What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that may be incorporated into psychotherapy to support emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and somatic healing. In a clinical mental health setting, hypnotherapy is used as an adjunctive tool within psychotherapy—not as a standalone treatment.

Hypnosis involves a state of focused attention, relaxation, and heightened concentration that may help individuals engage more effectively with therapeutic goals. During hypnosis, clients typically remain aware, alert, and in control of their choices and behavior.

At our practice, hypnotherapy is integrated into psychotherapy services when clinically appropriate and aligned with a client’s treatment goals.

Hypnotherapy Is Not Mind Control

One of the most common misconceptions about hypnosis is that people lose control or become unconscious. Clinical hypnotherapy is not mind control, brainwashing, or entertainment hypnosis.

During hypnotherapy:

• You remain aware of your surroundings
• You cannot be forced to do anything against your will
• You may stop or pause the process at any time
• You remain an active participant in treatment

Hypnotherapy is simply one therapeutic method that may help some individuals access relaxation, focus, insight, emotional processing, or behavioral change more effectively.

How Hypnotherapy Works in Psychotherapy

Hypnotherapy is most effective when integrated into a broader psychotherapy treatment plan. Rather than replacing therapy, hypnosis may support and enhance therapeutic work already occurring in counseling or psychotherapy sessions.

Hypnotherapy may help clients:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve emotional regulation
• Strengthen coping skills
• Address unwanted habits or behaviors
• Improve sleep and relaxation
• Increase self-awareness
• Reduce performance anxiety
• Support trauma-informed stabilization work
• Improve focus and confidence
• Manage psychosomatic or stress-related symptoms

The use of hypnotherapy varies depending on the client’s needs, preferences, treatment goals, and clinical appropriateness.

Conditions and Concerns Hypnotherapy May Support

Hypnotherapy may be used as part of psychotherapy for concerns such as:

• Anxiety disorders
• Stress and burnout
• Sleep difficulties
• Panic symptoms
• Habit change and behavioral patterns
• Phobias and fears
• Performance anxiety
• Emotional overwhelm
• Trauma-related symptoms
• Chronic stress responses
• Confidence and self-esteem concerns
• Mind-body symptoms

Not every client is an appropriate candidate for hypnotherapy, and recommendations are made on an individual clinical basis.

What to Expect During a Hypnotherapy Session

A hypnotherapy session in psychotherapy generally includes:

1. Discussion of treatment goals and current concerns
2. Relaxation or grounding exercises
3. Guided imagery, focused attention, or therapeutic suggestions
4. Processing and discussion after the exercise

Some clients experience deep relaxation during hypnosis, while others simply notice increased focus or calmness. Experiences vary from person to person.

Clients remain aware and able to communicate throughout the process.

Is Hypnotherapy Evidence-Based?

Clinical hypnosis has been studied in relation to stress reduction, anxiety, pain management, behavioral change, and psychosomatic symptoms. Research suggests hypnotherapy may be beneficial for some individuals when integrated appropriately into treatment.

Like all therapeutic approaches, results vary based on factors such as:

• Individual responsiveness
• Therapeutic relationship
• Treatment consistency
• Clinical complexity
• Client readiness and engagement

Hypnotherapy is not a guaranteed solution or cure, but it may be a helpful supportive intervention within psychotherapy.

Safety and Professional Standards

At our practice, hypnotherapy is provided only by appropriately trained clinicians and only within the clinician’s professional scope of practice.

Hypnotherapy is used as an adjunctive psychotherapy intervention—not as a separate medical, forensic, or entertainment service.

Our clinicians follow:

• Trauma-informed care principles
• Professional ethical standards
• Minnesota licensing regulations
• Informed consent requirements
• Evidence-informed clinical practices

Clients are always encouraged to ask questions and discuss concerns before participating in hypnotherapy.

Important Information About Memory and Hypnosis

Hypnosis can increase focus, imagery, and emotional awareness. However, hypnosis is not considered a reliable method for recovering objectively accurate memories.

Memories or impressions experienced during hypnosis may be influenced by imagination, interpretation, suggestion, or emotional processing. For this reason, hypnotherapy is not used at our practice for forensic memory recovery or investigative purposes.

Telehealth Hypnotherapy

In some cases, hypnotherapy may be conducted through secure telehealth sessions when clinically appropriate.

For telehealth hypnosis sessions, clients should:

• Participate from a private, safe environment
• Avoid driving or operating machinery during sessions
• Minimize interruptions and distractions
• Use a stable internet connection and audio device

Your clinician will discuss whether telehealth hypnotherapy is appropriate for your situation.

Is Hypnotherapy Right for You?

Hypnotherapy may be beneficial for some individuals and not appropriate for others. Your clinician will help determine whether hypnosis is clinically appropriate based on your symptoms, goals, medical history, trauma history, and overall treatment needs.

You are never required to participate in hypnotherapy in order to receive psychotherapy services.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are interested starting therapy, browse therapist bios and conveniently request an appointment online or contact us at 612-202-8703.