What is Hypnosis?

Your Guide to Self-Directed Change

Understanding the Self-Hypnotic State

All hypnosis is truly self-hypnosis. As a Consulting Hypnotist, I serve as your guide – helping you enter this natural state more easily and effectively. You remain in control throughout the process. The hypnotist doesn’t “do” anything to you – instead, I guide you how to use your own mind more effectively to achieve the changes you desire.
 
The self-hypnotic state is a natural state of relaxed concentration that anyone can enter. It’s a focused state of awareness where the mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions and self-improvement strategies. Far from being a mysterious or mystical phenomenon, hypnosis is simply a tool that helps you access your own natural abilities to create positive change in your life.
 

As a Consulting Hypnotist, my role is to provide motivational coaching through the use of hypnosis, helping you harness this focused state to achieve your personal goals.

What Consulting Hypnotists Do (and Don't Do)

During our sessions, I will:

  • Help you with goal-setting regarding your challenges or issues
  • Induct you into a self-hypnotic state
  • Suggest ways for you to achieve your goals while in this relaxed, focused state
  • Share self-help techniques – thinking strategies that remind you of the improvements you wish to make

It’s important to understand that Consulting Hypnotism is non-therapeutic and educational in nature. As a Consulting Hypnotist:

  • I do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe for medical or mental health conditions
  • I work with you only to enhance your own natural restorative and coping abilities
  • Hypnotism is always complementary to traditional medical and psychological services

The Four Stages of the Self-Hypnotic State

1. Induction: Relaxation and the focusing of your attention
2. Deepening: Gradually increasing relaxation and openness to positive suggestions
3. Suggestions: Positive suggestions aligned with your personal goals are provided
4. Emergence: Gentle guidance back to full alertness

What can hypnosis help with?

Hypnosis can help you achieve positive changes in many areas of your life, including:

  • Eliminating negative or unwanted habits
  • Regaining self-control
  • Facilitating the learning process
  • Improving memory and concentration
  • Developing self-confidence
  • Eliminating stage fright
  • Improving athletic performance
  • Enhancing personal skills and assets
  • Achieving weight management goals
  • Improving sleep
  • Managing situational stress
  • Developing a positive mental attitude
  • Becoming more successful and high-achieving
  • Exploring your spirituality
  • Promoting overall wellness

Extensively Researched Applications*

The following studies are examples of documented research demonstrating successful applications of hypnosis for personal development. Research results represent group outcomes, and individual results vary significantly based on personal factors including motivation, consistency of practice, and unique circumstances. These examples are provided for educational purposes only to help you make an informed decision about whether consulting hypnotism aligns with your personal goals.

Smoking Cessation

A 2025 systematic review of 63 studies found that 66.7% of well-designed studies reported positive impact of hypnosis for smoking cessation (Ekanayake & Elkins, 2025). One randomized controlled trial found that at 12 months, 24% of the hypnosis group maintained abstinence compared to 16% of the behavioral counseling group (Carmody et al., 2008).

Managing Stress

A 2020 multicenter randomized controlled trial with 95 participants found that group hypnosis for stress reduction produced a 21.2-point reduction in perceived stress levels (on a 0-100 scale) after 5 weeks compared to the control group, with benefits maintained at 12-week follow-up (Fisch et al., 2020).

Weight Loss

A 2018 meta-analysis found that participants receiving hypnosis lost more weight than approximately 94% of control participants at the end of treatment (Milling et al., 2018). A 2022 randomized controlled trial found that 67.7% of participants in the hypnosis group normalized their eating disinhibition compared to only 11.1% in the control group (Delestre et al., 2022).

Sleep Improvement

A 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials with 502 participants found that hypnosis significantly shortened the time it takes to fall asleep compared to controls (Lam et al., 2015). A 2018 systematic review of 24 studies found that 58.3% reported beneficial effects of hypnosis on sleep outcomes (Cordi et al., 2018).

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Research shows that gut-directed hypnosis is particularly effective for patients with refractory IBS symptoms and can lead to long-term improvement (Häuser, 2024; Black et al., 2020). A 2025 meta-analysis confirmed that gut-directed hypnosis is one of the few approaches that performs better than control for patients with refractory symptoms (Adler et al., 2025).

Hot Flashes

Hypnosis has emerged as an effective non-hormonal approach for managing menopausal hot flashes, with studies showing significant reductions in hot flash frequency and severity (Elkins et al., 2013; Muñiz et al., 2024)

Pain Management

A meta-analysis of 85 controlled trials found that hypnosis can reduce pain by 42% in highly responsive individuals and 29% in moderately responsive individuals – resulting in meaningful reductions achieved without medication (Thompson et al., 2019).

Boosting Self-Esteem

A randomized controlled trial found that an 8-week intervention combining self-hypnosis and self-care significantly improved self-esteem in post-treatment cancer patients (N=95), with a medium effect size (Grégoire et al., 2021).

