AUTHORITATIVE SERIES: ARTICLE #23
Everything You Need to Know About Hypnotism and Hypnotherapy: A Complete Guide
Introduction
If you've ever wondered, “Is hypnosis real?” or “Will I cluck like a chicken?”, you're not alone. Hypnotism has long been misunderstood—shrouded in mystery, pop culture stereotypes, and fear. But when used professionally and ethically, hypnotherapy is a powerful tool for change.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hypnotism and hypnotherapy. You’ll learn the key differences between the two, what hypnosis actually is (and isn’t), how it works, what to expect in a session, and how to find the right practitioner.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hypnotism and hypnotherapy. You’ll learn the key differences between the two, what hypnosis actually is (and isn’t), how it works, what to expect in a session, and how to find the right practitioner.
What Is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a natural, focused state of attention where the subconscious mind becomes more receptive to suggestion. It’s not mind control or magic. In fact, we all experience hypnotic states daily—like when you're driving and suddenly realize you’ve missed the last three turns.
In Simple Terms:
Hypnosis bypasses the conscious mind to influence the subconscious with positive, goal-directed suggestions.
In Simple Terms:
- Conscious mind = critical, analytical
- Subconscious mind = automatic, emotional, belief-driven
Hypnosis bypasses the conscious mind to influence the subconscious with positive, goal-directed suggestions.
The Difference Between Hypnotism and Hypnotherapy
Here’s a distinction most people (even some practitioners) don’t know:
Many practitioners call themselves hypnotherapists but only deliver basic symptom-reduction hypnosis using surface-level suggestions. True hypnotherapy requires advanced skill, ethical responsibility, and hundreds of hours of experience working at the subconscious root.
⚠️ Just because someone uses hypnosis doesn’t mean they’re doing hypnotherapy.
- Hypnotism is the act of inducing a hypnotic state.
- Hypnotherapy, as defined by Dave Elman and most reputable schools, uses hypnosis as a therapeutic tool to resolve subconscious causes of an issue—especially through methods like regression to cause.
Many practitioners call themselves hypnotherapists but only deliver basic symptom-reduction hypnosis using surface-level suggestions. True hypnotherapy requires advanced skill, ethical responsibility, and hundreds of hours of experience working at the subconscious root.
⚠️ Just because someone uses hypnosis doesn’t mean they’re doing hypnotherapy.
How Hypnosis Actually Works
Hypnosis works by temporarily bypassing the “critical faculty” of the conscious mind—your mental gatekeeper—and allowing selective, acceptable suggestions to enter the subconscious.
The Process:
This mechanism explains why someone won’t accept a suggestion that goes against their values—and why people don’t spill secrets or lose control.
The Process:
- Induction – Helps you relax and focus inward.
- Bypassing Critical Faculty – Achieved through expectation, imagination, and focused attention.
- Subconscious Access – Therapist uses suggestions or regression to reframe limiting beliefs.
- Reinforcement – Changes are deepened and internalized.
This mechanism explains why someone won’t accept a suggestion that goes against their values—and why people don’t spill secrets or lose control.
Common Myths About Hypnosis — Debunked
Myth |
Truth |
"You can be made to do things against your will" |
Hypnosis is a state of heightened awareness, not unconsciousness.Only suggestions that are reasonable and pleasing are accepted. |
"You’ll tell secrets or lose control" |
You're always aware and in control. You won’t say or do anything you don’t want to. |
"Only weak-minded people can be hypnotised" |
Hypnosis requires focus, not weakness. Most people can be hypnotised with proper technique. |
"It’s like sleep" |
Hypnosis is a state of heightened awareness, not unconsciousness. |
Stage hypnosis involves volunteers who want to perform. That’s not therapy—it’s entertainment.
Stage hypnosis involves volunteers who want to perform. That’s not therapy—it’s entertainment.
Is Hypnotherapy Safe?
Yes. Hypnotherapy is widely considered safe when conducted by a trained, ethical professional. In fact, the British Medical Association and American Psychological Association have acknowledged its effectiveness for certain conditions.
It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and works in harmony with your natural psychology.
However, it should never be used to replace medical or psychiatric treatment without professional guidance.
It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and works in harmony with your natural psychology.
However, it should never be used to replace medical or psychiatric treatment without professional guidance.
What Can Hypnotherapy Help With?
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Hypnotherapy can be incredibly effective for a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and psychosomatic issues.
Common Uses Include:
Explore our full list of hypnotherapy treatments. |
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What a Hypnotherapy Session Is Really Like
A professional hypnotherapy session is collaborative, confidential, and surprisingly relaxed. Here's what to expect:
Step-by-Step:
Most people report feeling in control, calm, and empowered during hypnosis—not zonked out.
Step-by-Step:
- Consultation – Clarify goals, medical history, and suitability.
- Induction – You’ll be guided into a calm, focused state.
- Therapeutic Work – Techniques used vary: suggestion, regression, reframing, etc.
- Emerging – You’ll return fully aware, often feeling lighter and clear-headed.
- Integration – You may receive recordings or follow-up work to reinforce change.
Most people report feeling in control, calm, and empowered during hypnosis—not zonked out.
Who Should You Trust? Choosing a Qualified Hypnotherapist
Not all “hypnotherapists” are created equal. Many only train for a few weekends and deliver superficial sessions.
Look for:
At Oxford Hypnotherapy Clinic, we specialise in advanced hypnotherapy, delivered via secure video call—wherever you are.
Look for:
- Accredited Training (e.g., SAIH, OMNI, NGH)
- Years of Experience
- Specialisation in Regress-to-Cause or Advanced Techniques
- Transparent Pricing and Testimonials
- A Clear Explanation of Their Process
At Oxford Hypnotherapy Clinic, we specialise in advanced hypnotherapy, delivered via secure video call—wherever you are.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Hypnotherapy is not mind control, and it's certainly not hocus-pocus. It's a proven, practical method for helping people overcome emotional, behavioural, and physical blocks—by going to the source: the subconscious mind.
Whether you’re battling anxiety, trying to quit smoking, or simply want to sleep better, hypnosis offers a safe, drug-free solution. Now that you understand what it is, how it works, and what to expect, you’re in a better position to try it for yourself.
Ready to explore how hypnotherapy can help you?
Book a free 15-minute consultation and take the first step toward change.
Whether you’re battling anxiety, trying to quit smoking, or simply want to sleep better, hypnosis offers a safe, drug-free solution. Now that you understand what it is, how it works, and what to expect, you’re in a better position to try it for yourself.
Ready to explore how hypnotherapy can help you?
Book a free 15-minute consultation and take the first step toward change.
Author BioTroy Robins is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (SAIH, South Africa) and Certified Hypnotist (Omni Hypnosis Training Center, USA).
With over 15 years of full-time experience, Troy specialises in deep, results-oriented hypnotherapy via video call—offering clients a safe, effective path to change from the comfort of home. |
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