Frequently Asked Questions

Even as we move further into the 21st century, there is still some disagreement regarding the exact definition of hypnosis. First of all, contrary to what many people believe, hypnosis is not a sleep state, even though a person in hypnosis may appear to be asleep. The term itself comes from the work of James Braid, a 19th-century physician, who originally believed he was inducing sleep. He later realized this was not the case, but the name had already taken hold. There are many definitions of hypnosis. The following represent some commonly accepted viewpoints and essential elements: 1. It is a state of controlled daydreaming and believed-in imagination. 2. It is a state of guided meditation or guided self-hypnosis, based on the understanding that the client retains the power to enter or resist trance. 3. It is a state of pleasant, voluntary, relaxed, attentive concentration. 4. It is a state of heightened suggestibility. 5. It is an altered state of consciousness in which the conscious critical mind becomes less active, allowing greater access to the subconscious mind with the individual’s permission. 6. In this relaxed state, mental absorption increases, the senses may become more focused, and the imagination becomes more responsive to beneficial suggestions. 7. A person can resist suggestions if there is an emotional desire to do so, which is why more than one session may sometimes be necessary. My late mentor, Charles Tebbetts, described hypnosis as a natural state of mind that occurs in everyday life far more often than it is formally induced. For example, whenever we become deeply absorbed in a book or a movie, we are experiencing a natural hypnotic state. In my opinion, hypnosis is best understood as a natural state of focused attention, similar to what we experience when we become absorbed in everyday activities. One of the simplest ways to understand hypnosis is to think of it as a form of guided meditation. Based on both my training and experience, I also believe that all hypnosis is really guided self-hypnosis. This means that the power of hypnosis does not come from the hypnotist, but from the mind of the person experiencing it. The hypnotherapist serves as a guide who facilitates the process. While many professionals share this view, others in the field hold different opinions. Some believe that hypnosis can occur without the cooperation of the conscious mind. While I respect those perspectives, I continue to teach and practice hypnosis as guided self-hypnosis because I have found it to be the most empowering approach for clients. Belief plays an important role in the hypnotic process. If a person believes they are in control, they are more likely to accept or reject suggestions appropriately. If they believe they are being controlled, they may respond according to that belief. Some claim that hypnosis can become mind control by influencing a person without their awareness. While it may be possible to influence responses through expectation, imagination, or suggestion, this does not mean that hypnosis is mind control. In my opinion, hypnosis remains a cooperative process. Some researchers associate hypnosis with changes in brainwave activity, such as moving from a more alert state into a more relaxed and focused state. However, these explanations are secondary to understanding hypnosis as a natural and familiar mental process. Others in the profession may define hypnosis differently, and some of those viewpoints may also be valid. However, I have found this understanding to be both practical and empowering for clients.

Once the hypnotic state is established, with the client’s permission and cooperation, the hypnotherapist can present ideas and suggestions in a way that is more readily accepted by the subconscious mind. The subconscious has a tendency to respond to what it imagines as real. By using appropriate suggestions and guided imagery, hypnosis can help influence behaviors, thoughts, and emotional responses in a more direct way. In many cases, difficulty with change occurs because the conscious and subconscious mind are not in agreement. Hypnosis helps bring these two aspects of the mind into cooperation, making change more natural and less resistant.

Anyone who can concentrate, follow instructions, and use their imagination can generally be hypnotized, provided they are willing. Hypnosis is not something that is done to a person against their will. Rather, it is a cooperative process. If someone resists the experience, they may not enter hypnosis, or they may remain in a very light state. It is also important to understand that people vary in how deeply they experience hypnosis. Some may enter a light state, while others may go much deeper. However, depth is not always the determining factor in achieving results. Interestingly, even those who believe they cannot be hypnotized often experience natural trance states in everyday life, such as becoming absorbed in a movie or lost in thought while driving.

