I am often asked, what is hypnotherapy? Briefly, hypnotherapy is considered to be the use of hypnosis in a therapeutic environment. It is often used alongside another psychological intervention, such as Counselling, CBT or Solution Focused Therapy.
Okay, you might say, then what is hypnosis? Hypnosis is considered to be the process by which a trance state is created in another person. This is one where the subject is moved by the hypnotherapist into a state of relaxed focused attention. This state allows the client to become very relaxed, while at the same time, remaining very focused. The client is then more able to ignore distractions in the outside world & to focus on their own mental wellbeing. In this relaxed state the client can become more open to suggestions that encourage positive behaviour change. However, it is important to note that while you remain mentally open to suggestions, your physical behaviour remains under your control at all times. The American Psychological Association (APA) describes someone in hypnosis to be in “A state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion.”
You might recognise the symptoms of trance as being similar to those you experience when you are daydreaming or get engrossed in a good book or film. This is because the trance state is considered to be a natural state, that we all go into many times every day. Sports people talk about being ‘in the zone’, where they are able to focus on their activity to the exclusion of anything else. This is also a form of trance state. As you can see, there are many different levels of trance, but it is still trance.
There are a range of different hypnotherapy approaches in the UK and here you’ll find a description of the main ones. Please bear in mind that some hypnotherapists may use an amalgam of these approaches in their practice. The approach you choose will often depend on which one resonates with you and the goal you wish to achieve.
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Traditional hypnotherapy – this approach tends to be very directive with clients. The treatment can be relatively short, particularly with highly suggestible clients. The approach is well-established having changed little in the last century. Suggestion is used with client’s whilst in hypnosis and it works on the principle that the unconscious mind cannot reject information. The suggestions used will often have a limited lifespan. There is little emphasis in helping the clients learn new skills or coping mechanisms. Hypnotherapy has some scientific research to support its use.
Cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy(CBH) uses a blend of CBT and hypnotherapy to help clients understand how to avoid repeating past issues & learn more self-awareness. It looks at the past to help clients move towards the future. CBT has been proven to help people with anxiety related issues. Hypnotherapy has also some scientific research to support its use. When used together the effect is thought to be even stronger.
Hypno-analysis This approach uses a blend of analytical work with hypnosis. The analytical work is carried out while the client is in an altered state of trance. Much of the analytical side of the process dates back to Freudian work. The focus is on clearing the past to enable clients to move forward. Hypnotherapy has some scientific research to support its use.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) uses a blend of hypnotherapy & psychotherapy. The psychotherapy is informed by neuroscience & includes elements of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Brain based therapy, CBT & NLP. The hypnotherapy used is Eriksonian in nature, which uses indirect suggestion. The focus is on helping clients to achieve their goals by making small steps towards the future. A peer reviewed pilot study into solution focused hypnotherapy supports its use for anxiety related issues with the Northumbria Police and office staff. Hypnotherapy has also some scientific research to support its use.
Rapid Transformational Therapy® (RTT®) uses a blended approach and it takes elements of NLP, CBT and Neuroscience principles and combines them with hypnotherapy. It works to find the cause of a problem, to help clients overcome old beliefs and help the client to create new ones. Hypnotherapy has some scientific research to support its use. Many hypnotherapists trained in this approach, trained completely online and are therefore unable to join the UK associations accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Ericksonian Hypnotherapy uses a type of indirect suggestion hypnotherapy that allows the client to use their own skills to come up with solutions. It is a brief therapy that focuses on the future rather than the past. Hypnotherapy has some scientific research to support its use.
Regression Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to help people to access old memories to help them find the cause of modern day issues. These memories may not usually be easily accessible during normal waking life. Sometimes therapists will aim to take people into past lives. This is usually a metaphor for their current issues rather than as a way to prove a past life connection. This type of approach has come under criticism in the past due to the formation of false memories as a result of poorly worded suggestions.
Hypnotherapy can help with a wide range of conditions. Anxiety or stress related issues and behaviour change are the most common conditions presented to a hypnotherapist. However it has also been shown to help with:
It’s important to find the right hypnotherapist for you, so start by doing a search online. It can be tempting to go for the first one you see, but they might not be right for you. The things to consider are whether they are professional/can you trust them? (Look at their qualifications & whether they belong to any professional bodies/associations). What type of hypnotherapy do they offer? Where are they based? How much do they charge? What do their previous clients have to say about them? Finally it’s always worth giving them a call or joining them for an initial consultation to see if you would find it easy to talk to them. There is some information below on each of these areas for you to consider further.
