Thinking About Hypnotherapy? Here’s What It’s Really Like (and What It Costs)

For years, I’ve had new clients sit in the chair across from my desk, a little hopeful and a lot nervous. And honestly, I get it. The first thing we almost always do is clear the air about what hypnosis actually is, and the questions are usually the same: “Am I going to lose control?” “Will you make me cluck like a chicken?” And my personal favorite, “Can you just… fix my husband?”

Those ideas mostly come from stage shows and old movies, and they don’t have much to do with the real, therapeutic work we do. My job isn’t just to guide someone; it’s to build trust by being totally upfront about what we can and can’t accomplish together. So, my goal here is to give you the same straight talk I give my clients. Let’s pull back the curtain on the science, bust some myths, and talk about how this tool is used to create real change.

So, What’s Actually Happening When You’re “Hypnotized”?

First things first, forget the swinging pocket watches. That’s pure cartoon stuff. Clinical hypnosis is simply a state of deep, physical relaxation paired with highly focused attention. Think about the last time you were so absorbed in a great book or movie that the world around you just kind of… melted away. You weren’t asleep or unconscious. You were just tuning out all the distractions to focus on one thing.

That’s pretty much it. You are in complete control the entire time and can choose to pop out of that state whenever you want. Seriously.

There’s real science to back this up. Brain scans, like an EEG, show that a person in a hypnotic state has more alpha and theta brainwaves—the same ones that show up during deep meditation or right as you’re drifting off to sleep. This super-relaxed brain state is the key. It allows the conscious, analytical part of your mind—the part I call the “gatekeeper”—to take a little coffee break. You know, the part that’s always saying, “I can’t do that,” or, “This will never work.”

When that gatekeeper is relaxed, we can talk more directly to the subconscious mind. That’s where your habits, deep-seated beliefs, and long-term memories are stored. By offering new, positive suggestions here, they’re accepted more easily. For example, a suggestion like, “You are someone who feels satisfied and nourished by healthy food” can take root without your conscious mind immediately arguing, “But I love donuts!” It’s not about brainwashing; it’s about opening a door for a change you already want to make.

Want a tiny taste of this focus? Try this right now: Close your eyes and for the next 60 seconds, just notice the physical sensation of your feet on the floor. Feel the texture of your socks, the pressure, the temperature. That’s it. That simple act of tuning everything else out to focus on one feeling is the very first step into this state.

The Hard Limits: What Hypnosis Absolutely Cannot Do

A huge part of my ethical responsibility is being crystal clear about the limitations. Bad information gives people false hope and can even be dangerous. Let’s clear up the three biggest myths right now.

Myth 1: It Can’t Control Your Mind

This is the number one fear, and it’s the most damaging misconception out there. Let me be blunt: No hypnotist can make you do anything that goes against your core values. A therapist isn’t a puppet master; they’re more like a GPS navigator for a journey you’re already choosing to take.

I remember a client who wanted to quit smoking but was terrified I’d make him spill personal secrets to his wife. I explained that his own mind would automatically reject any suggestion it found inappropriate. If I said, “Tell your wife everything you’ve ever hidden,” he would either ignore it or, more likely, just open his eyes and say, “I’m done here.”

Good to know: The whole process relies on your cooperation. This is the biggest difference between what you see on stage and what happens in a clinic. Stage hypnotists are entertainers. They are masters at picking extroverted, highly suggestible people from the audience who are already willing to play along for a laugh. Clinical hypnosis, on the other hand, is a quiet, collaborative process built entirely on trust and a shared goal.

Myth 2: It Can’t Erase Memories

The idea of wiping a painful memory is a powerful sci-fi trope, but it’s not how healing works. In fact, trying to do that would be unethical and counterproductive. Our memories, even the tough ones, are woven into who we are. The goal isn’t to delete them, but to change our relationship with them.

This is an area that requires serious expertise. Some decades ago, there were issues where inexperienced practitioners accidentally led clients to create “false memories” through leading questions. Because of this, professional organizations have very strict guidelines now. A trained pro will never ask, “Did something traumatic happen?” Instead, we use open-ended approaches that let your own mind guide the process safely.

So, we don’t erase. We reframe. We might work to help you view a past event from a new, adult perspective, with more compassion for your younger self. Or we might use a technique where you visualize the memory on a distant movie screen, which gives you a sense of control. The memory is still there, but we can dial down its emotional power until it no longer triggers pain or fear.

Myth 3: It Can’t Cure Organic Diseases

This is a critical, bold-letters, all-caps safety warning. Hypnosis is NOT a substitute for medical treatment. It cannot shrink a tumor, kill a virus, or fix a heart valve. Any hypnotist claiming it can is irresponsible and should be avoided at all costs. A hypnotherapist works with your medical team, not in place of them.