Headaches

A 2019 randomized controlled trial found that online hypnosis significantly improved functional outcomes for migraine sufferers, with a 48% reduction in headache-related disability compared to 2% in controls, a 60% reduction in pain catastrophizing, and significantly reduced migraine duration, though migraine frequency and severity remained unchanged (Flynn, 2019).

Separating Fact from Fiction:
Common Myths Debunked

Myth: “The hypnotist can control my mind”

Reality: You remain aware and maintain control during hypnosis. People can and do resist hypnotic suggestions when they choose to (Lynn et al., 2020). Professional ethical codes emphasize that hypnosis cannot override a person’s will or values, and there are no documented cases of people being made to act against their core beliefs through hypnosis.

Myth: “I might get stuck in hypnosis”

Reality: This has never been documented. You remain aware during hypnosis and would naturally return to full alertness on your own, similar to emerging from daydreaming or waking from sleep. 

Myth: “It’s all just the placebo effect”

Reality: Brain imaging studies demonstrate measurable neurological changes during hypnosis, including altered activity in brain networks involved in attention, self-awareness, and sensory processing. These findings indicate that hypnosis involves genuine changes in brain function, not just imagination or “faking it” (Jiang et al., 2017; De Pascalis, 2024; Landry & Raz, 2017).

Myth: “I will not be able to be hypnotized”

Reality:  Most people can benefit from hypnosis because responsiveness to hypnosis exists on a spectrum – it’s not something you either have or don’t have – and even those who are less naturally responsive can improve with the right techniques (Lynn et al., 2019).

What does hypnosis feel like?

Think of it like this: you already experience similar states every day when you’re deeply absorbed in a good book, or watching a compelling movie. These everyday experiences of focused attention are actually light hypnotic states. 
 
Most people describe the hypnotic state as:
  • Deeply relaxed – similar to meditation or the moments before falling asleep.
  • Pleasantly focused – like being absorbed in a great book or movie.
  • Calm and peaceful – with a sense of gentle concentration.
  • In control – able to hear everything and respond if needed.

You’ll likely feel refreshed and relaxed afterward, much like after a good meditation session or a peaceful nap.

Who can be hypnotized?

Recent research found that personality traits don’t predict how well someone responds to hypnosis, challenging the common belief that certain personality types are more “hypnotizable” than others (Gélébart et al., 2024).

Factors that enhance hypnotic responsiveness:

  • Willingness to participate
  • Ability to focus and use imagination
  • Positive expectations about the process
  • Trust in your practitioner

The Bottom Line

Hypnosis is a legitimate approach that can help you access your mind's natural ability to create positive change. It's not magic, mind control, or entertainment - it's a collaborative self-hypnosis process guided by a certified professional to help you achieve your personal goals.

Whether you're looking to manage stress, break an unwanted habit, improve sleep, or enhance your well-being, hypnosis offers a natural approach that works with your mind's existing capabilities.

Ready to make a positive change?

Book Your Free 15-Minute Consultation

*Understanding Research and Individual Results

The scientific literature presented on this page demonstrates that hypnosis has been studied extensively and shows promise as a tool for motivation, self-improvement, and personal development. These studies are shared to provide you with evidence-based information about the potential applications of hypnosis.

However, it is essential to understand that:

  • Research reflects group averages, not individual guarantees. Scientific studies report outcomes across many participants, and your personal experience may differ.
  • Individual results vary significantly. Your outcomes depend on many factors including your personal motivation, commitment to practicing self-help techniques, your unique circumstances, life situation, and level of engagement during sessions.
  • You are an active participant in your own change process. As a Consulting Hypnotist, I serve as your guide and coach, but your success ultimately depends on your willingness to apply the self-help techniques taught and your dedication to your goals.
  • No therapeutic claims are made. While research may describe clinical applications, Consulting Hypnotism is motivational coaching by means of hypnotism. I do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe for medical or mental health conditions.
  • Research is provided for educational purposes only to help you make an informed decision about whether hypnosis may be appropriate for your personal goals.

Your success depends on numerous factors, including your commitment to the process, how consistently you practice the techniques taught, and your active participation in sessions. If you have any questions about what hypnosis can realistically help you achieve, I encourage you to contact me for a consultation where we can discuss your specific situation and goals.

