Hypnosis is a natural ability. It is a concentrated, focused state of mind. You likely already go in and out of a hypnotic state in your day-to-day life, such as when you are daydreaming, intensely focused on a project, or as you are nearing sleep at night. Hypnosis is a state of consciousness which is measurable on an EEG, a machine that measures brain waves. The alpha brain waves that are measured during hypnosis closely mimic the brain waves that are present during meditation.

“Hypnosis” (sometimes misspelled as “hipnosis”) had its first recorded usage in 1876. The word generally is defined as “the inducement of sleep”, and derives from the Greek word “hypnos” (sleep) and the suffix “-osis” (condition). While the word is derived from “sleep”, the idea that someone in a hypnotic trance is asleep or unconscious is a misconception. To be hypnotized, you are both awake and in deep focus about something specific. In this process, you ignore outside noises and distractions and become more open to suggestions. Using hypnosis in therapy allows your concentrated mind to work with your relaxed body to facilitate deeper learning and inner exploration.

Hypnosis results in a general feeling of pleasant relaxation. While under hypnosis, you are still capable of external functions such as moving, seeing, hearing and speaking. The feeling of relaxation is typically so comfortable that you may choose not to do any of the typical external functions so that you may focus instead on what is happening internally. If you can recall a time in which you lost control while doing an activity such as watching TV or movies, reading a book, or focusing on a favorite hobby, then you are already familiar with a state of trance that is similar to hypnosis. 

Because you cannot be hypnotized against your will or without your consent, you will not lose control when you become hypnotized. Hypnosis at its core is actually a form of self-hypnosis. The choice to participate in your own self-hypnosis is entirely in your own control. Since self-hypnosis is a natural ability, your hypnotherapist serves to function similarly to a guide or coach to help you achieve your own relaxed state.

Self-hypnosis is a practice you can use to achieve relaxation, stress reduction, and improved concentration. Self-hypnosis can be self-taught or taught by a qualified hypnotherapist. Once you have entered the relaxed state, you focus on a single specific goal using predetermined suggestions from your hypnotherapist to achieve that goal.

Hypnosis has a multitude of practical and therapeutic usages. Hypnosis can aid in self-improvement in study skills, sports performance, sales successes, overcoming mild fears, and more. Therapeutic hypnosis can be used for a vast variety of conditions, including smoking cessation, weight loss, panic attacks, phobias, and many other emotional conditions.

Virtually everyone can be hypnotized. We are all born with the natural ability to “turn off” the outside world and dig deeper within ourselves. A variety of factors may have previously inhibited your ability to be calm enough to enter your natural trance state. These factors can range from anxiety about the unknown, fear of not “getting it right”, and stress overload. You can successfully enter hypnosis if you are willing to try and if you put trust in your therapist or clinician. The willingness to try paired with trust in your provider will allow you to unwind and rediscover the healing effect that this natural form of relaxation can provide. 

When in a hypnotic state, you are still aware of your surroundings. Should an emergency arise while in this hypnotic state, you will be able to immediately alert yourself and take whatever action may be necessary to handle the situation and keep yourself and anyone near you safe. A qualified, trained professional will be able to give you additional safety suggestions in your trance state that will reinforce your ability to respond quickly and properly to any outside emergency.

Because hypnosis is an ability we are born with, the induction of hypnosis is not regulated in most states. Therapeutic hypnosis is different from the stage hypnosis that is used in entertainment. Medical hypnosis is safe when used by a professional trained in the healing arts. When seeking medical hypnosis, look for a medical doctor or mental health practitioner that possesses an advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate); is licensed as a counselor, social worker, psychologist, dentist or doctor; and who has obtained additional training in clinical hypnosis or hypnotherapy from a professional training organization.