— HYPNOTHERAPY EXPLAINED

What Is Hypnotherapy and How Does It Work?

A clear guide from a Sydney clinical hypnotherapist.

Sessions are available in person in Balmain, Five Dock and Inner West Sydney, or online across Australia and internationally.

Hypnotherapy in Sydney

a woman in hypnosis during hypnotherapy session

What Is Hypnotherapy ?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses hypnosis, a state of calm, focused attention, to help you work with automatic thoughts, emotional reactions, beliefs and habits.

You are not asleep or unconscious. You remain aware of what is happening and in control throughout the process.

Hypnosis can feel similar to becoming absorbed in a book, a film or a familiar journey. Your attention narrows, mental noise can become quieter and it may feel easier to engage with thoughts, feelings and responses that are usually difficult to reach through conscious analysis alone.

This guide explains what hypnotherapy is, how it works, what it feels like, what the research tells us and what you can expect if you decide to try it.

I offer hypnotherapy in Sydney’s Inner West, with sessions available in Balmain and Five Dock, as well as online throughout Australia and internationally.

In this guide

What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?
How does hypnotherapy work?
What does hypnotherapy feel like?
Will I remain in control?
Can I be hypnotised if I find it difficult to relax?
Do I need to visualise?
Do I have to remember my childhood?
Does hypnotherapy work?
What can hypnotherapy help with?
Is hypnotherapy safe?
How do I know if it is right for me?
Is online hypnotherapy different from an in-person session?
What happens in a session at Everyday Mindset?

What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis describes the state of focused attention used during the process.

Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic work undertaken while you are in that state.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists describes hypnosis as a psychological procedure involving focused concentration. Hypnotherapy uses that focused state to support changes in how someone feels, thinks or responds.

Hypnotic states are not as unusual as they may sound. We naturally move in and out of absorbed states throughout the day. You may have experienced something similar when:

You became so involved in a book or film that you stopped noticing what was happening around you.
You drove a familiar route and arrived with little memory of each individual turn.
You became absorbed in a task and lost track of time.
You were daydreaming while still aware of your surroundings.

Clinical hypnosis uses focused attention deliberately and towards an agreed therapeutic goal.

A hypnotherapist might use relaxation, imagery, focused questions, therapeutic suggestions, metaphor or other techniques. The exact process will depend on the person, the practitioner’s approach and what the client wants help with.

How does hypnotherapy work?

There is no single explanation that accounts for every experience of hypnosis. Research continues into the psychological and neurological processes involved.

At a practical level, hypnotherapy can be understood through three related processes.

1. Your attention becomes more focused

When you are anxious or overthinking, your attention can become scattered across multiple possibilities.

You may be replaying what happened, anticipating what could go wrong, monitoring how you are being perceived and trying to find the perfect decision at the same time.

Hypnosis helps direct attention more deliberately. As competing mental noise becomes quieter, it may be easier to concentrate on one experience, idea or response at a time.

You are not losing awareness. Your attention is simply being guided differently.

2. You can work with automatic responses

Many emotional and behavioural reactions happen before we have consciously chosen them.

You can know logically that a meeting is not dangerous and still feel your heart racing before you speak. You can understand that you are capable and still second-guess every decision. You can know that a situation will probably be fine and still feel unable to relax.

These responses may have developed through previous experiences, repetition, stress, family conditioning or the meaning your mind attached to particular events.

Hypnotherapy provides a way of working with these learned associations, rather than relying entirely on conscious reasoning.

3. You can practise a different response

Hypnotherapy is not simply about discovering why a pattern exists. It can also involve rehearsing how you want to think, feel or respond instead.

That might include experiencing yourself:

Remaining steady while speaking in a meeting.
Responding to uncertainty without immediately spiralling.
Setting a boundary without being overwhelmed by guilt.
Approaching a situation with greater confidence.
Feeling safe enough to stop scanning for everything that could go wrong.

This does not mean the mind is being “reprogrammed” like a machine. It means you are creating opportunities to experience and reinforce a different response.

The suggestions used should be consistent with your goals and values. You remain able to accept, reject or question them throughout the process.

Hypnotherapy is the art of reshaping thoughts, the science of reprogramming beliefs, and the journey to rediscover the incredible power within.

A personal note on scepticism

I was sceptical about hypnotherapy before I experienced it myself.

Years ago, a friend told me she had seen a Sydney hypnotherapist. My first questions were the same ones many clients ask me now: “Were you in control? Could you hear everything? Did you remember what happened?”

She explained that she had remained aware throughout. She could hear what was being said and knew what was happening. She simply felt deeply relaxed and focused.

That conversation made me willing to try hypnotherapy for myself. Once I experienced the process and began to understand how it could be used therapeutically, it helped set me on the path to becoming a clinical hypnotherapist.

That is one reason I believe people deserve a clear explanation before deciding whether to try it. Scepticism does not mean you are resistant or unsuitable for hypnotherapy. Often, it simply means you want to understand what you are agreeing to.