Sources & References

  • Adler, E. C., Levine, E. H., Ibarra, A. N., Boparai, E. S., Hung, Y. Y., McCrary, Q. D., & Lee, J. K. (2025). “Gut- Directed Hypnotherapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 37(7), e70037. https://doi.org/10.1111/nmo.70037
  • Black, C. J., Thakur, E. R., Houghton, L. A., Quigley, E. M. M., Moayyedi, P., & Ford, A. C. (2020). “Efficacy of psychological therapies for irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and network meta-analysis.” Gut, 69, 1441- 1451. https://doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2020-321191
  • Carmody, T. P., Duncan, C., Simon, J. A., Solkowitz, S., Huggins, J., Lee, S., & Delucchi, K. (2008). “Hypnosis for smoking cessation: a randomized trial.” Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 10(5), 811-818. https://doi.org/10.1080/14622200802023833Cordi, M. J., Schlarb, A. A., & Rasch, B. (2018). “Hypnosis Intervention Effects on Sleep Outcomes: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 14(2), 271-283. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.6952
  • Delestre, F., Lehéricey, G., Estellat, C., Diallo, M. H., Hansel, B., & Giral, P. (2022). Hypnosis reduces food impulsivity in patients with obesity and high levels of disinhibition: HYPNODIET randomized controlled clinical trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 115(6), 1637-1645. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqac046
  • De Pascalis, V. (2024). “Brain Functional Correlates of Resting Hypnosis and Hypnotizability: A Review.” Brain Sciences, 14(2), 115. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14020115
  • Ekanayake, V., & Elkins, G. R. (2025). “Systematic Review on Hypnotherapy and Smoking Cessation.” International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 73(1), 4-78. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2024.2434082
  • Elkins, G. R., Fisher, W. I., Johnson, A. K., Carpenter, J. S., & Keith, T. Z. (2013). “Clinical hypnosis in the treatment of postmenopausal hot flashes: a randomized controlled trial.” Menopause, 20(3), 291-298. https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0b013e31826ce3ed
  • Fisch, S., Hagel, J., Boucsein, A., Meinke, C., Binting, S., Cree, M., Roll, S., & Brinkhaus, B. (2020). “Group hypnosis for stress reduction and improved stress coping: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.” BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 20(1), 344. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-03129-6
  • Flynn, N. (2019). “Effect of an Online Hypnosis Intervention in Reducing Migraine Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 67(3), 313-335. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2019.1612674

  • Gélébart, J., Schlatter, S., Billot, M., & Debarnot, U. (2024). Sleepiness may predict hypnotizability, while personality traits do not. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.2024.2387360
  • Grégoire, C., Faymonville, M.-E., Vanhaudenhuyse, A., Jerusalem, G., Willems, S., & Bragard, I. (2021). Randomized controlled trial of a group intervention combining self-hypnosis and self-care: Secondary results on self-esteem, emotional distress and regulation, and mindfulness in post-treatment cancer patients. Quality of Life Research, 30(2), 425-436. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-020-02655-7
  • Häuser, W. (2024). “Gut-directed hypnosis and hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: a mini-review.” Frontiers in Psychology, 15:1389911. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1389911
  • Jiang, H., White, M. P., Greicius, M. D., Waelde, L. C., & Spiegel, D. (2017). “Brain Activity and Functional Connectivity Associated with Hypnosis.” Cerebral Cortex, 27(8), 4083-4093. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhw220
  • Lam, T. H., Chung, K. F., Yeung, W. F., Yu, B. Y., Yung, K. P., & Ng, T. H. (2015). “Hypnotherapy for insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 23(5), 719-732. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2015.07.01
  • Landry, M., & Raz, A. (2017). “Brain correlates of hypnosis: A systematic review and meta-analytic exploration.” Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 81, 75-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.02.020

  • Lynn, S. J., Green, J. P., Polizzi, C. P., Ellenberg, S., Guatam, A., & Aksen, D. (2019). Hypnosis, hypnotic phenomena, and hypnotic responsiveness: clinical and research foundations – a 40 year perspective. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 67(4), 475-511. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2019.1649541
  • Lynn, S. J., Kirsch, I., Terhune, D. B., & Green, J. P. (2020). Myths and misconceptions about hypnosis and suggestion. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 34(6), 1253-1264.
  • Milling, L. S., Gover, M. C., & Moriarty, C. L. (2018). “The Effectiveness of Hypnosis as an Intervention for Obesity: A Meta-Analytic Review.” International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 66(1), 82-99. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2017.1390424
  • Muñiz, V., Padilla, V. J., Alldredge, C. T., & Elkins, G. (2024). “Clinical Hypnosis and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Hot Flashes: A Scoping Review.” Women’s Health Reports, 5(1), 1056-1076. https://doi.org/10.1089/whr.2024.0144
  • Palsson, O. S., Kekecs, Z., De Benedittis, G., Moss, D., Elkins, G. R., Terhune, D. B., Varga, K., Shenefelt, P. D., & Whorwell, P. J. (2023). “Current practices, experiences, and views in clinical hypnosis: Findings of an international survey.” International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 71(2), 92-114. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2023.2183862
  • Rosendahl, J., Alldredge, C. T., & Haddenhorst, A. (2024). “Meta-analytic evidence on the efficacy of hypnosis for mental and somatic health issues: a 20-year perspective.” Frontiers in Psychology, 14:1330238. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1330238
  • Thompson, T., Terhune, D. B., Oram, C., Sharangparni, J., Rouf, R., Solmi, M., Veronese, N., & Stubbs, B. (2019). “The effectiveness of hypnosis for pain relief: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 85 controlled experimental trials.” Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 99, 298-310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.02.013