What Is Hypnotherapy?
If you have searched for “what is hypnotherapy?”, you may have come across very different ideas about what hypnosis actually involves.
Clinical hypnotherapy is quite different from the stage hypnosis often shown in entertainment. In a therapeutic setting, hypnosis involves focused attention and increased responsiveness to suggestion, with a trained practitioner guiding the person through the process.
Hypnotherapy can be used as part of a broader therapeutic approach to help people work towards changes in areas such as thoughts, feelings, habits, behaviours and responses.
At Inner Wellness Hypnotherapy, solution-focused clinical hypnotherapy is offered from Bradford, West Yorkshire, with support also available online across the UK.
How Does Hypnotherapy Work?
During hypnotherapy, the practitioner guides you into a state of focused attention and relaxation.
This may involve:
- Guided relaxation
- Focused attention
- Verbal suggestions
- Imagery
- Therapeutic conversation
- Positive and goal-focused suggestions
According to the American Psychological Association, clinical hypnosis involves focused attention and an enhanced capacity to respond to suggestion. During hypnotherapy, a clinician can use spoken prompts to encourage relaxation and then provide therapeutic suggestions directed towards the person’s goals.
The important point is that you remain involved in the process. Hypnotherapy is not about someone taking control of your mind. The person receiving hypnosis remains an active participant.
What Does Hypnotherapy Feel Like?
People can experience hypnosis differently.
Some people describe feeling deeply relaxed, while others notice that they become particularly focused on the practitioner’s voice or on their own thoughts and imagery.
Hypnosis is generally associated with focused attention and relaxation, rather than being the same thing as being asleep.
You may still be aware of what is happening around you and able to communicate with your practitioner.
For someone considering hypnotherapy for the first time, understanding this can help remove some of the myths surrounding hypnosis.
Is Hypnotherapy the Same as Being Hypnotised on Stage?
No.
Stage hypnosis is designed primarily for entertainment. Clinical hypnosis is used within a therapeutic context and has a different purpose.
Clinical hypnosis is used by trained practitioners as a therapeutic technique, and research continues to investigate how hypnosis can be used alongside psychological and other clinical approaches.
This distinction is important because popular entertainment can create unrealistic ideas about what a real hypnotherapy session looks like.
What Can Hypnotherapy Help With?
Hypnotherapy is used in different therapeutic contexts, and the evidence varies depending on the problem, the intervention and how hypnosis is combined with other approaches.
Research discussed by the American Psychological Association describes clinical hypnosis research involving areas including anxiety, depression, sleep, pain and behavioural change.
At Inner Wellness Hypnotherapy, dedicated support pages cover areas including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and low mood
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Trauma and PTSD
- Sleep problems and insomnia
- Phobias and fears
- Stop smoking and vaping
- Weight management
- IBS
- Unwanted habits and behaviours
- Motivation and goal achievement
- Menopause and perimenopause
- Fertility support
- Panic attacks
You can explore the full range of hypnotherapy services offered by Inner Wellness.
Can Hypnotherapy Help With Anxiety and Stress?
Anxiety and stress are among the areas where clinical hypnosis has been studied.
Research reviewed by the American Psychological Association suggests hypnosis may have a role in psychological interventions for anxiety, particularly when used alongside other therapeutic approaches.
If anxiety or stress is affecting your everyday life, you can learn more about the specific approach on the Anxiety & Stress hypnotherapy page.
Can Hypnotherapy Help With Sleep Problems?
Sleep is another area in which hypnosis has been researched.
The American Psychological Association notes research suggesting hypnotic suggestion may be useful for sleep problems.
If sleep is your main concern, Inner Wellness has a dedicated Sleep Problems & Insomnia hypnotherapy page where you can learn more.
Can Hypnotherapy Help With Habits and Behaviour Change?
Hypnosis can be used to support behaviour change by working with attention, suggestions, thoughts and behavioural patterns.
Research and clinical literature have examined hypnosis in areas including smoking cessation and other behavioural problems.
However, results can vary between individuals and conditions. Hypnotherapy should therefore be presented as a therapeutic approach rather than a guaranteed solution.