What it can do is act as a powerful supportive therapy. The mind-body connection is real. By reducing stress, we can support the immune system. By managing pain perception, we can dramatically improve someone’s quality of life. For instance:

• For IBS: This is a classic gut-brain issue. I often work with clients referred by their doctors. Through guided imagery focused on calming the digestive system, we can often reduce the cramping and discomfort that are triggered by stress.
• For Cancer Treatment: Chemo can be brutal. I worked with one client who felt sick the moment she even thought about her next appointment. We used hypnosis to build a deep sense of calm and anchor it to a simple touch (like thumb to forefinger). This helped her get through her medical treatments with far less distress.
• For Chronic Pain: We can teach people to turn down the “volume” on their pain signals. A common technique involves guiding a client to feel a pleasant numbness in their hand, and then mentally “transferring” that numb sensation to their back or knee. The physical issue is still there, but the perception of it changes.

The Real Deal: What Clinical Hypnosis Is Great For

Okay, now that we’ve cleared away the nonsense, let’s talk about the good stuff. When done right, this is an incredibly effective tool.

Stress and Anxiety Relief
This is probably the #1 reason people walk through my door. Hypnosis is a direct way to teach your nervous system how to shift from “fight or flight” into “rest and digest.” We often use suggestions to create a mental “safe place”—a peaceful beach, a quiet forest—that you can return to anytime. We then anchor that feeling of calm to a physical cue. It’s like giving you a remote control for your own stress response.

Changing Habits for Good
Habits like nail-biting, smoking, or overeating live in your subconscious. That’s why sheer willpower often isn’t enough. Hypnosis lets us update that old programming. For a smoker, we don’t just say “Stop smoking.” We explore the reason for the habit—is it stress relief? boredom?—and then give the subconscious a better, healthier way to get that need met. Success often comes surprisingly fast; for a specific goal like smoking cessation, many clients only need 2-4 focused sessions.

Pain Management
The power of the mind to alter physical sensation is incredible. Early surgeons actually used hypnosis for pain control during major operations before modern anesthetics were available. Today, I often work with dentists to help patients with severe phobias. We might use a technique where they imagine they’re floating peacefully on a cloud, just observing the procedure from a distance. Their body is in the chair, but their mind is somewhere calm and safe.

Your First Session: What to Expect (and What It Costs)

A common worry I hear is, “What if I’m one of those people who can’t be hypnotized?” Honestly, that’s not really a thing. If you can get lost in a song or daydream while driving, you can enter a hypnotic state. It’s a natural skill, not a magic spell, and a good therapist knows how to guide you there.

A typical first session lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. Here’s a quick rundown:

1. Just Talking (30-40 mins): We’ll spend the first half just chatting. What are your goals? What have you tried before? What are your concerns? This is about building trust and making sure I understand what you want to achieve.
2. The Induction (10-15 mins): This is the relaxation part. I’ll guide you through a process, maybe tensing and relaxing muscles or focusing on your breath, to help you enter that calm, focused state. It just feels like deep, heavy relaxation.
3. The “Work” (15-20 mins): Once you’re relaxed, I’ll use suggestions and imagery tailored to your goals. You’ll be aware and able to hear everything I say.
4. Coming Back (5 mins): I’ll gently guide you back to full awareness. Most people report feeling incredibly refreshed and relaxed, like they just woke up from a great nap.

Heads up! For more complex issues like chronic anxiety or deep-seated phobias, expect to plan for a series of sessions, maybe 6-10, to build lasting skills. It’s about teaching you a tool, not just a one-time fix.

Finding a Pro: 5 Questions to Ask Before You Book

The field isn’t well-regulated everywhere, so finding a qualified person is crucial. A weekend certification course does NOT make someone a therapist.

Before you commit, ask these questions. A true professional will be happy to answer.

1. What is your primary professional license? (Look for a licensed therapist, psychologist, social worker, or medical doctor.)
2. What is your specific training in hypnotherapy? (Look for certification from a major, reputable board like the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) or the National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists (NBCCH). You can usually find practitioner directories on their websites.)
3. What is your experience with my specific issue (e.g., anxiety, smoking)?
4. What is your process like, and how many sessions do you typically recommend?
5. What are your fees? (Be direct! Expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $350 per session, depending on the practitioner’s credentials and your location. Many also offer effective online/telehealth sessions now, which can be a great option.)

Be wary of anyone who guarantees results or makes flashy promises. This is a collaborative process, not a magic wand.

A Tool for Your Empowerment, Not My Control

After all these years, I’m still in awe of the mind’s ability to heal. Hypnosis is just one of the most direct and gentle ways I’ve found to help people access that power within themselves. It’s about quieting the noise so you can finally listen to what you already know. You are always, always in the driver’s seat.

Galerie d’inspiration

In-Person Sessions: The classic approach offers a tailored experience with a certified therapist who adapts the session to your real-time responses. It’s ideal for complex issues and for those who value a direct, human connection.

Hypnotherapy Apps: For a flexible and budget-friendly alternative, apps like Reveri, co-founded by Stanford psychiatrist Dr. David Spiegel, or HypnoBox offer guided sessions for sleep, anxiety, and confidence on your own schedule. They’re a great entry point or for reinforcing progress.