There are a wide range of qualifications out there that hypnotherapists might have, but the diploma level is the one you’re looking for. A Hypnotherapist with a diploma, rather than a certificate is trained to help clients professionally. Qualifications should be clearly displayed on their website with an idea of who they trained with.
As the industry of hypnotherapy is not regulated it’s important to find a hypnotherapist that is bound by a professional code of ethics and standards. Then if there are any issues, you know who to turn to for advice. There are many different professional associations and these all have their own set of rules and standards. There are many similarities between the various organisations and as long as a hypnotherapist is registered with one of them, then it should give the potential client some reassurance. However, the CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council) and the National Hypnotherapy Society are the only two organisations in the UK that are accredited by the professional standards authority. The NHS recommends that if you do choose to see a hypnotherapist, you select one that is registered with one of these two organisations. It’s worth noting that neither organisation accept members who have earned their qualification from online-only hypnotherapy training schools.
Look for reviews on a trusted platform rather than on the hypnotherapist’s website. Although not every client is happy to leave a review (some things are quite personal) when they do, they will often be happy to write about the service and success of their treatment on Facebook or Google. Do any cover the reason for your planned visit?
It can feel a little nerve wracking when you try something new, however your first hypnotherapy session usually takes the form of an information gathering session. It’s important that you feel comfortable with your hypnotherapist, so the first hypnotherapy session is often called an initial consultation. This session gives you the chance to meet your hypnotherapist and decide if they are the right person to help you.
There will often be a questionnaire that will be completed by the hypnotherapist. Some hypnotherapists will ask you to complete a questionnaire prior to the first appointment and then clarify elements of it in the session. This gives you a chance to discuss your reason for booking the appointment, to learn about your symptoms, establish your goals for therapy and to understand the process the therapist plans to take. Some hypnotherapists may take the opportunity to start some psychotherapy or Counselling at this point. This will often take the approach of helping you understand why you feel the way you do and what can be done to help. The session may end with a demonstration of hypnosis or the giving of an MP3 download that can be listened to at night.
In the next session, there is usually some discussion between the hypnotherapist and the client to start with. This could be a simple catch up, finding out how you’ve been since the last session or some Counselling or psychotherapy. After this the hypnotherapist may offer you a nice relaxing sofa, chair or therapy couch to encourage you to relax. Some hypnotherapists will use a pillow and/or a blanket to help you to feel safe, secure and comfortable. Often music will be used in the background while the hypnotherapist speaks to you in a calm and relaxing way. The language used is designed to help you relax more quickly and more deeply than usual. Most hypnotherapists will then use some element of suggestion to help you to achieve your goals. However, some hypnotherapists encourage the development of goals during the ‘talking bit’ of the session leaving the hypnosis part of the session more open ended. However, both approaches will aim to move you closer to your goal/s. All hypnotherapists use metaphors to help the brain see things from a different perspective. Importantly, you will be aware and in control at all times. Most people will remember at least some of what has been discussed while they were in a trance state.
At the end of the hypnosis session, most hypnotherapists will ask you to open your eyes and encourage you to bring yourself back to full alertness. Some hypnotherapists may give you some homework at this point, although it’s not usually anything difficult. It could simply be to continue to listen to the MP3 download at night.
The amount that a hypnotherapist charges can vary but is usually between £40-£200 per session. The reasons for the wide variation in price are related to a number of issues. The length of the sessions will vary depending on the reason for the visit. For example Smoking Cessation sessions are often 2 hours in length but often only one session is required. The experience and qualifications held by the hypnotherapist will often be an indicator of price. The location of the clinic could have a bearing on price due to increased rental costs for the hypnotherapist. The initial consultation can be cheaper than the normal hypnotherapy sessions. This can give clients the opportunity to see whether the hypnotherapist is right for them, before committing to a course of hypnotherapy.
