What Is Hypnotherapy? How It Works and How It Can Help You

Posted on May 15, 2026

A look at how hypnotherapy taps into your subconscious mind to create lasting change. 

Hypnotherapy and its benefits are frequently misunderstood. The practice of hypnosis has evolved over 220 years. Today, it is used in clinical settings by certified hypnotherapists (CCHt) who are trained to introduce a state of hypnosis, which helps you act on the changes you wish to make. Hypnosis is not about losing control, it’s about becoming aware of your subconscious mind.

Understanding your subconscious mind

Day-to-day, you may feel like you are operating on auto-pilot. This is because your brain is rapidly processing much of your routine and surroundings. When you get in your car, you don’t have to think about how to turn it on or when to press your foot on the gas. Thanks to the information stored in your subconscious, repeated actions and behaviours become second-nature. This allows you to move efficiently through the world, but it also makes it difficult to break habits or change how you think or react emotionally.

How does hypnotherapy work?

During a session, a hypnotherapist will guide you into hypnosis by easing you into a deeply relaxed state of mind. This relaxed mode has some similarities with meditation and mindfulness. During hypnosis, you become aware of long-held beliefs, past experiences and memories your subconscious mind has been holding onto. This effect is commonly referred to as a trance, which has been equated to the experience of daydreaming. In this state, you are open to suggestions for the changes you wish to make. This process helps you replace negative associations with positive ones, and shift your perspective. The practice of hypnosis has similar origins to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a widely used form of talk therapy. When used together, hypnotherapy and CBT have shown greater outcomes and improvements than the use of CBT alone.

Benefits of hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is effective in reducing feelings of stress and anxiety, supporting labor and childbirth, and increasing self-esteem, confidence and overall wellbeing. Studies examining the impact of hypnosis on the areas of the brain that elicit anxiety show a significant reduction in activity. Hypnosis is also helpful if you wish to quit smoking, manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or lose weight. Like all journeys of change, hypnotherapy is more effective when you are motivated to change and believe that you can. Fortunately, hypnotherapy can be effective both in-person and virtually.

Hypnotherapy doesn’t take over your mind, it helps you get in touch with it and creates the conditions for a lasting impact. If you feel stuck in a cycle of behaviour, a pattern or habit you wish to break out of, hypnotherapy is a practical, evidence-based technique you can use to support the change you want to see in yourself.

Curious if hypnotherapy is right for you?

Connect with Lena for a free consultation. In-person and virtual (online) appointments are available.