In Part 1, we explored how the mind works, what hypnotherapy is rooted in, and its long history as a healing modality. Now let’s get practical. If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens in a hypnotherapy session — what it feels like, what it looks like, and whether it might be right for you — this one is for you.
What a Session Looks Like: The Healing State
When I work with clients using hypnotherapy, my goal is to gently guide you into what I call the healing state — that naturally occurring space between the alpha and theta brainwave states, where your conscious mind relaxes, your subconscious becomes open and receptive, and your internal wisdom can do its work.
You are always the captain of your ship. My role is simply to create the conditions for your own inner wisdom to identify and remove the blocks and obstacles that are holding you back — whether those are stored beliefs, emotional patterns, or deeply rooted habits. The approach I use doesn’t rely on blunt suggestions like “never eat chocolate again.” Instead, it works more gently and precisely, asking your wisdom center to remove whatever is preventing you from reaching the goals you bring into the session.
One of the things I value most about this approach is what it doesn’t require of you:
- You do not need to consciously identify the obstacle
- You do not need to examine it intellectually
- You do not need to relive a painful or traumatic experience
The process is gentle, safe, and non-invasive — and it always honors your pace and your readiness.
Signs of the Healing State
As a therapist, I’m trained to observe outer signs that a client has entered the healing state. These can include:
- Facial relaxation
- Flushing of the skin
- General muscle relaxation
- Small muscle twitching
- Eye flutter
- Lower lip trembling
- Changes in breathing
Clients themselves often notice inner signs such as:
- Tingling sensations
- Feeling heavy or floating
- A change in temperature
- A clear mind
- Emotions bubbling up
- A sudden sense of peace, relief, or clarity
Depths of the Healing State
The healing state has three recognized levels:
- Hypnoidal State — Light relaxation and inner focus
- Cataleptic State — A deepening of the altered state
- Somnambulistic State — The deepest level; suggestions are received unconsciously, and clients may have no memory of hearing them
All three levels are productive and lead to effective results. There is no “wrong” way to experience this process. The depth you reach depends on a combination of the approach used and your own sense of comfort, safety, and openness — and your internal wisdom always knows what you’re ready for.
What Can Hypnotherapy Help With?
In my practice, I use hypnotherapy to support clients across a wide range of challenges, which may include:
Alcohol abuse, anger, anxiety, bedwetting, cancer support, chewing tobacco, childbirth preparation, childhood issues, chronic pain, compulsive behaviors, cravings, dental anxiety, depression, drug abuse, emotional scars, fears and phobias, grief, guilt, headaches, hopelessness, insomnia, memory difficulties, mental and physical abuse recovery, motivation, nail biting, pain relief, panic attacks, exam performance, performance anxiety, public speaking anxiety, relationship challenges, self-esteem, self-improvement, sleep issues, smoking cessation, and much more.
A Note on Ethics and Licensing
My hypnotherapy services are offered within the framework of licensed therapy. That means I follow the ethical guidelines and legal standards of the state in which you reside. Informed consent — as well as the circumstances under which confidentiality may need to be broken — is discussed with you prior to, at the beginning of our first session together, and/or throughout the therapeutic process as necessary. Your safety, comfort, understanding of the process, and autonomy are the foundation of our work together.
Is Hypnotherapy Right for You?
If you’re curious about creating real change — releasing old patterns, building new habits, and moving toward a life that feels more aligned with joy, peace, and growth — hypnotherapy may be worth exploring.
And if you’re hesitant? That’s okay too. You might start with traditional licensed therapy, get to know me as your therapist, build a strong foundation of trust, and establish a sense of safety in the therapy process/therapeutic relationship — then decide later whether you’d like to bring hypnotherapy into our work together.
Ready to take the first step? Reach out to schedule a consultation and let’s explore what’s possible together.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a therapeutic diagnosis. If you are experiencing an emergency or crisis, please dial 911 or have an adult safely transfer you to your local emergency center.