What does hypnotherapy feel like?

Most people are surprised by how normal it feels.

Depending on the person and the session, you might notice:

A feeling of physical relaxation.
More focused attention.
A quieter or less crowded mind.
A sense of being absorbed in your internal experience.
Greater awareness of thoughts, emotions or physical sensations.
Memories or associations coming to mind.
A feeling of emotional distance from something that normally feels consuming.
A stronger sense of clarity about what has been driving a particular response.

Some people experience hypnosis as deeply relaxing. Others remain mentally alert and conversational. Some notice vivid images, while others experience the process through sensations, words, emotions or a simple sense of knowing.

You do not need to feel as though you have “gone somewhere else.” You also do not need to have a dramatic experience for the session to be meaningful.

Many clients describe feeling rested afterwards. Others feel thoughtful, emotionally lighter or temporarily tired after concentrating on something significant.

There is no single correct way hypnosis should feel.

Will I be in control during hypnosis?

Yes. Hypnosis is not something a practitioner takes control of and does to you. It is a collaborative process in which you choose to participate.

During a session:

You can usually hear what is being said.
You can speak and respond.
You can ask questions.
You can pause or stop.
You can open your eyes.
You remain aware of your values and preferences.
You do not have to accept a suggestion that feels wrong or irrelevant.

The Better Health Channel explains that hypnosis is voluntary and that a person cannot be forced into a hypnotic state against their will.

Stage hypnosis has contributed to the idea that people lose control or become unaware of what they are doing. Therapeutic hypnosis is different. It should be conducted ethically, respectfully and with a clear purpose agreed upon before the hypnotic work begins.

Can I be hypnotised if I find it difficult to relax?

Yes. Perfect relaxation is not a requirement.

Some people settle quickly. Others remain alert at first, particularly if they are used to analysing everything, anticipating problems or staying in control.

You do not have to force your mind to become blank. You only need enough willingness to follow the guidance and allow your attention to become more focused.

It may also become easier once the process is familiar and you feel comfortable with the practitioner. Your experience can vary from one session to another depending on your stress levels, energy and what you are carrying that day.

Being analytical does not automatically make you difficult to hypnotise. The process can be adapted to the way your mind naturally engages.

What if I can’t visualise?

You do not need to create vivid mental pictures to experience hypnosis.

Some people naturally think in images. Others connect more strongly through:

Physical sensations.
Emotions.
Words or internal dialogue.
Sounds.
Concepts and ideas.
Memories.
A sense of knowing without seeing a picture.

Some people experience aphantasia, meaning they have little or no voluntary mental imagery. This does not automatically rule out hypnosis.

Vivid visualisation can be useful for some people, but it is not required. A flexible practitioner should be able to adapt the process to the way you think and process information.

Do I have to remember my childhood?

No. Some forms of hypnotherapy explore earlier experiences because they may help explain how a current belief or reaction developed. However, you do not need perfect childhood memories, and you do not need to disclose or relive every detail of your past.

The work can also focus on what is happening now:

What triggers the response.
What you notice in your body.
What you expect will happen.
What you believe the situation means about you.
What you feel compelled to do in response.
What you would prefer to experience instead.

If a memory emerges, it should be approached carefully. Memory is reconstructive and can be influenced by suggestion, which is one reason responsible hypnotherapy should not be used to pressure someone into “recovering” a particular memory.

The goal is not to prove that every remembered detail is objectively accurate. The goal is to understand and work safely with the thoughts, feelings and associations that are affecting you now.

Does hypnotherapy work?

The honest answer is that hypnotherapy can be helpful, but it does not work identically for every person or every condition.

Research into hypnosis spans a wide range of psychological and physical health concerns, and the quality and strength of evidence vary.

A 2024 review of 49 meta-analyses found the most robust evidence for hypnosis in people experiencing pain and those undergoing medical procedures. The authors also identified promising results across other mental and physical health outcomes, while noting significant differences in study quality and the need for further research.

A separate meta-analysis examining hypnosis for anxiety included 15 studies and found that hypnosis was associated with reductions in anxiety, particularly when combined with other psychological approaches. This does not mean every form of anxiety will respond in the same way, but it supports the use of hypnosis as one possible component of psychological work.

The NHS includes hypnotherapy among the complementary approaches that may sometimes be offered for irritable bowel syndrome when other treatment has not worked. This is a specialised form of gut-directed hypnotherapy and is different from the work I offer, but it is one example of hypnosis being used within a recognised healthcare context.

Research findings do not guarantee an individual result. Outcomes can depend on:

What the person wants help with.
The approach being used.
The quality and relevance of the practitioner’s training.
The therapeutic relationship.
The person’s willingness to participate.
Whether hypnotherapy is appropriate for the presenting issue.
How the work is applied and integrated outside the session.

Hypnotherapy should not be presented as magic or as a guaranteed one-session cure. Change may feel immediate, build gradually or become noticeable in hindsight as you realise you are responding differently.