Even today, this question continues to be debated. However, consider the following. If people truly gave up control during hypnosis, then every hypnotherapist would achieve a 100 percent success rate in a single session. Clearly, this is not the case. While hypnosis can increase responsiveness to suggestion, the individual still retains the ability to accept, reject, or modify those suggestions. The idea of losing control is largely a misunderstanding of where the power actually resides. THE POWER IS IN THE MIND OF THE PERSON experiencing hypnosis. This is one of the most important principles to understand. The hypnotist does not control the client. The client responds according to their own willingness, beliefs, and internal motivation. Consider how absorbed you may become while watching a movie or reading a book. You may feel emotion and become fully engaged, yet you still retain the ability to shift your attention or stop at any time. Hypnosis is similar in that it involves focused attention, not a loss of control. In some cases, a person may appear to give up control, particularly in stage hypnosis or demonstrations. This is often the result of expectation, cooperation, or belief rather than an actual loss of control. A person may even be influenced into believing they have given up control, but that does not mean control has truly been lost. All hypnosis can be understood as guided self-hypnosis. When this is recognized, individuals can enter even deep states of hypnosis while still retaining the ability to reject unwanted suggestions. Ethical hypnotherapy is based on self-empowerment, not control. The goal is to help clients gain greater influence over their own thoughts, behaviors, and responses.

No, at least not in the way many people fear. A person in hypnosis can resist any suggestion that goes against their values, beliefs, or desires. Even in deep states of hypnosis, the individual maintains an internal awareness and the ability to reject what they do not agree with. It is even possible to lie while in hypnosis, which is one reason hypnotically obtained testimony is not admissible in court. Much of the confusion around this topic comes from stage hypnosis and media portrayals. Stage performances are designed for entertainment and often rely on willing participants who are motivated to engage in the experience. While it may be possible to influence someone through expectation, belief, or misdirection, this does not equate to true mind control.

Because hypnosis is a natural state of mind, many people are surprised to discover that they remain aware of everything that is happening. In a light state, it may feel no different than relaxing in a comfortable chair while reading or listening to music. Some people feel calm and relaxed, while others may notice a sense of lightness or heaviness, as if sinking more deeply into the chair. In deeper states, the experience may feel more pronounced. Some individuals describe a very pleasant or even euphoric sensation, similar to deep relaxation without the side effects of fatigue or intoxication. One important point is that people often believe they were not hypnotized simply because the experience felt so natural. However, many clients achieve successful results even in lighter states of hypnosis, without needing to go deeply into trance. The hypnotic process can also enhance certain natural abilities, including imagination, memory, creativity, and responsiveness to suggestion. These are normal human abilities that become more accessible during hypnosis. For this reason, a competent hypnotherapist will typically explain what to expect both before and after the experience.

Have you ever tried to change a habit, only to find your subconscious resisting? Hypnosis has a strong track record in helping the subconscious accept conscious decisions, especially when facilitated by someone who is competently trained in the art of hypnotherapy. Hypnosis is often used to help individuals align subconscious patterns with conscious goals. In many cases, difficulty with change occurs because the conscious mind wants one thing, while the subconscious continues to maintain old patterns. Hypnosis helps bring these two aspects of the mind into cooperation, making change more natural and less resistant. There are many practical applications. Some of the more common include reducing stress, improving confidence, increasing motivation, and overcoming unwanted habits. Many people also use hypnosis to improve concentration, memory, and performance in areas such as academics, sports, or public speaking. Hypnosis has also been used to help reduce anxiety, including fears such as fear of flying, and may be helpful in managing emotional responses and improving overall well-being. With appropriate medical referral and supervision, hypnosis may also be used to help reduce pain or support individuals dealing with illness. There has been growing interest in the role hypnosis can play alongside traditional medical care, particularly when professionals from different fields work together. In my experience, one of the greatest strengths of hypnosis is its ability to work with the subconscious mind. When the subconscious and conscious mind are working together rather than in conflict, meaningful and lasting change becomes much more achievable.

