Hypnotherapy applications range from pain, anxiety and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to sleep, stress, self-confidence and sports performance. On this page, we give an overview of what scientific research says about hypnosis and hypnotherapy for a wide range of complaints, combined with examples from practice. We update this page whenever relevant new research becomes available.
Introduction to hypnotherapy applications
Hypnosis is a centuries-old technique that is often associated with relaxation and behavioural change. Its applications are both medical and psychological. Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis within a therapeutic process. Its effectiveness has been studied for decades. Large meta-analyses have confirmed the effects of hypnosis, particularly in pain management and depression, and research has since expanded to many other areas.
For a long time, there was no scientific clarity about the state of hypnosis itself. Research by Matos et al., published at the end of 2024, showed that two states of hypnosis can be distinguished scientifically. These findings help us understand how hypnosis works and how it can be applied in different contexts. Would you like to know more about the techniques we use? Read our article on learning hypnosis techniques. Would you like to apply hypnosis professionally? Take a look at our hypnosis and hypnotherapy training.
Hardly any negative effects
In the article “The Rate of Adverse Events Related to Hypnosis During Clinical Trials”, published in the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, Jared W. Bollinger examined how often adverse events occur in clinical trials that use hypnosis. Based on data from ClinicalTrials.gov, the rate of serious adverse events likely attributable to hypnosis was 0%, and the rate of other adverse events was 0.47%. This is in line with earlier reports. The author also calls for more accurate assessment methods in future trials, especially in mental health research.
Persistent physical symptoms
In “The Efficacy of Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Psychosomatic Disorders: Meta-analytical Evidence”, Erich Flammer and Assen Alladin analysed 21 randomised controlled trials on hypnotherapy for psychosomatic disorders. The analysis included studies in which patients received hypnotherapy only, as well as studies in which hypnotherapy was combined with standard medical care. The authors distinguished classical, mixed and modern forms of hypnotherapy. The weighted mean effect size was d+ = 0.61, which indicates a significant effect. There were significant differences between the forms of hypnosis, while the relationship between treatment dose and outcome was not significant. The authors conclude that hypnotherapy is a highly effective treatment for psychosomatic disorders. Read the full article.
Irritable bowel syndrome
Hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome is one of the best-researched hypnotherapy applications. Read more in our article Hypnotherapy for IBS: therapist or app?
Allergies
Hay fever
In our practice, we see that hay fever can sometimes be linked to a stressful event that took place while certain pollen was in the air. The subconscious mind wants to protect us and may connect the pollen to danger, so the airways react to keep the pollen out. We sometimes meet children who developed hay fever around an exciting event such as a birthday party. The child enjoys the excitement, while the subconscious registers that something unusual is happening and links it to the pollen in the air. With regression therapy (R2C & Fix it: regression to cause and resolve it), we go back to that event and help the subconscious let go of the link.
Anxiety and phobias
Anxiety and phobias are common and can have a significant impact on daily life. Hypnosis is increasingly recognised as a possible approach for these complaints.
Fear of the dentist
Read how Simone overcame her fear of the dentist in one session.
Fear of needles
The Cochrane review “Psychological interventions for needle-related procedural pain and distress in children and adolescents” analysed 59 randomised controlled trials with a total of 5,550 participants. It compared interventions such as distraction, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and hypnosis with control conditions. Hypnosis reduced self-reported pain and distress, as well as behavioural distress, although the evidence was rated as very low quality. Read the full review in the Cochrane Library.
Chronic complaints
Hypnotherapy can support people with many chronic complaints. Read more about hypnosis in chronic pain.
Depression
Depression can have a profound effect on daily life. Hypnosis can help break negative thought patterns and strengthen positive thoughts and behaviour, often in combination with other therapies. Meta-analyses, such as the one by Milling et al. (2018), show that hypnotherapy can be effective in treating depression. Hypnosis offers a safe and non-invasive approach that can help relieve symptoms.
Dementia
Many of us grow up with the idea that getting older means problems with memory and health: forgetfulness and difficulty taking in new information. We absorb this programming from an early age, before we can think critically about it. Does it influence how we behave as we age? Middle-aged people who forget something sometimes wonder: “Am I becoming forgetful already?” One of the rules of hypnosis says: what the mind expects to happen tends to happen. In psychology, this is known as a self-fulfilling prophecy.
