Hypnosis is often associated with stage shows, swinging watches and people apparently being persuaded to do ridiculous things in front of an audience. Clinical hypnotherapy, however, is very different.
Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis as part of a therapeutic approach, usually involving guided relaxation, focused attention and suggestion. Rather than losing control, you remain aware of what is happening and cannot simply be made to do something against your will.
People seek hypnotherapy for many different reasons, from managing stress and anxiety to changing unwanted habits. While research into its effectiveness varies depending on the condition being treated, there is evidence that hypnosis may be helpful for some people when used appropriately.
Editor’s note – August 2026: This article was originally published in March 2022 and has been reviewed and updated to improve accuracy, reflect current understanding of hypnotherapy, and provide clearer information about its potential benefits and limitations.
What Is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a state of focused attention in which you may feel deeply relaxed and more receptive to suggestions. A trained hypnotherapist may use relaxation techniques, imagery and verbal suggestions to help you explore thoughts, feelings or behaviours you would like to change.
Despite some common misconceptions, hypnosis doesn’t involve a therapist taking control of your mind. You remain conscious and able to decide whether or not you want to respond to suggestions.
People sometimes consider hypnotherapy when they are struggling with worries or behaviours they haven’t been able to change on their own. You may, for example, have come across services while searching for anxiety hypnotherapy Blackwood or a hypnotherapist in London.
If you’re considering hypnotherapy, look for a suitably qualified practitioner and remember that it shouldn’t replace medical or psychological treatment recommended by your GP or another healthcare professional.
Services such as Cityhypno are among the options available for people interested in exploring hypnotherapy.
So, what might hypnotherapy be able to help with?
1. Helps With Insomnia and Sleepwalking
Nobody wants a night where you simply toss and turn in your bed, but can’t get yourself to sleep. This only results in a horrible next day where you find yourself struggling to stay up for the next meeting, your blind date or anything that is scheduled on that day.
This is where hypnotherapy might prove to be extremely helpful!
If you have insomnia, a professional hypnotherapy session can relax you enough to get you to sleep more easily. In case you are a sleepwalker, hypnosis can help you train your brain to wake up, the moment you feel your foot touching the floor. This can further help you with your unwanted sleepwalking escapades.
Technically speaking, a professional hypnotherapist uses verbal cues that put you in a trance-like state, something that can help you come down and enjoy being in your body.
This deep state of relaxation does more than just prepare your body for sleep. It also helps quiet the constant mental chatter that causes daily worry. Many people find that addressing their mental tension through professional services like Doc Hypnosis allows them to manage their everyday pressures much better. When your mind is calm, you can face your challenges with a clear head. This sense of control is also useful when you want to change other difficult habits.
What does the research say?
Hypnosis has been investigated as a possible way of improving sleep, particularly by encouraging relaxation and changing some of the thoughts or behaviours surrounding sleep.
However, sleep problems can have many different causes. Persistent insomnia, frequent sleepwalking or significant changes in your sleep shouldn’t automatically be treated as something hypnotherapy can solve.
If sleep problems are affecting your everyday life, speak to your GP so that potential underlying causes can be considered.
2. Hypnotherapy May Support People Trying to Quit Smoking
Giving up smoking can be extremely difficult because nicotine dependence can involve both physical addiction and established habits.
There are proven forms of stop-smoking support available, including nicotine replacement products and certain medications. Hypnotherapy is another approach that some people choose to explore.
During a hypnotherapy session, a practitioner may work with you to identify situations associated with smoking and introduce suggestions designed to change how you respond to those triggers.
For example, this could involve developing different coping strategies for situations in which you would normally reach for a cigarette or creating negative associations with smoking.
However, hypnotherapy shouldn’t be presented as a guaranteed way to stop smoking. Research into hypnosis for smoking cessation has produced mixed results, and what works for one person may not work for another.
If you want to stop smoking, NHS stop-smoking services can provide evidence-based advice and support.
3. Hypnotherapy May Help Support Healthy Weight Management
Hypnotherapy is sometimes promoted as a weight-loss treatment, but it’s important to understand what that actually means.
Hypnosis doesn’t directly cause your body to lose weight.
Instead, some people use hypnotherapy to explore behaviours and thought patterns surrounding food, motivation and lifestyle habits. For example, it might be used to support goals such as eating more mindfully, responding differently to emotional eating triggers or developing healthier routines.
Long-term weight management is influenced by many factors, including diet, sleep, activity levels, health conditions and individual circumstances.
For this reason, hypnotherapy is better viewed as a possible complementary tool rather than a replacement for healthy eating and regular exercise.
Anyone concerned about their weight or experiencing unexplained changes in weight should speak to their GP or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Other Reasons People Explore Hypnotherapy
Sleep, smoking and weight management aren’t the only reasons people become interested in hypnosis.
Some people explore hypnotherapy to help them manage stress, fears or phobias, prepare for medical or dental procedures or change particular habits.
The evidence supporting hypnosis isn’t equally strong for every condition, so it’s worth researching the particular issue you want help with rather than assuming that hypnotherapy can treat everything.
It’s also important to choose a practitioner who works within appropriate professional boundaries and doesn’t promise guaranteed results.
Can Anyone Be Hypnotised?
People respond to hypnosis differently. Some find it very easy to become absorbed in the experience, while others find it more difficult.
Being hypnotised doesn’t mean being asleep or unconscious. You generally remain aware of what is happening around you and can stop participating if you want to.
A willingness to engage with the process is therefore an important part of hypnotherapy.
Is Hypnotherapy Safe?
Hypnosis is generally considered safe when carried out appropriately by a trained professional, but it isn’t necessarily suitable for everyone or every situation.
It is particularly important not to use hypnotherapy as a substitute for medical treatment when you have symptoms that need investigating.
If you’re receiving treatment for a physical or mental health condition, discuss complementary therapies such as hypnotherapy with your healthcare professional where appropriate.
Choosing a Hypnotherapist
If you decide to try hypnotherapy, take some time to research the practitioner rather than choosing solely on the basis of advertising claims.
Look at their training, professional memberships, experience and the type of issues they regularly work with. A reputable practitioner should also be realistic about what hypnotherapy can and cannot achieve.
Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed cures or encouraging you to stop prescribed treatment.
Final Thoughts
Hypnotherapy isn’t mind control, nor is it a miracle cure. It is a therapeutic technique that some people find useful for relaxation, behaviour change and managing particular difficulties.
Evidence for its effectiveness varies depending on what it is being used for, so expectations should remain realistic.
If you’re curious about hypnosis, learning more about the process and speaking to an appropriately qualified practitioner can help you decide whether it might complement other steps you’re taking to support your wellbeing.