There are many ways to help someone change a habit, and different approaches may work for different individuals. Many habits are not simply conscious choices. They are often driven by subconscious conditioning. For example, individuals who attempt to quit smoking or lose weight using willpower alone frequently experience temporary success, followed by relapse. This is often because the subconscious mind continues to maintain the old pattern. Hypnosis can help by working with the subconscious to reduce resistance, reinforce new behaviors, and strengthen motivation. When the subconscious and conscious mind are working together, change becomes more achievable. One important prerequisite remains. The client must choose to change. Without that decision, long-term success is unlikely. In practice, many hypnotherapists begin by helping the client focus on the benefits of change, allowing those benefits to be accepted at a subconscious level before introducing specific suggestions. First impressions are important, and many practitioners aim to make the initial experience positive and encouraging. Some individuals find it helpful to replace old habits with new behaviors. When doing so, it is generally better for the conscious mind to choose those alternatives, rather than allowing one habit to be replaced by another unconsciously. In some cases, deeper work may be needed to understand why the subconscious resists change. This can involve identifying and releasing underlying causes. However, such approaches are not always necessary, and are often reserved for situations where more direct methods are not sufficient. It is also important to recognize that a competent hypnotherapist will work within their level of training. If an issue falls outside their scope, referral to another qualified professional may be appropriate. Hypnosis is not a guarantee of success. If it were, every client would achieve results after a single session. It is a tool that supports change, but it does not replace personal responsibility.

Hypnosis has been used to help reduce both acute and chronic pain. It may also be helpful for individuals coping with illness by improving comfort, reducing stress, and supporting emotional well-being. In some cases, hypnosis has also been used in preparation for medical or dental procedures. Pain, however, is a warning that something may be wrong with the body. For this reason, hypnosis for pain management should only be used after proper diagnosis by a qualified medical professional. In many cases, it is appropriate to seek a referral or work in cooperation with a physician or other licensed provider. When used appropriately, hypnosis can be a beneficial adjunct to traditional medical care rather than a replacement for it. Some individuals experience significant relief, while others may notice more modest results. In clinical settings such as hospice care, hypnosis has been used to help improve comfort and quality of life. These experiences suggest that, when properly integrated with medical care, hypnosis can play a supportive role in treatment. A competent hypnotherapist should also recognize the limits of their training and work within them. In some situations, symptom relief may be appropriate, while in others it may be necessary to explore underlying factors or refer the client to another qualified professional. If you are considering hypnosis for pain management, it is advisable to consult with your primary healthcare provider and keep them informed throughout the process.

There are many methods used to induce hypnosis, and no single approach works best for everyone. If you were to visit several different hypnotherapists, you might experience very different methods of induction. This does not mean one is correct and another is not. Rather, it reflects the flexibility of hypnosis as a process. My late mentor, Charles Tebbetts, taught that virtually all hypnotic induction techniques can be grouped into a small number of general categories, which he referred to as induction types. Once understood, these can be used as building blocks for creating a wide variety of techniques. Some of the more common categories include: Eye fixation methods involve focusing attention on a single point. These were commonly used in earlier hypnosis practices and are often portrayed in movies. However, not everyone responds well to this approach, and some individuals who do not respond to eye fixation may respond very well to other methods. Progressive relaxation (and/or guided imagery) are widely used in both hypnosis and meditation. These approaches help the individual relax and imagine calming or positive experiences. Many self-hypnosis recordings use this type of induction. Mental confusion techniques are designed to occupy or distract the conscious mind, making it easier for the individual to relax and enter hypnosis. These methods require skill and should be used appropriately. Imagination with physical response involves responding to suggestions through physical sensations or movement, such as an arm feeling lighter or heavier. This type of approach engages both the mind and body in the hypnotic process. Loss of equilibrium or gentle movement uses subtle physical sensations, such as rocking, to promote relaxation. This is similar to how a child may be soothed to sleep. Rapid or surprise methods involve a sudden shift in attention, sometimes used in stage hypnosis or demonstrations. These methods rely on timing and responsiveness, and are typically used with individuals who are willing to participate. When these categories are understood, a hypnotherapist can adapt techniques based on the individual rather than relying on a single scripted method. Students often ask which induction is best. In practice, the most effective approach is usually the one the practitioner is most comfortable using, combined with the ability to adapt to the client. For a more detailed explanation of these induction types and how they can be applied, they are discussed more thoroughly in The Art of Hypnosis: Mastering Basic Techniques.(/books)

