What is Hypnotherapy?

There are many misconceptions about hypnotherapy. When most people hear the word hypnosis, they think of stage shows where volunteers appear to lose control and perform unusual acts for entertainment. In reality, therapeutic hypnosis looks nothing like that, and it’s grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and the mind-body connection.

Hypnosis is actually a natural state of mind. It’s simply a shift in brainwave activity, something you already slip into multiple times a day. Most people call it daydreaming or zoning out, but these are mild hypnotic states. The moments right before falling asleep and just as you’re waking up are also forms of hypnosis.

Humans move through four primary brainwave states: beta, alpha, theta, and delta. Beta is our everyday waking state, where we think, plan, analyze, and problem-solve. Delta is deep sleep. The alpha and theta states sit in the middle, and this is where hypnosis occurs. These brainwave states make it easier to quiet the analytical mind and access deeper patterns, beliefs, and stored emotional material.

But why does this matter?

Entering a hypnotic state helps calm the nervous system, stimulate the vagus nerve, and open communication with the subconscious mind. The vagus nerve plays a major role in regulating stress, emotions, and internal organs, and the subconscious mind stores past memories, automatic behaviors, emotional conditioning, and learned habits. This is why working with the subconscious can influence both emotional well-being and physical health.

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnotherapy

Now that you understand the basics of hypnosis, it’s common to have more questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about hypnotherapy and what actually happens during a session.

Am I under the control of the hypnotherapist?

This is one of the biggest misconceptions. The truth is: all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. You are always in control.

During a hypnotherapy session, the hypnotherapist offers suggestions designed to support the outcome you’re working toward. However, it’s always up to you whether you accept those suggestions. You can speak, move, adjust, or come out of hypnosis at any time.

The therapeutic relationship is a partnership. You are driving the ship, your hypnotherapist is simply the navigation system, guiding you through the subconscious terrain.

Can I get stuck in hypnosis?

No. You cannot get stuck in hypnosis.

As mentioned earlier, you naturally enter hypnotic states throughout the day—such as when you’re daydreaming or drifting to sleep, and you can always come out of them on your own. Hypnosis is simply a relaxed, focused state of awareness, and you can shift in or out of it anytime you choose.

Just like you’ve never been “stuck” in a daydream, you won’t get stuck in hypnosis.

Will I remember anything?

Yes. In hypnotherapy, you remain aware and you remember what happens during the session.

Most people remember everything as long as they remain conscious and engaged in the process. The only time memory may be patchy is if someone drifts into sleep. However, trained hypnotherapists can recognize when you’re shifting into delta (deep sleep) and will gently bring you back into the optimal alpha or theta state for therapeutic work.

In other words, you are present, aware, and participating, not unconscious or “out.”

Does hypnosis work for everyone?

Hypnosis is highly effective, but like any therapeutic modality, readiness matters. Hypnosis works best when someone is willing, open, and genuinely ready for change. Some people consciously want change but aren’t yet receptive on a subconscious level, and that’s normal.

In those cases, hypnotherapists can use preparatory techniques to help increase safety, rapport, and subconscious readiness so the work becomes more effective. With the right timing and approach, most people can benefit from hypnotherapy.

What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis refers to the altered brainwave state itself, typically alpha or theta, where the analytical mind quiets and the subconscious becomes more accessible.

Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic application of that state. It’s the profession and the modality. A hypnotherapist may guide you into hypnosis, but they also use specific techniques, protocols, and therapeutic interventions while you’re there to help create change.

A common misconception is that hypnotherapy instantly “fixes” an issue in one session. While some people experience rapid breakthroughs, most changes unfold gradually. You’ve built habits, emotional responses, and subconscious patterns over many years. It can take time to retrain those pathways and integrate new behaviors. The pace of change varies from person to person based on readiness, depth of the issue, and consistency.

If you’re looking to create a better relationship with your mind, your emotions, and your patterns, hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for change. Many people come to this work when they’re experiencing stress, anxiety, anger, sadness, or a sense of being stuck — and they’re ready for something deeper than surface-level coping tools.

If you’re curious whether hypnotherapy might be a good fit for you, you can schedule a consultation call here. During the call, we’ll explore what you’re navigating, what’s been getting in the way, and how subconscious work can support your goals.