Using Clinical Hypnosis to Support Psychological Change
Clinical hypnosis is a therapeutic technique that uses focused attention, guided imagery and therapeutic suggestions to help people modify emotional, cognitive and behavioural patterns.
Despite its portrayal in films and stage performances, clinical hypnosis is not mind control, unconsciousness or sleep. During hypnosis, people remain aware of their surroundings, retain control over their actions and can stop the exercise at any time.
At My International Therapy, hypnosis is used as part of evidence-informed psychological care. It is not presented as a miracle solution or a shortcut, but as a therapeutic tool that may complement other evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EMDR or Somatic Therapy.
This approach may be relevant for people dealing with anxiety, phobias, stress, sleep issues, panic symptoms, smoking cessation, pain coping, performance anxiety or emotional regulation. It may also support preparation for specific events, such as medical procedures, exams, public speaking or childbirth, when used safely and appropriately.
How Does Hypnotherapy Work?
A hypnotherapy session always begins with a conversation.
Together, you and your therapist clarify:
- your goals
- your symptoms
- your medical and psychological history
- previous treatments
- any concerns about hypnosis
Your therapist explains exactly what will happen before beginning any hypnotic exercise.
Once you feel comfortable, the therapist guides you into a state of focused attention using techniques such as:
- breathing exercises
- progressive relaxation
- visualisation
- guided imagery
- focused attention
- therapeutic metaphors
Depending on your goals, the therapist may invite you to rehearse new ways of responding to stressful situations, strengthen coping strategies or explore emotional patterns in a safe and structured manner.
At the end of the session, attention gradually returns to the present, followed by a discussion about your experience and how to apply what you learned in everyday life.
Ericksonian hypnotherapy
Many therapists practise Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, developed by psychiatrist Milton H. Erickson.
Unlike traditional directive hypnosis, Ericksonian hypnosis uses:
- conversational language
- stories
- metaphors
- indirect suggestions
Rather than telling clients what to do, the therapist helps them discover their own internal resources and solutions.
This collaborative style is widely used in modern clinical practice.
What can hypnotherapy help with?
Hypnotherapy is often used for stress reduction, anxiety management, fears, phobias, sleep routines, confidence, preparation for performance, habit change and coping with bodily tension. It may also be used as complementary support for chronic pain, but it should not replace medical assessment or treatment.
For panic attacks, hypnosis may focus on breathing, safety cues, body awareness and mental rehearsal. For smoking cessation, it may support motivation, trigger awareness and alternative responses, but it works best when the person is genuinely ready to change. For emotional regulation, it may help the person practise calm, imagery, self-soothing and more flexible reactions.
Hypnotherapy and other approaches
Hypnotherapy can be combined with talking therapy, psychoeducation, behavioural strategies, relaxation training or trauma-informed stabilisation. Some therapists integrate it with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to work on thought patterns, avoidance and behavioural change. Others combine it with Somatic Therapy when body sensations, tension or nervous-system regulation are central.
When trauma, dissociation, psychosis, severe depression, medical complexity or high emotional instability are present, hypnotherapy needs careful assessment. Some people may need grounding and stabilisation before any deep imagery or altered-state work. A responsible therapist will adapt the pace and avoid techniques that feel overwhelming or unsafe.
Is Hypnotherapy Evidence-Based?
Research supports the use of clinical hypnosis for several conditions, although the strength of evidence varies.
The strongest evidence exists for:
- pain management
- medical procedures
- some anxiety-related conditions
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- smoking cessation (as part of broader interventions, with mixed evidence)
For many other concerns, hypnosis is best viewed as a complementary technique rather than a stand-alone treatment.
A qualified therapist should always explain both the potential benefits and the limitations of hypnosis.
What Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy can help with
On My International Therapy, therapies are connected to pathology pages so visitors can move easily between a problem they recognize and a therapy that may address it. These links are not a diagnosis or a promise of outcome; they are a navigation aid that helps people learn which approaches are often relevant.
The same therapy may support different goals for different people. For one client, the focus may be symptom reduction. For another, it may be understanding relationship patterns, processing traumatic memories, improving emotional regulation, or rebuilding self-confidence. This is why the first sessions usually involve assessment and shared goal-setting.
Therapists may also adapt the work when there are co-occurring concerns such as sleep difficulties, chronic stress, neurodiversity, addiction, grief, trauma, or medical issues. When needed, ethical care may involve coordination with a doctor, psychiatrist, dietitian, or other professional.
What to expect in sessions
The first session usually starts with the person’s current situation, history, goals, and what they hope will be different. The therapist may ask about symptoms, relationships, work, sleep, coping strategies, risks, strengths, and previous support. A good first session should leave the client with a clearer sense of the plan, even if not everything can be solved immediately.
- Clarifying goals and priorities
- Building a shared understanding of patterns and triggers
- Choosing practical tools or reflective focus
- Reviewing progress and adjusting the plan
- Planning between-session practice when relevant
In structured forms of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy, sessions may include exercises, worksheets, experiments, exposure tasks, skills practice, or progress measures. In more exploratory forms, sessions may focus on emotions, memories, dreams, relationship patterns, identity, or meaning. Many therapists combine structure and exploration depending on what the client needs.
Between sessions, the client may be invited to observe patterns, try a coping strategy, practice communication, track symptoms, or reflect on a specific question. These tasks should be realistic. Therapy is not about performing perfectly; it is about learning from experience in a supportive, non-judgmental way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose control?
No. Throughout hypnosis, you remain aware of what is happening and can choose to stop at any time.
Will I remember the session?
Most people remember the session clearly. Hypnosis does not typically involve memory loss.
Can hypnosis make me do something against my values?
No. Clinical hypnosis cannot override your personal values or force you to act against your wishes.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on your goals, the nature of your difficulties and whether hypnosis is used alone or alongside other therapeutic approaches.
Can hypnotherapy be combined with psychotherapy?
Yes. Many psychologists integrate hypnosis into broader evidence-based treatment plans when it is clinically appropriate.
Medical disclaimer: this content is for general information only and does not replace diagnosis, emergency support, or treatment from a qualified professional.
