Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness that results in an increased receptiveness and response to suggestion. While associated with relaxation, hypnosis is an escape from an overload of message units, resulting in relaxation. Hypnosis can be triggered naturally from environmental stimuli as well as purposefully by an operator, often referred to as a hypnotist.

Opinions, however,  vary on the exact definition of this natural state of mind. First of all, contrary to what many people believe, hypnosis is not always a trance state or a sleep state, even though a person in hypnosis may appear to be sleeping. Hypnosis is a natural state of mind and an essential part of everyday life. Whenever our mind wanders, daydreams or is focused on something, such as reading a book, driving a familiar route, or watching a film, we are in a state of hypnosis.

Scientific studies using brain scans on individuals in the hypnosis state have revealed fascinating results. They show that brain wave activity shifts from a Beta state to an Alpha state, and sometimes even a Theta state. This pattern of brain activity is remarkably similar to what we observe during meditation.

Do we give up control of our minds to someone else when reading a book or watching a film? In situations like this, you are in a hypnotic trance, although you still have the power to emerge from that state if wished. Whatever or whoever hypnotises you, you always have the power to resist.

Realizing that you hold the reins, that you determine the depth of your hypnosis, is when you truly grasp the nature of hypnosis. A hypnotherapist serves as a guide, accompanying you on your journey, but the transformation can only be initiated by you.

The moment of self-realization, when you recognize your control and your capacity for change, is profoundly empowering. As you delve into hypnosis more frequently, fully aware of your actions, you’ll discover how effortless it is to let go, secure in the knowledge that you can halt a session if it becomes uncomfortable.

Some hypnotherapists use the knowledge that actually we are always in hypnosis and will have an open discussion with you, just altering their language patterns, using suggestions relating to your goal and the changes you wish to make, without taking you into a ‘trance state’ at all.

Hypnotherapy has the advantage of communicating with the subconscious in a two-way fashion. Affirmations don’t facilitate direct responses from the subconscious; they only seek to speak to it.

A post-hypnotic suggestion also differs from an affirmation: effects tend to be more direct, specific, and immediate when using post-hypnotic suggestions.

Other than that, the language of hypnosis and affirmations is similar. Both are always expressed in the present tense and always in the positive. If you ever meet a hypnotherapist who uses the words “don’t smoke” as a direct suggestion, choose a different hypnotherapist!

Hypnotherapy is often described as working with subconscious or automatic patterns. In practical terms, this means working with responses that may happen before you have time to think clearly — such as habits, emotional reactions, body tension, avoidance, or familiar inner stories.

The aim is not to remove your control, but to help you create new associations, calmer responses, and more useful ways of responding.

No. Thoughts are important, but they are only one part of the work. This approach also considers emotions, body responses, imagery, habits, attention, and personal meaning.

For example, a person may understand something logically but still feel anxious in the body. Integrative Cognitive–Mindful Hypnotherapy works with both understanding and felt experience, so change can become more practical and embodied.

The decision to stop therapy or guidance depends on your personal progress and goals. You may feel that assistance is no longer needed when you consistently feel confident in managing life’s challenges independently, applying the tools and techniques learned, and reflecting on your experiences with self-awareness and clarity. If you can handle emotional difficulties, make informed decisions, and maintain a sense of balance and well-being, you may be ready to pause or end the process. However, personal growth is ongoing, and some individuals continue periodically for deeper reflection or support through new life stages. It’s important to discuss this with your therapist or guide, who can help you assess your progress and determine if further assistance would be beneficial.

Integrative Cognitive–Mindful Hypnotherapy is a structured therapeutic approach that combines hypnotherapy, cognitive reframing, mindfulness-informed grounding, emotional regulation, therapeutic imagery, and developmental reflection.

Rather than treating these as separate methods, they are brought together in a personalised way. The approach helps clients stabilise emotional responses, observe inner patterns, reframe limiting interpretations, and practise new responses through focused therapeutic work.

No. The approach may include CBT-informed reflection and cognitive reframing, but it is broader than CBT alone.

It also includes mindfulness-informed grounding, emotional regulation, hypnotherapy, therapeutic imagery, suggestion, and developmental reflection where appropriate.

Hypnosis is a natural state of mind; people are often surprised that they hear every word and could get up and walk out of the room at any moment. Unless you enter a deeper state, you may not seem any different, just very relaxed.

It’s similar to drifting off to sleep at night, that stage when you are not quite awake and not quite asleep. You may feel a sense of weightlessness or heaviness as all your muscles relax. Everyone experiences it differently, and your therapist can reassure you and help you relax and enjoy the experience.

Most people are surprised at just how relaxing it is.

This approach may support people working with stress, anxiety-related patterns, overthinking, confidence, habits, emotional regulation, relaxation, sleep support, avoidance patterns, and personal development.

It is not a replacement for medical, psychiatric, emergency, or specialist psychological care where these are needed. Suitability is considered individually.

A session usually begins with a conversation about your goal, your current situation, and what you would like to change or understand.

Depending on your needs, the session may include grounding, relaxation, cognitive reframing, therapeutic imagery, hypnotherapeutic suggestion, and practical integration. You remain in control throughout, and the process is adapted to your comfort, suitability, and therapeutic aim.

The difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy is that hypnosis is defined as a state of mind, while hypnotherapy is the name of the therapeutic modality in which hypnosis is used.

Hypnotherapy is a form of complementary therapy. It utilises our subconscious and the power of suggestion to promote positive change in thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

Psychotherapy is a type of therapy used to treat emotional and mental health problems. It often involves talking, though it may include other methods, such as art, music and movement.

The approach follows a simple therapeutic rhythm: Stabilise, Observe, Reframe, Imagine, Suggest, and Integrate.

This means we first support emotional steadiness and present-moment awareness. We then explore patterns in thoughts, feelings, body responses, behaviour, imagery, and meaning. From there, we may use cognitive reframing, therapeutic imagery, and hypnotherapeutic suggestion to support new responses. The final step is integration, helping you apply what has been explored in ordinary life.

No. These are not separate paths you need to choose between. In this approach, hypnotherapy, cognitive reframing, mindfulness, emotional regulation, therapeutic imagery, and developmental reflection may be combined within one personalised process.

Some sessions may focus more on relaxation and suggestion. Others may include reflection, grounding, imagery, or practical integration. The work is adapted to your goal, your current state, and what feels appropriate and safe.

Not always. Some people may need medical, psychiatric, emergency, safeguarding, or specialist psychological support instead of, or alongside, hypnotherapy.

Before deeper work begins, suitability is considered carefully. Hypnotherapy and imagery-based methods may need to be adapted or avoided if they increase distress, dissociation, confusion, or emotional overwhelm.

The number of sessions depends on your goal, the complexity of the issue, your response to the work, and whether any additional support is needed.

Some people work on a specific goal over a small number of sessions. Others prefer a longer process for deeper reflection, emotional regulation, or personal development. This can be discussed during consultation.