques tailored to your goals: visualization, reframing negative patterns, building new associations, strengthening motivation.
Emergence & Debrief
You're gently guided back to full awareness. We discuss your experience and I may provide self-hypnosis techniques or recordings for home use.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions depends on your specific goals and how you respond to hypnotherapy. Here are general guidelines:
| Condition | Typical Sessions |
|---|---|
| Smoking cessation | 1-3 sessions |
| Specific phobias | 3-6 sessions |
| Anxiety/stress | 4-8 sessions |
| Chronic pain | 6-12 sessions |
| IBS | 6-12 sessions |
| Weight management | 6-12+ sessions |
Many people notice positive changes after just one session, though lasting transformation typically requires multiple sessions to reinforce new patterns.
Is Hypnotherapy Safe?
Yes, hypnotherapy is considered safe when practiced by a qualified professional. The 2025 meta-analysis specifically noted that adverse effects were minimal in hypnosis research.
Hypnotherapy may not be appropriate for individuals with certain psychiatric conditions, such as psychosis or severe personality disorders. A qualified hypnotherapist will screen for these conditions during the initial consultation.
Hypnotherapy Myths vs. Facts
Hollywood has done hypnotherapy no favors. Let's separate fact from fiction:
“Hypnosis is mind control”
You remain in control and cannot be made to do anything against your will
“Only weak-minded people can be hypnotized”
People with higher intelligence and creativity are often more responsive to hypnosis
“You are unconscious during hypnosis”
You're in a focused, aware state, more like deep meditation than sleep
“Results happen instantly”
Most conditions require multiple sessions for lasting change
How to Choose a Qualified Hypnotherapist
Finding the right hypnotherapist is important. Here's what to look for:
What to Look For
Red Flags to Avoid
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ARCH-credentialed clinical hypnotherapist (RCH) · 100% virtual sessions
Apply to Work With Me →Frequently Asked Questions
Can everyone be hypnotized?
Most people (about 85%) can experience some level of hypnosis. About 10-15% are highly hypnotizable, 10-15% are minimally responsive. Even those with lower responsiveness can benefit.
Will I reveal secrets?
No. You remain in control during hypnosis and will not say or do anything you don't want to. Hypnosis is not a truth serum.
How is it different from meditation?
While both involve relaxation and focused attention, hypnotherapy includes therapeutic suggestions aimed at specific behavior change. Meditation focuses on present-moment awareness without directed change.
Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by provider and plan. Some extended health benefits cover hypnotherapy when provided by a registered counselor. Contact your insurance provider for details.
How long do effects last?
With proper treatment, effects can be long-lasting. Research on gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS shows benefits often persist for years. Self-hypnosis practices help maintain results.
Do virtual sessions work?
Yes! Virtual hypnotherapy is just as effective as in-person sessions. Many clients prefer the convenience and comfort of sessions from their own home.
Quick Summary
Take the Next Step
If you're curious whether hypnotherapy could help you, the best way to find out is to experience it yourself.
At Miami Hypnotherapy Center, I offer evidence-based clinical hypnotherapy tailored to your specific needs and goals. I take the time to understand your unique situation and create a treatment plan designed for lasting results.
Ready to explore what's possible?
— Danny
Ready to Get Started?
- Free application to see if we're a good fit
- 100% virtual sessions from anywhere
- Evidence-based clinical hypnotherapy
- Personalized treatment plan for your goals
📅 Currently accepting 4 new weight loss clients per month
David Doyle
Probably the only credentialed fraud examiner for Fortune 100 companies turned Clinical Hypnotherapist on the planet. After 10+ years investigating high-profile corporate deception, Danny now applies that same ruthlessly analytical mindset to something more rewarding: helping people stop deceiving themselves. He specializes in anxiety, gut issues, and pain reduction, bringing a data-driven approach to a field that desperately needs it.
Last updated: January 2026
Sources & References
- •Meta-analytic evidence on the efficacy of hypnosis. Frontiers in Psychology. (2024)
- •Hypnosis as a non-pharmacological intervention for invasive medical procedures. 2025 meta-analysis.
- •American Psychological Association: Uncovering the new science of clinical hypnosis. (2024)
- •National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)