Unfortunately hypnotherapy is not usually available on the NHS. This is despite evidence that hypnotherapy is a cost effective treatment for many conditions, as it is still classed as a complementary therapy. However, sometimes individual GP’s and dentists will mention hypnotherapy to their patients, but it will be up to the patient to source and fund their own treatment.
When hypnosis is carried out by a qualified professional in a safe environment, it is perfectly safe for the vast majority of people. However, whenever a client experiences worrying symptoms, a visit to the GP to check that there is no underlying health condition, would be recommended. Hypnosis is also not recommended for people with severe mental conditions that include psychosis or are experiencing hallucinations. Due to the potential side-effects of alcohol or drugs, it is not advisable to see a hypnotherapist while under their influence. Although hypnosis brings about the natural state of trance as mentioned previously, a negative trance state can be counterproductive.
Strong emotional reactions can occasionally occur when dealing with traumatic experiences from the past, particularly when regression is used. Regression carried out by someone who is unaware of the issues of false memory syndrome can be upsetting and potentially traumatic.
What you may not know is that the British Medical Association (BMA) approved hypnotherapy as a valid medical treatment in 1892 and this was reinforced in 1955. More recently, in 1999, some very convincing studies were published in the British Medical Journal that showed that there was good evidence that hypnotherapy was effective in reducing anxiety, panic disorders and insomnia. The following year, (2000) the BMA stated, in their submission of evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on science and technology, that ‘Hypnotherapy and Counselling may be considered as orthodox treatments’. (As opposed to ‘complementary’ or ‘alternative’ treatments). Despite this, the BMA was overruled by the House of Lords who stated that Hypnotherapy should remain classed as a Complementary and Alternative Therapy (CAM).
In recent years, the amount of evidence supporting the use of hypnotherapy continues to mount, particularly with respect to anxiety related issues. The NICE clinical guidelines for IBS recommend the use of Hypnotherapy, in cases where pharmacological treatment is unsuccessful. Other areas where the evidence is particularly strong include the treatment of Persistent Pain and in reducing the symptoms of PTSD
However, it is important to note that the level of success is due, in part, to the level of the commitment of the client to fully immerse themselves in the process. It doesn’t matter whether a client believes in hypnotherapy, but they do have to want to get better.
Online hypnotherapy was being used successfully by some hypnotherapists even before the Covid Lockdown. However, this became a much more common occurrence during and after lockdown. Thankfully there have been a number of studies that show that online hypnotherapy is just as effective as in-person hypnotherapy.
have even found online hypnotherapy to be more effective that in-person hypnotherapy. This might be because people feel more relaxed in their own homes and can use their own possessions to feel comfortable. Even those studies with the most negative outcome found that online hypnotherapy was only marginally less effective than in-person hypnotherapy.
The short answer is yes, everyone can be hypnotised, as the trance state is a natural one. However, people need to allow themselves to relax sufficiently to move into the trace state. Contrary to some people’s beliefs, the hypnotherapist cannot hypnotise you against your will. If a potential client feels uncomfortable with their therapist, it is unlikely that they will move into a trance state. Some people are more suggestible than others and this allows them to move into a trance state quickly. There are suggestibility tests that a few hypnotherapists use to see how suggestible their potential client is. The depth of trance can also be measured using depth scales such as Davis-Husband scale of hypnotic susceptibility, the LeCron-Bordeaux scoring system scale or the Aron’s Depth Scale. However, most hypnotherapists no longer use these scales with clients as it is widely accepted that there is no correlation between the depth of trance and therapeutic effectiveness. Even people with a low score on these scales can be helped if they have a willingness to participate and want to get better.
Yes children can be hypnotised as they are often more suggestible than adults and can move into a trance state easily. They often don’t react in the same way as adults, as they will often wriggle around when in a trance state. However, this does not impact on the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. Not all hypnotherapists work with children, so it is important to check before booking an appointment.
The number of hypnotherapy sessions needed will depend on a variety of things. The initial consultation is usually where the hypnotherapist and client work together to establish the aims and goals of the hypnotherapy. It is only with this level of information that an accurate picture can be established. The hypnotherapist will take into account the severity of the condition, how long the symptoms have persisted and the commitment of the client. The process used will also change the number of sessions required. For example, many hypnotherapists will see a stop smoking client for just one session and their clients will achieve their goal within that session. However, other hypnotherapists might suggest that two or more sessions are required for a permanent result. When it comes to conditions such as anxiety and depression however, a course of sessions is usually required to bring about long lasting change. Occasionally despite the best efforts of the hypnotherapist and client, more sessions are needed than originally anticipated. This can apply where the client experiences unanticipated personal difficulties during the therapeutic treatment period.