For unwanted habits, you can explore the Habits & Unwanted Behaviours service.
For smoking-related support, see Stop Smoking & Vaping Hypnotherapy.
What Happens During a Hypnotherapy Session?
A first session will generally involve discussion about your goals and what you would like support with.
Depending on the practitioner and therapeutic approach, a session may include:
- Understanding your goals
You discuss what you want to change and what you would like to achieve. - Explaining the process
Your practitioner explains what hypnosis involves and answers your questions. - Relaxation and focused attention
You are guided through techniques designed to help you become more relaxed and focused. - Therapeutic suggestions
Suggestions and therapeutic techniques are tailored towards your goals. - Reflection and next steps
You can discuss your experience and consider the next stage of your support.
The exact structure can vary according to the practitioner, the individual and the reason for seeking support.
How Many Hypnotherapy Sessions Do You Need?
There is no single number of sessions that is suitable for everyone.
The number of sessions can depend on:
- Your individual goals
- The issue you want to address
- Your circumstances
- How you respond to the approach
- The therapeutic plan agreed with your practitioner
It is better to discuss the expected approach directly with a qualified practitioner rather than assuming that a fixed number of sessions will work for everyone.
You can also see the Inner Wellness session fees and plans for current information about available sessions.
Is Hypnotherapy Suitable for Everyone?
Hypnotherapy is not automatically appropriate for every person or every situation.
If you have a medical or psychological condition, are receiving treatment, or are unsure whether hypnotherapy is appropriate for you, discuss this with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional and your practitioner.
Clinical hypnosis can be used alongside other psychological or clinical approaches, and the appropriate approach depends on the individual circumstances.
Hypnotherapy should not be presented as a replacement for necessary medical care.
Hypnotherapy in Bradford
If you are searching for hypnotherapy in Bradford, location can be an important part of choosing a practitioner.
Inner Wellness Hypnotherapy is based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, with in-person and online support available.
The About Inner Wellness Hypnotherapy page provides more information about the practitioner, approach and qualifications.
You can also contact Inner Wellness Hypnotherapy if you have questions or would like to arrange an initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses hypnosis, focused attention and suggestion as part of work towards changes in thoughts, feelings, behaviours or responses.
How does hypnotherapy work?
A practitioner guides you into focused attention and relaxation before using therapeutic suggestions and other techniques related to your goals.
Does hypnotherapy make you fall asleep?
Not necessarily. Hypnosis is associated with focused attention and relaxation and is not simply the same as ordinary sleep.
Can you be hypnotised against your will?
Hypnotherapy involves your participation and responsiveness to suggestions. It is not the same as losing control of your mind.
What does a hypnotherapy session feel like?
Experiences vary. Some people feel deeply relaxed, while others experience a strong sense of concentration or focused attention.
How many hypnotherapy sessions will I need?
There is no universal number. The appropriate number can depend on your goals, circumstances and response to therapy.
Can hypnotherapy be done online?
Online hypnotherapy can be provided remotely, depending on the practitioner and individual circumstances. Inner Wellness offers online support alongside in-person sessions.
Is hypnotherapy available in Bradford?
Yes. Inner Wellness Hypnotherapy is based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, and offers hypnotherapy support locally as well as online across the UK.
A Note About Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is not a magic trick and it should not be presented as a guaranteed cure.
The evidence base for clinical hypnosis continues to develop, with research supporting its use in some areas and also highlighting the importance of how hypnosis is integrated into broader therapeutic approaches. The American Psychological Association describes clinical hypnosis as a tool that can supplement evidence-based clinical interventions.
The most appropriate approach depends on the individual, their goals and their circumstances.
Thinking About Trying Hypnotherapy?
If you are considering hypnotherapy for the first time, learning how the process works can be a useful starting point.
Inner Wellness Hypnotherapy provides support in Bradford, West Yorkshire, as well as online across the UK.
Want to learn more about whether hypnotherapy may be suitable for you?
Book a Free Initial Consultation with Inner Wellness Hypnotherapy.