An antidote to negative programming
That is why it helps to give ourselves an antidote to this programming and to let go of imagined fears about old age. Memory works like a muscle: it stays in good condition when you keep using it. Research on neuroplasticity shows that the brain can form new connections well into old age. Hypnosis for seniors is still in its early stages, and few programmes have been developed so far. Working with people with advanced dementia is more difficult, because they may no longer fully understand hypnotic suggestions.
Even so, older clients can benefit from (self-)hypnosis. In Liverpool, forensic psychologist Dr Simon Duff studied the effects of hypnosis in people with dementia and compared them with other, more commonly used forms of support. His findings suggest that people who received hypnotherapy experienced better concentration, memory and social interaction than the control group. Relaxation, motivation and daily activities also improved.
Would you like to listen to a free self-hypnosis audio for seniors? Sign up for a free membership of the Hypnosis Community.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a condition characterised by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures vary from brief moments of lost awareness to prolonged convulsions. Epilepsy can occur at any age and has various causes, including genetic predisposition, brain injury, infections and developmental disorders. Most people with epilepsy manage their seizures with medication and lifestyle adjustments. Hypnosis appears to be a promising addition. Read more about hypnosis in epilepsy.
Weight management
Hypnotherapy for weight management focuses on the underlying causes of eating behaviour. It can help change eating habits and support a healthier lifestyle. Research by Kirsch et al. (1996) shows that hypnosis can contribute to long-term weight loss. Hypnosis helps build healthy eating habits and strengthens the motivation to maintain a healthy weight.
Hypnosis for children
Hypnosis works particularly well with children. It is child-friendly, and good results can often be achieved quickly. Examples include working with fears, bedwetting and being bullied. Read more about children and hypnosis.
Children also absorb negative suggestions easily, which is why the words we use around them matter. With hypnosis, we can also support highly sensitive children who experience complaints as a result of their sensitivity.
Children and chronic pain
A group of French researchers led by Honorine Delivet studied self-hypnosis in a multidisciplinary therapeutic-educational programme for 26 children aged 7 to 17 with chronic pain. Goals such as less pain, better sleep, school results and functional activity were partly or fully achieved. Pain decreased in sixteen children. Ten children achieved all their goals, and nine achieved them partly. Quality of life improved in 42% of the children. The study also suggests that self-hypnosis helps these children sleep better and become more socially active. The researchers call for further research into hypnotisability, sleep quality and quality of life.
Source: Paris Descartes University, France. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 66(1): 1-13.
Oncology
The meta-analysis “The Effect of Hypnosis on Anxiety in Patients With Cancer: A Meta-Analysis”, published in Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, included 20 studies. Hypnosis led to a significant immediate and lasting reduction in anxiety in people with cancer. Effect sizes were larger for children, for haematological cancers and for procedure-related stress. Hypnosis delivered by a therapist was more effective than self-hypnosis. Read the full article.
Hot flushes after breast cancer
Relaxation therapy with hypnosis helps reduce hot flushes in menopausal women and in women who have had breast cancer. The biological mechanism is not yet known. One study tested the influence of hypnosis on the stress hormone cortisol in 62 menopausal women and found a considerable decrease in cortisol.
Source: International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, Volume 64, Issue 1.
Reducing pain in cancer
Many studies show that hypnosis can help reduce pain and anxiety related to cancer and its treatment. The Institut Curie gives an overview (1):
- According to psycho-oncology research, clinical hypnosis can be used as an effective complement to treatment, including in cancer care (2).
- According to the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, self-hypnosis can be learned to improve the quality of life of people with breast cancer (3).
- According to Dr Aurore Marcou, using hypnosis during surgery is a way to offer patients comfort (4). Read more about her research under hypnosis in surgical procedures.
Sources:
Menopausal symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of hot flushes is unknown. They are probably caused by several factors, including changes in reproductive hormones and in the body’s thermostat, the hypothalamus.
During menopause, oestrogen levels drop, which can disrupt the hypothalamus. Rising cortisol levels can also contribute to menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, mood changes and sleep problems. Reducing stress is therefore an important factor. Research has shown that relaxation through hypnosis can lower cortisol levels.