The length of a hypnotherapy session can vary depending on the approach used. If the hypnotherapist uses a hypnosis only approach then the session could be as short as 30 minutes. However, most hypnotherapists use some element of psychotherapy or Counselling alongside hypnosis, so these sessions can vary between 50 minutes and 2 hours.
There really isn’t very much for you to do, to prepare for a hypnotherapy session. If you’ve been sent any correspondence prior to the session, make sure that you have completed it to the best of your ability. The hypnotherapists might ask you to bring it with you or email it to them prior to the appointment. If you aren’t given any paperwork to complete, it can be helpful to think through your goals for therapy. What do you want to achieve from your sessions with the hypnotherapist? You might want to wear comfortable clothes, so that you find it easier to relax.
There are many different approaches to hypnotising someone. However, in a therapeutic setting, most use some nice relaxing music along with verbal suggestions and imagery to bring about a lovely relaxed state.
If you don’t want to close your eyes while being hypnotised, then you needn’t. However, many people do as it allows them to visualise things more effectively. Some people prefer to stare at a spot ahead of them and this is fine too. Children can be a law unto themselves and will open and close their eyes at will. Some clients open their eyes just to see if they can, particularly if they are concerned about being under the hypnotherapists control. They are often reassured by this simple action.
The sensation of being in a trance state can feel different to everyone. For some people they will feel heavy, while others will feel floaty and light. Some people see colours and are able to visualise what the hypnotherapist is telling them, while others see nothing but have a sense of what is being said. Some people are aware of almost everything that is said to them, while others might not remember anything. However, most people feel relaxed and describe it as a lovely calming experience.
The effectiveness of Hypnotherapy can vary from person to person. Where the therapist focuses purely on suggestion, this will be very effective for a highly suggestible person but not so effective for a less suggestible one. As some people are more suggestible than others, this can have an impact on the number of people that can be helped by suggestion alone. However, many hypnotherapists these days use a complementary approach used alongside hypnosis to increase its effectiveness.
For example, the hypnotherapist might use Counselling, Cognitive Brief Therapy (CBT), Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) or Solution Focused Techniques to enhance the effectiveness of the hypnosis element of the session. When these additional techniques are used, the hypnosis is not as strongly reliant on the suggestibility of the client. The therapists that offer these additional approaches believe that this allows more people to be helped with hypnotherapy.
All hypnosis could be said to be self-hypnosis. This is because it is the subject’s brain that creates the trance state. However, many people struggle to develop a trance state by themselves, particularly if they’ve never done it before. Having sessions with a qualified hypnotherapist can enable a subject to go into a trance state more easily & work on the areas they would like help with. Over time, particularly if the hypnotherapist provides an MP3 download, developing this state will become easier and moving into a trance state will be more natural. Hypnotherapy for childbirth often works in this way, encouraging the subject to go into a trance state, initially with the hypnotherapist and then on their own.
Although the trance state is a natural one, a person in hypnosis is neither asleep or unconscious. Hypnosis is a state of relaxed yet focused attention. A client who responds to the instruction ‘just open your eyes’ at the end of a trance session, by opening their eyes, was not asleep. Yet they may feel as though they’ve just had a lovely nap. Some people even say things like ‘I heard everything you said’ or ‘I could hear myself snoring, but I wasn’t asleep’. This last comment can occur because the airways can relax while in trance to the extent that breathing becomes noisy. Different brain waves are shown to be more prevalent when a person is asleep compared to when they’re in a trance state. Delta waves are associated with a deep dreamless sleep. Whereas high levels of Theta waves suggest a deep level of trance, where people have a strong internal focus and feel deeply relaxed.
The short answer is no, the hypnotherapist will not be able to control you. Most concerns of this nature come from watching hypnotists on TV or stage shows. This is where hypnosis is used for entertainment purposes. In this situation the hypnotist will tend to look for very suggestible, extrovert personalities to best entertain the viewers. Although hypnotherapists use positive suggestions within a trance session, you always have the ability to reject those suggestions, if they don’t feel right to you. Hypnotherapists would much rather help to alleviate your anxiety symptoms, rather than cluck like a chicken.
