What does hypnosis feel like, and will I stay in control?

What might I notice?

A practitioner may invite you to settle your breathing, relax muscles or imagine a scene. Attention becomes more focused on the words or images being suggested. You may feel relaxed and absorbed, but hypnosis does not require losing consciousness. It can involve actively thinking about changes you want to make. [1]

Treat this as a description of possibilities, not a checklist you have to complete. People differ in how readily they respond to hypnosis. Tell the practitioner what you actually experience, rather than trying to match somebody else's account. [2]

Can I stay aware and still be hypnotised?

Yes. Remembering the practitioner's words or remaining conscious of the session does not, by itself, mean hypnosis has failed. The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis explains that most people remember what happens and that useful hypnotic work does not depend on the deepest possible trance. [3]

Stage performances are a poor guide to a therapeutic appointment: volunteers are selected partly for their responsiveness and willingness to participate. A therapeutic session should be organised around an agreed purpose, not around producing an impressive performance. [3]

What if I want to stop?

Johns Hopkins Medicine states that someone taking part in hypnosis can interrupt it. Before starting, agree how to ask for a pause and what the practitioner will do next. Being willing to try hypnosis does not mean agreeing to every technique or subject that might arise. [2]

Make the arrangement specific: will you speak, raise a hand or use another agreed signal? Ask for an explanation before an unfamiliar exercise. You can also say that a particular topic is outside what you want to discuss. These are questions to settle together, rather than assumptions to leave until you feel uncomfortable.

Will I remember the session?

Most people do. Some experience gaps in recall, but complete amnesia is not a requirement or a useful target for everyone. Remembering a session is compatible with hypnosis. [3]

A different question is whether hypnosis can uncover an accurate record of the past. Johns Hopkins cautions that it is unreliable as a memory-recovery method and may increase confidence in inaccurate memories. A vivid image or strong feeling is therefore not proof that an event happened as imagined. [2]

What if the experience feels quite ordinary?

Give an honest account of it. Hypnosis does not help everyone, and a practitioner needs your feedback when an approach is not helping. There is no fixed number of sessions that suits every person. [1]

Separate two questions when you review a session: what did I notice while it was happening, and has anything useful changed afterwards? You might choose one everyday situation relevant to your goal and discuss what would count as progress there. A dramatic feeling during the appointment should not become the only measure you use.

Questions to bring with you

Use the first conversation to make the proposed session understandable. For example:

• What will you ask me to do, and how does it relate to my goal?
• How will we pause or finish if I want to?
• Can we discuss any imagery or topics I would prefer to avoid?
• What should I do if I feel unsettled afterwards?

If you experience negative feelings or side effects, tell the practitioner. Cleveland Clinic lists possible effects including dizziness, headache and increased anxiety. Do not feel you must describe every reaction as a sign of progress. [1]

Exploring the approach at Hypno-Healing

Hypno-Healing describes its approach as collaborative and guided by your goals, values and comfort. Its hypnotherapy page addresses questions about awareness and stopping a session. Read that explanation, then raise any questions about your own comfort before deciding to proceed. [4]