Hypnosis is a quick and effective way to relax both physically and mentally. In fact, it is self-hypnosis, because all hypnosis is ultimately self-hypnosis. In an article on Fox News, a gynaecologist recommended hypnosis, alongside acupuncture, supplements and herbs, as a way to experience fewer menopausal symptoms.
Through our Hypnosis Community, you have free access to several relaxation and self-hypnosis audios.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, avoidance, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and increased irritability. PTSD can have a considerable impact on daily life, which makes effective treatment very important. Treatment of PTSD belongs with a qualified professional. Hypnotherapy can be used as a complement to regular care, for example to reduce tension and support emotional processing.
Performance improvement
Several hypnotherapy applications focus on improving performance. Active-alert hypnosis in particular has been studied extensively. Research has shown that active-alert hypnosis, as described by Bányai and Hilgard (1976), increases suggestibility to a similar extent as relaxation-based techniques. It does have limitations: it requires an exercise bike and a certain level of physical fitness.
The researchers compared this method with the newer “alert hand” method, which also emphasises activity and alertness but is simpler and less strenuous. In a repeated-measures, counterbalanced design (N = 80), they found that the alert hand method produced significantly higher objective and subjective suggestibility scores than active-alert hypnosis. In addition, 23% of volunteers stopped during active-alert hypnosis, while nobody stopped during the alert hand method. The alert hand method makes the benefits of active hypnosis available to people who find the physical demands too much. Read more about our active-alert hypnosis training, or experience hypnosis yourself during one of our free introductions to hypnosis.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
The network meta-analysis “Efficacy of psychological therapies for irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and network meta-analysis”, published in Gut, compared psychological therapies for IBS. It analysed 41 randomised controlled trials with 4,072 participants. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), both self-guided and face-to-face, and gut-directed hypnotherapy were the most effective treatments. These therapies performed significantly better than routine care or educational and supportive interventions. Read the full article in Gut.
A new Dutch study from 2026 compared hypnotherapy with a therapist, the same hypnosis scripts in a smartphone app, and online psychoeducation. Read what this means for people with IBS, hypnotherapists and healthcare professionals in Hypnotherapy for IBS: therapist or app?
Pain management
Hypnosis can help reduce chronic pain, for example in arthritis or fibromyalgia. Hypnotic suggestions can change how pain is perceived, which can lead to less pain without extra medication. Several meta-analyses, including the one by Jensen et al. (2009), have shown that hypnosis is a reliable method for pain management. These techniques help people interpret pain signals differently and respond in ways that reduce their suffering.
How pain works
There is no single pain centre in the brain, and the mechanism of pain is still being researched. Modern research techniques are gradually revealing how it works. Receptor cells throughout the body constantly monitor pressure, temperature and chemical changes.
When these receptor cells detect that something is wrong, for example after an injury, a warning signal travels via the spinal cord to the brain. Whether a signal is sent depends on whether a certain threshold is exceeded and how many receptor cells are involved. Put simply: the greater the injury, the stronger the signal.
The brain as a meeting room
Several areas of the brain process this warning signal. You can see it as a small meeting in which different brain areas decide whether to raise the alarm, in other words, whether to send a pain message. This meeting takes place within milliseconds.
Not all participants are always present. When attention is focused elsewhere, the meeting does not always end with a pain signal. You may have found a bruise without knowing how you got it. You were probably so focused on what you were doing that the pain was never registered.
On the other hand, when the pain mechanism has been called into a meeting very often, and is intertwined with emotions, previous experiences and the reactions of others, the slightest trigger can set off a pain alarm. In people with chronic pain, this can happen with minimal or even no tissue damage.
The article “Nocebo and pain: an overview of the psychoneurobiological mechanisms” explains this in detail. Neurophysiological changes are only part of the story. Verbal suggestions, social interactions and observations, conditioning, previous experiences, negative expectations and personality factors also play a role. In other words, a negative expectation can contribute to creating or worsening pain. Pain is a complex body-mind mechanism, and that knowledge opens the door to influencing it positively.