For many years it wasn’t possible to know whether anything happened in the brain while in a hypnotic trance. The advent of new technology such as Electromyography (EMG) and Electroencephalography ( EEG) made this possible but early versions were very expensive and cumbersome. The newer, smaller and cheaper machines have made it easier for scientists to explore the brain during a variety of different states, including that of trance. We now know that the brain waves produced by the brain change when we are in a trance state. Scientists are also aware of the different areas of the brain affected by trance.
The areas of the brain affected by the trance state.
EMG results show greater activity in the frontal brain area when a person is in a trance state. These are the areas associated with logical thinking and decision making. Highly suggestible subjects who find it easier to be hypnotised, tend to show more activity in the left hemisphere of the brain. While results showed less activity in the Insula (involved in sensory processing, motor control, emotions and self-awareness)and Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC- involved in emotional expression & awareness, attention allocation, pain management & error detection). Suggestions given while in hypnosis have been shown to cause dynamic changes in brain activity.
Brainwaves in Trance.
Research using EEG has shown that brain waves frequencies change while in a trance state. The frequency of the brain waves are measured in cycles per second. (Hz) There are five different brain wave frequencies typically measured in the brain, these include Beta waves, Alpha waves, Theta waves, Delta waves and (less typically measured), Gamma waves. These brain waves demonstrate different activities within the brain. Overall the changes that take place during hypnosis suggest lower stress and anxiety levels and great problem solving abilities.
Scientists have found that the number of Beta waves reduce while in trance. Beta waves are prevalent when the brain is active and awake. Very high levels are often an indicator that the person is anxious or stressed.
Alpha waves have been found to increase when a person is in a trance state. The brainwaves are often associated with visualisation. An increase of Alpha waves suggest a more relaxed state, less fear, tension & stress and enhanced problem solving. Imagination and creativity is heightened with an increase in Alpha waves. They have been described by some as a natural antidepressant.
Theta brainwaves have been shown to increase while in a trance state (Positively associated with hypnosis). Theta waves are associated with advanced problem solving, intuition, and more natural emotions. Together these are the brain waves associated with changing outdated beliefs.
Delta waves may also increase while in hypnosis, these are associated with an increase in melatonin which leads to better sleep. Delta waves also increase our empathy for others and the body’s repair cycle. Cortisol and adrenaline associated with stress is reduced.
Gamma waves are the most recently discovered of the brainwaves and as such, little is known about them. However, they are the fastest of all the brain waves and are usually associated with conscious awareness. Gamma waves have been in regular meditators and associated with flashes of insight, intuition and intense information processing.
Yes and many people do move while in a trance state. Children, in particular, can be little wrigglers, but they will often go into the deepest levels of trance. Children are very open and can often find it easier to move into a trance state than adults. If you have an itchy nose while in trance, you’ll just scratch it as you normally would. It’s important that you are comfortable, so if you feel the need to adjust your position, then it’s fine to do so.
Attending a support group where other people are suffering from the same anxiety related issues can help you feel that you’re not on your own. There are often various Support groups locally where you can meet up with other people in the same situation. If you’re looking for a support group for anxiety then the Hub of Hope is a good resource. It lists all the support groups locally in your area for anxiety.
No hypnotherapy is not dangerous and is perfectly safe for most people. Hypnosis is used to bring about a trance state which is a natural state. However, hypnosis is not advised for people experiencing hallucinations or in psychosis. People cannot get stuck in hypnosis. If people feel slightly dozy after a hypnosis session, just walking around in the fresh air for a few moments will bring them back to full alertness. A hypnotherapist cannot make you do anything you do not wish to do.
Most hypnotherapists will make some adjustments for disabilities such as poor sight or hearing. For example, offering to wear a hearing loop to allow the client to hear them more easily. Accessibility might be an issue when the hypnotherapist’s clinic room requires the client to climb a flight of stairs and it can be worth checking if this is the case. However, online sessions can take the place of in-person sessions where this is an issue. These can be just as effective as in-person sessions without the hassle of having to travel to the hypnotherapist’s clinic.
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