What can hypnotherapy help with?

People seek hypnotherapy for a wide range of concerns.

In my practice, I commonly work with people experiencing:

Anxiety that keeps returning even when life appears to be going well.
Overthinking and mental loops that are difficult to switch off.
Self-doubt and repeatedly second-guessing decisions.
Imposter feelings and fear of being exposed as not good enough.
Perfectionism and pressure to get everything right.
Difficulty speaking confidently in meetings or presentations.
Fear of judgement, criticism or visibility.
People-pleasing and guilt around setting boundaries.
Emotional triggers that feel stronger than the situation seems to warrant.
Fears and phobias.
Patterns that make sense logically but continue emotionally or physically.

Many of the people I work with are capable, thoughtful and self-aware. They already understand a great deal about themselves.

You can explore more specific information about:

These examples describe areas people commonly bring to hypnotherapy. They are not guarantees that hypnotherapy is appropriate for every person or situation.

Is hypnotherapy safe?

Hypnotherapy is generally considered low risk when it is used appropriately by a suitably trained practitioner.

You should remain aware, able to communicate and free to stop throughout the process. A professional session should feel respectful and collaborative, not forceful, rushed or designed to persuade you into accepting something.

The Better Health Channel notes that some people may experience temporary effects such as dizziness, headache, anxiety or an unsettled stomach. It also identifies false memories as a potential risk, particularly when hypnosis is used irresponsibly or with leading suggestions.

Hypnotherapy may not be the most appropriate first step if you are:

Experiencing psychosis, mania or severe psychiatric symptoms.
In an immediate mental health crisis.
Feeling unsafe in yourself.
Experiencing symptoms that require medical investigation.
Seeking hypnotherapy as a replacement for necessary medical or psychological care.

If you have a diagnosed mental or physical health condition, are taking medication or are currently receiving care from another professional, it is important to share relevant information before beginning.

Hypnotherapy can sometimes complement medical or psychological care, but it should not replace appropriate diagnosis, treatment or emergency support.

If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, contact emergency services or use Healthdirect’s mental health crisis support information.

How do I know if hypnotherapy is right for me?

Hypnotherapy may be worth exploring when:

You understand a pattern logically, but your emotional or physical response keeps returning.
You have tried thinking, analysing or talking your way through something but still feel stuck.
You want to work with the reactions beneath the surface, not only manage them when they appear.
You are open to focused internal work.
You want an approach tailored to you rather than a generic script.
You are willing to participate in the process and apply what you learn in everyday life.

It may be less suitable if you want someone else to take control, make a decision for you or change something without your active participation.

You do not need to feel completely certain before speaking with a practitioner. A consultation should help you understand the process, ask questions and decide whether the approach and the practitioner feel right for you.

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Is online hypnotherapy different from an in-person session?

The therapeutic process can be conducted both in person and online.

In-person hypnotherapy may appeal to you if you prefer:

A dedicated space away from home and work.
Fewer technological distractions.
The experience of being physically present with your practitioner.
A clear transition into and out of the session.

Online hypnotherapy may appeal if you prefer:

No travel time.
The familiarity of your own space.
Greater flexibility around work or family commitments.
Continuity when travelling or living outside Sydney.

Online hypnosis is not hypnosis performed through a recording without interaction. In a live online session, we can still speak, respond and adapt the process as it unfolds.

The most important factors are that you have privacy, a reliable internet connection and somewhere comfortable to sit or lie down without being interrupted.

You can read more about online hypnotherapy sessions.

What happens in a hypnotherapy session at Everyday Mindset?

My sessions are personalised rather than based on a standard script.

A session will usually include:

A calm check-in

We talk about what has been happening, what you have noticed and what feels most important to address.
A clear focus

We agree on the direction of the session. You do not need to arrive with perfect wording, but we establish what you would like to understand or change.
A guided state of focused attention

I guide you into hypnosis in a way that suits how you naturally process information. You remain aware and able to communicate.
Therapeutic work

Depending on your needs, this may include questions, imagery, suggestion, emotional processing, reframing, rehearsal of new responses or other appropriate techniques.
Time to return and reflect

You are guided back to ordinary alertness, and we discuss anything important that emerged and how it relates to your everyday life.

Clinical hypnotherapy remains at the heart of my work, but I may also draw on RTT-informed processes, solution-focused coaching principles, mindfulness or nervous-system support where appropriate.

You do not need to understand or choose between the techniques. My role is to recommend and explain an approach that fits your goals, your pace and what feels comfortable for you.

For a more detailed explanation, read what to expect from your hypnotherapy sessions.

Your Next Step

f you are considering hypnotherapy and would like to talk it through, I offer a free initial consultation.

We can use that conversation to:

Clarify what you are experiencing.
Discuss what you would like to change.
Answer your questions about hypnosis and the process.
Consider whether hypnotherapy is appropriate for your situation.
Explore what working together could look like.

There is no pressure to decide before you feel clear.

Book a Free Initial Consultation