Hypnosis and pain
If the nocebo mechanism can create or worsen pain, the same mechanism can also be used to evoke a positive, placebo-like effect. That is what we do with hypnosis: we use it to reduce pain. More and more hospitals use hypnosis techniques to ease anxiety and pain, and France leads the way in Europe. A well-known example is the Institut Curie in Paris, where hypnosis was used in 150 cancer surgeries (see hypnosis in surgical procedures).
Hypnosis in surgical procedures
In “Efficacy of Hypnosis in Adults Undergoing Surgical Procedures: A Meta-Analytic Update”, Mareike Holler et al. updated an earlier meta-analysis with 23 new studies, bringing the total to 50 studies with 4,269 patients. Hypnosis had positive effects on emotional distress, pain, medication use, recovery and the duration of the procedure, although the results varied considerably between studies. Further research is needed to explain this variability. Read the full article.
Hypnosis as an alternative to general anaesthesia
Since 2015, a team led by anaesthesiologist Dr Aurore Marcou at the Institut Curie in Paris has combined conscious sedation with local anaesthesia and hypnosis techniques. Patients receive medication to relax while they remain conscious. Dr Marcou uses this approach in breast surgery, partial mastectomies and other types of surgery. Less medication is needed, which reduces the side effects of general anaesthesia and supports recovery.
At the 2018 Euroanaesthesia conference in Copenhagen, the team presented an evaluation of 150 cancer patients who underwent surgery with hypnosis between 2011 and 2017. Around 90% were breast surgeries, and the remaining 10% were gynaecological operations, colposcopies and superficial plastic surgery. The average procedure took 60 minutes, and the average stay in recovery was 35 minutes. Patients were aged 18 to 100, with an average age of 60.5, and 22% were over 75. In 99% of cases, the method worked well and was experienced as pleasant by both patient and surgeon.
According to Dr Marcou, fMRI scans show how hypnosis influences the brain. The high success rate suggests that staying conscious with hypnosis is a feasible alternative to general anaesthesia for most people. Patients who used hypnosis recovered faster than patients under general anaesthesia and avoided side effects such as sore throat, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and cognitive problems.
Brain surgery
Dr Zemmoura and colleagues at the University Hospital of Tours, France, tested hypnosis between 2011 and 2015 in 37 patients who needed a craniotomy: brain surgery in which an opening is made in the skull. The aim was to describe a method in which hypnosis allows the surgeon to keep communicating with the patient during the operation, so that critical areas such as the language centre are not damaged.
One month before surgery, patients spent a day in hospital for a neuropsychological assessment, an fMRI scan and an appointment with the anaesthetist. During this visit, the team collected information about the patient’s habits and hobbies. The anaesthetist also did a short hypnosis session to build trust and ask for the patient’s consent, and taught the patient to create a mental “safe place”: an imaginary place where they feel safe and protected.
The results are promising. A total of 43 procedures were performed in 37 patients:
- Two patients decided not to use hypnosis for their surgery.
- In six patients, hypnosis was stopped shortly after the start of the operation and another approach was used.
- In the other patients, hypnosis proved to be a reliable and reproducible method for surgery in which the surgeon needs to keep communicating with the patient.
- The procedures were associated with few or no negative psychological consequences.
- Pain perception appeared to decrease as hypnosis deepened.
- Success seemed strongly linked to the motivation and determination of the patients.
In several European countries, operations are performed with hypnosis as the only form of anaesthesia. Reasons include fear of not waking up after surgery or an allergy to chemical anaesthetics. Additional benefits that are reported include faster recovery and less bleeding.
Source: Neurosurgery, January 2016
Pain relief during childbirth
This review in the British Journal of Anaesthesia examined hypnosis for pain relief during childbirth. The researchers searched Medline, Embase, PubMed and the Cochrane Library for studies comparing hypnosis with other interventions, no treatment or placebo. Five RCTs and 14 non-randomised comparisons with a total of 8,395 women showed that hypnosis reduced the use of pain medication during labour and led to lower pain scores. Gerald Kein developed a programme for comfortable childbirth with hypnosis.
Sexual problems
Erectile dysfunction
Sexual problems in men, such as impotence and premature ejaculation, are common, although the figures vary. Research among men shows that 14% of men aged 41 to 50 and 42% of men aged 71 to 80 experience erectile problems.
