Understanding the Experience: What Does Hypnosis Actually Feel Like?
There is often a gap between what we see in movies and the actual, lived experience of therapeutic hypnosis. Many people arrive at their first session wondering if they will "go away" or lose their sense of self for an hour. In reality, you have already experienced hypnosis many times today. It is a state you already know well—like being lost in a great book, captivated by a piece of music, or the focused immersion of a long drive.
The Natural State of Trance
Hypnotherapy is simply the therapeutic re-creation of this natural, trance-like state. When your attention moves deeply inward, you gain access to the unconscious mind—a vast part of your psyche where creativity, resilience and new perspectives reside. Because this state is effortless and natural, it isn't something done to you; it is a collaborative partnership where you maintain full agency and autonomy, using your own imagination to create lasting change.
Why the Unconscious Mind?
Think of your unconscious as a 'treasure chest': a vast trove of resourcefulness, insight, and possibility. In this focused state, the mind becomes highly receptive, allowing you to process emotions and explore new perspectives with an ease that conscious effort alone often struggles to reach (Yapko, 2003).
While in this deeply relaxed state, the unconscious mind becomes active and responsive, creating a fertile ground where deep and lasting change can take root (Erickson, 1964). By stepping out of the way of our own conscious 'interference,' we allow the unconscious to do the vital work of reorganising our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in service of our goals by:
Emotionally & Cognitively: Shifting the "internal scripts" (old narratives or beliefs) that no longer serve you.
Somatically & Behaviourally: Connecting with the wisdom of the body to cultivate inner safety and change unhelpful habits.
Enhancing the Therapeutic Journey
Studies confirm that hypnotherapy can significantly amplify the effectiveness of therapy, enhancing your ability to connect with your own internal capabilities, self-belief, and resilience (Alladin, 2010), (Alter and Sugarman, 2017).
However, the true power of this work lies in its flexibility. As a practitioner who integrates both hypnotherapy and psychotherapy, I ensure our work is never about fitting you to a rigid technique. Instead, it is a truly bespoke process, driven by your unique needs. At the heart of this journey is a solid client-therapist relationship. Research has shown that this connection is what makes hypnosis more meaningful, safe and effective for the individual (Yapko, 2003).
The Sensory Experience
Hypnotherapy is a unique experience for everyone, and no two sessions are exactly the same. There is no 'right' or 'wrong' way to feel; most people report a sense of deep physical and mental relaxation, finding the process refreshing and enlightening.
As your trained guide, I am here to create the conditions conducive to hypnosis while supporting you throughout the experience. Crucially, we only proceed with your ongoing consent, ensuring the process is always safe and aligned with your personal goals.
Just like watching a gripping movie, you may be deeply absorbed in the story, yet you retain full ownership of your experience. You can choose to shift your position or respond to the world around you if you need to. You aren't 'under'; you are simply 'deeply inward.'
References & Further Reading
Alladin, A. (2008). Cognitive Hypnotherapy: An Integrated Approach to the Treatment of Emotional Disorders. Chichester: Wiley.
Alter, D. S. and Sugarman, L. I. (2017). ‘Reorienting Hypnosis Education’, American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 59 (3), pp. 235-259. https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.2016.1231657
Erickson, M. H. (1964) 'The Burden of Responsibility in Effective Psychotherapy’. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 6 (3), pp. 269-271.
Yapko, M. (2003). Trancework: An Introduction to the Practice of Clinical Hypnosis, third edition. New York: Brunner-Routledge.