All hypnotherapy employs hypnosis, but not all hypnosis is hypnotherapy. Hypnosis refers to the state of focused attention. Hypnotherapy refers to the use of that state for a specific purpose, usually to help a client achieve a desired outcome. In other words, hypnosis is the tool, while hypnotherapy is the application of that tool. This distinction is important. Simply being in hypnosis does not necessarily produce change. It is how that state is used that determines the outcome. For many years, hypnotherapy was often described as the use of suggestion for self-improvement or therapeutic purposes. However, experience has shown that suggestion alone is not always sufficient. In some cases, the subconscious mind may resist even positive suggestions. A more complete approach to hypnotherapy involves helping the subconscious mind discover and release the causes of that resistance. When those underlying factors are addressed, the individual is often more able to respond to positive change. For this reason, there is an important distinction between someone who knows how to induce hypnosis and someone who is trained to apply it therapeutically. The use of scripts or techniques alone may produce results in some cases, but deeper or more persistent issues often require a broader understanding of how to work with the subconscious mind. At the present time, there is still some disagreement within the profession regarding what constitutes adequate training for a hypnotherapist. However, it is generally recognized that effective hypnotherapy involves more than simply inducing hypnosis. It requires the ability to work with the individual in a way that supports meaningful and lasting change.

Traditional forms of counseling often focus on the conscious mind. This can include discussion, analysis, and problem-solving. When someone needs to make important decisions or better understand a situation, this type of approach is often essential. Hypnotherapy works more directly with the subconscious mind, which is often where habits, emotional responses, and automatic behaviors are maintained. When a problem involves the subconscious resisting what a person consciously wants, hypnotherapy can be especially effective. Both approaches have value, and many situations benefit from a combination of methods. Hypnosis is not a cure-all for every problem, and it should not be presented as such. Some situations require medical, psychological, or counseling support, and hypnotherapy is best used appropriately and, when necessary, in cooperation with other qualified professionals. It is also important to understand that a competent hypnotherapist does not diagnose medical or psychological conditions unless properly trained and licensed to do so. The role of the hypnotherapist is not to label the problem, but to work with the subconscious mind in a way that allows underlying causes to be discovered and released when appropriate. In simple terms, problems that require conscious understanding often benefit from traditional counseling, while problems rooted in subconscious patterns may respond more effectively to hypnotherapy. In practice, it is often helpful to recognize which type of approach is most appropriate for the situation.

In most cases, hypnotherapy is not routinely covered by insurance. However, this can vary depending on the provider, the practitioner’s credentials, and the reason for treatment. In some situations, hypnotherapy may be eligible for partial reimbursement, particularly when it is used in conjunction with medical or mental health care, such as for pain management, stress-related conditions, or behavioral health support. In these cases, referral or coordination with a licensed healthcare provider may increase the likelihood of coverage. Over time, there has been growing interest in integrating hypnotherapy into broader healthcare settings. While coverage remains limited in many areas, acceptance has gradually increased, and some plans now offer benefits under specific circumstances. Because policies vary widely, it is always best to check directly with your insurance provider to determine what may be covered.