Erectile dysfunction is defined as a persistent or recurrent inability to achieve or maintain an erection until the completion of sexual activity, in the absence of premature ejaculation (source: guideline on erectile dysfunction of the Dutch Association of Urology). The causes can be physical, psychological or a combination of both.
Physical causes
Poor physical health, being overweight, medication and certain mental health conditions can all contribute to erectile problems.
Psychological causes
Psychological causes include anxiety, depression, relationship problems, stress, unresolved trauma and performance anxiety. Upbringing can also play a role, for example through feelings of shame or negative associations with sexuality. Other possible causes are negative sexual experiences, abuse, being laughed at, or guilt. Unrealistic expectations, picked up while growing up or from films and other media, can also lead to an unrealistic view of sexual performance.
Anorgasmia and vaginismus
Women can also experience sexual dysfunction, such as anorgasmia: the inability to reach orgasm. According to the Dutch Society for Sexual Reform (NVSH), this is common, and an estimated 10 to 40% of women face it. Some women experience vaginismus: pain or fear of pain during intercourse, which can lead to fear of penetration. Physical causes include nerve damage from inflammation, surgery or an accident, as well as medication or hormonal problems. Psychological factors, such as upbringing or negative experiences like abuse, can also play a role. Sometimes the relationship itself plays a part, for example when a partner makes demands the woman would rather not meet.
Hypnosis for erectile dysfunction, anorgasmia and vaginismus
When there is no physical cause, hypnosis can be of great value. If the cause is known, it can be addressed with direct hypnotic suggestions. If the cause is unknown, hypnoanalysis techniques can be used to find it and work with it. Research in this area is limited. A study from 1997 (“Acupuncture and hypnotic suggestions in the treatment of non-organic male sexual dysfunction”) suggests that hypnotic suggestions can be effective. Dave Elman, the founder of direct hypnosis, worked successfully with many patients on these problems.
Insomnia
Hypnotherapy can help improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia. Relaxation techniques and suggestions train the mind to fall asleep more easily and support deeper, more restorative sleep. Studies such as that by Anderson et al. (2007) support the use of hypnosis for sleep problems.
Sports performance
Athletes often use hypnosis for mental training and focus. Through visualisation and suggestions, they can improve their performance and self-confidence. Research by Barker et al. (2010) supports the use of hypnosis in sport. Read an example in The shine of silver.
End-of-life care
Hypnosis is used to help people who are terminally ill find peace and feel less afraid of dying. It can also support pain management and offer emotional support in the final phase of life. Studies such as that by Butler et al. (2009) suggest that hypnosis can help patients reach a sense of calm and acceptance.
Quitting smoking
The Cochrane review “Hypnotherapy for smoking cessation” analysed randomised controlled trials that compared hypnotherapy with other interventions or a placebo.
Effectiveness of hypnotherapy
The review concludes that there is some indication that hypnotherapy may be more effective than no treatment or minimal interventions. However, the quality of the evidence varies widely, and the results are mixed.
Variability in results
The variability is partly explained by differences in hypnosis techniques, the intensity and length of treatment, and the characteristics of the participants. More standardised research with larger groups is needed to assess the effectiveness of hypnotherapy more reliably. Read the full review in the Cochrane Library.
Comparison with other methods
Compared with methods such as nicotine replacement therapy and behavioural support, hypnotherapy was not significantly more effective. Even so, it remains a valuable option for smokers who respond well to hypnosis or prefer this approach.
Stress and the immune system
Stress is a common problem that can affect both mental and physical health. Hypnosis can help reduce stress through deep relaxation and by helping the mind respond differently to stressful situations. Research such as that by Gruzelier (2002) supports the use of hypnosis in stress management.
The article “The benefits of hypnosis for neuroendocrine and immune system functioning”, published in the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, describes how hypnosis can contribute to better neuroendocrine and immune system functioning. Hypnosis offers psychological benefits and also brings about physiological changes, such as reduced stress and improved immune responses. This can be relevant for both prevention and treatment. Read the full article. The nervous system plays an important role here. Read more about hypnosis and the nervous system.
In our Hypnosis Community, you will find a free audio to support your immune system among the free hypnosis materials.
Dentistry
The meta-analysis “Non-pharmacological interventions for reducing mental distress in patients undergoing dental procedures” by Sophia Burghardt et al., published in the Journal of Dentistry, included 29 randomised controlled trials with 2,886 adult patients. Hypnosis, better information, relaxation, music and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) significantly reduced mental distress. They had no significant effect on pain relief or the use of painkillers. These interventions can be valuable additions to standard dental care. Read the full article.
Tooth extraction
In a controlled study among 102 patients who needed a tooth extracted, researchers measured dental anxiety before and after treatment and asked about their experience with hypnosis. More than 90% of the patients gave positive feedback. The researchers conclude that hypnosis is useful for reducing anxiety in patients who need a tooth extracted.
The number of dentists offering hypnosis is slowly growing. Many dentists expect the techniques to take too much time or to be hard to fit into a treatment. In practice, this is often not the case.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head without an external source, such as ringing, buzzing, hissing or whistling. The sound can vary in pitch and volume and can be heard in one ear, both ears or in the head.
Tinnitus ranges from mild discomfort to a serious problem that affects daily life. Although there is no cure, there are several ways to manage the symptoms and reduce their impact. Hypnosis can help people experience less burden from tinnitus.
Lost objects
“I can’t remember where I left my jewellery!” Helping people find lost objects is one of the more surprising hypnotherapy applications. A common example: people who feel their home is not safe hide their jewellery before going on holiday. When they come back, they cannot remember where they put it. Many of them say: “I wanted to hide it where nobody could find it.”
Another example from practice: a gunsmith once hid a customer’s antique pistol somewhere in his house and could not find it again. Fortunately, it was not loaded.
Experience shows that the object is found in about half of the cases. When alcohol was involved, the success rate is lower. The approach is simple: we guide the person into hypnosis, deepen the state and take them back to the last moment they had the object. From there, they go through the steps they took. If the object is not found during the session, a post-hypnotic suggestion can help them remember the location in a dream that night.
Addictions
Hypnosis can contribute to the treatment of addictions such as smoking, alcohol and drugs by addressing the underlying causes and strengthening the motivation to quit. Studies such as that by Green et al. (2000) support hypnosis for quitting smoking. Hypnotic suggestions can help reduce cravings and support healthier behaviour.
Well-being
Hypnosis can be used to improve self-image and presence. Through positive suggestions, people can learn to feel more confident, which can contribute to better contact with others. There is less scientific research in this area, but practical experience and smaller studies suggest positive results. Read more about hypnosis for relaxation.
Self-confidence
Hypnosis can be used to increase self-confidence and improve performance, both personally and professionally, for example in public speaking, sport and the performing arts. Studies such as that by Pates et al. (2001) show that hypnosis can contribute to better performance.
FAQ about hypnotherapy applications
What is the difference between hypnosis applications and hypnotherapy?
The difference lies mainly in depth and in how hypnosis is used. Hypnosis applications include every situation in which hypnosis is used, such as relaxation, better focus, pain reduction and behavioural change. This ranges from self-hypnosis to supportive suggestions during medical treatment. Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic form of hypnosis in which a qualified hypnotherapist works methodically to address the underlying causes of problems, such as deep-rooted fears, trauma or chronic pain. In short, all hypnotherapy is an application of hypnosis, while not every application of hypnosis is hypnotherapy.
How does hypnotherapy differ from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)?
CBT focuses on analysing and changing conscious thought patterns through conversations and assignments. Hypnotherapy also works with the subconscious mind and engages directly with underlying beliefs and emotions. This can contribute to lasting change in complaints such as anxiety, trauma and addiction.
Can hypnotherapy help if someone is sceptical or finds it hard to relax?
Yes. An experienced hypnotherapist uses techniques that suit the person, such as conversational techniques and active visualisation, to gradually create a state of focused attention and receptiveness. What matters most is that the person is open to it and motivated to change. Hypnotherapy is an active process: the willingness to cooperate contributes to the success of the sessions. Looking for an experienced hypnotherapist near you? Use the OMNI hypnotherapist finder.