Stage hypnosis is often misunderstood. While it may appear that participants are being controlled, this is not an accurate representation of what is happening. Stage hypnosis is a form of entertainment, and participants are typically willing, responsive, and often selected for their ability to engage in the experience. Expectation, imagination, and cooperation all play an important role. If a person enters a stage setting with the belief that the hypnotist has control, they may respond according to that belief unless something strongly conflicts with their values or creates emotional resistance. In some cases, individuals may be influenced into believing they have given up control. However, this does not mean that control has actually been lost. The response is still based on the individual’s own participation and belief. Stage hypnosis itself is neither inherently good nor bad. It depends on how it is presented and conducted. It has also played a role in maintaining public interest in hypnosis over time. It is important to understand that stage hypnosis does not represent the therapeutic use of hypnosis. While both involve hypnotic states, the intent and application are very different.

Hypnosis is generally considered safe when practiced responsibly. Because hypnosis is a natural state of mind that people enter in everyday life, it does not inherently pose a risk. However, as with any professional service, the skill, training, and ethics of the practitioner are important. Some concerns about hypnosis come from misunderstanding how suggestion works. The subconscious mind responds strongly to imagination and imagery, which is why the structure and wording of suggestions matter. Poorly constructed or negative suggestions may produce unintended results, especially when used by someone without proper training. For this reason, competent hypnotherapists focus on clear, positive, and goal-oriented suggestions rather than emphasizing problems or fears. It is also important that hypnosis is used appropriately. Issues involving medical or psychological conditions may require collaboration with qualified professionals, and hypnosis should not be used as a substitute for necessary medical or mental health care. Certain techniques, such as regression or other advanced methods, require specialized training. When used properly, they can be effective. When used improperly, they may lead to confusion, inaccurate memories, or unintended emotional responses. A responsible practitioner will work within their level of training and avoid techniques they are not qualified to use. Hypnosis for pain management should only be used after proper diagnosis by a qualified medical professional. Ethical hypnotherapy is based on cooperation and self-empowerment. A person does not lose control in hypnosis, and would not normally accept suggestions that go against their values or intentions. When practiced ethically and with proper training, hypnosis can be a safe and effective tool for many individuals. Additional considerations There are certain areas where hypnosis should be approached with care and proper training: Use of suggestion The subconscious mind responds strongly to imagery and suggestion. Poorly worded or overly negative suggestions may produce unintended results. For this reason, competent hypnotherapists focus on positive, goal-oriented language. Aversion-based techniques Strong aversion suggestions, particularly those that involve imagining illness or discomfort, should be used cautiously. In some cases, they may create unintended associations rather than resolve the underlying issue. Regression and memory work Techniques involving regression require specialized training. Without proper skill, there is a risk of confusion between actual memories and imagined experiences. A responsible practitioner avoids leading suggestions and works within their level of competence. Pain management Pain is a signal that something may be wrong. Hypnosis should only be used for pain management after proper diagnosis by a qualified medical professional. Ethical use of hypnosis Hypnosis should never be used to encourage harmful or antisocial behavior. Ethical hypnotherapy is based on cooperation, and individuals do not normally accept suggestions that conflict with their values. Dependence and self-empowerment A well-trained hypnotherapist encourages independence rather than dependence. The goal is to help individuals develop greater control over their own responses, including the use of self-hypnosis when appropriate.

Many people have found it very helpful to learn self-hypnosis. While it may not be sufficient for every goal, self-hypnosis can be an excellent tool to support a professional hypnotherapy program or to enhance other self-improvement efforts. It is often used for stress management, relaxation, and reinforcing positive habits. In my experience, clients who learn self-hypnosis tend to make better long-term progress, especially when they continue practicing on their own between sessions. Most ethical hypnosis professionals will offer to teach self-hypnosis as part of a program for habit control, motivation, or stress-related concerns. If you are interested in learning it, it is appropriate to ask.

That depends on several factors, including the nature and depth of the issue. General recordings or self-hypnosis programs may provide helpful results for relaxation, stress reduction, or simple goals. However, they are not individualized. In my experience, clients often make better progress when working with a qualified hypnotherapist who can tailor the session to their specific needs. A competent practitioner will take the time to understand the client and adapt techniques accordingly. It is also important that the client feels comfortable with the hypnotherapist, including their communication style and voice, as this can influence the effectiveness of the process.