If you’re thinking about trying hypnotherapy for the first time, one of the biggest questions on your mind might be: “What does hypnotherapy feel like?” At Behavioural Freedom, we understand that taking that first step into the world of hypnotherapy can feel like a leap into the unknown — especially with the myths and misconceptions that still surround it.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly what hypnotherapy feels like, so you can understand the process, feel more comfortable, and get the most out of your sessions with us.
What Is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses guided relaxation, focused attention, and suggestion to create a heightened state of awareness — often referred to as a trance. At Behavioural Freedom, we use hypnotherapy to help clients overcome a wide range of issues, from anxiety and low confidence to smoking addiction, phobias, and past traumas.
Despite how it’s sometimes portrayed, hypnotherapy isn’t about giving up control. In fact, it’s the opposite — it’s about gaining greater control over how you think, feel, and respond.
What Does Hypnotherapy Feel Like?
1. A Deep, Comfortable Relaxation
The first thing most clients notice during hypnotherapy is a profound sense of physical relaxation. Your body feels calm and at ease, as if all the tension has gently melted away. Breathing slows, shoulders drop, and even your facial muscles let go of tension.
Many people describe it as the deepest sense of calm they’ve ever experienced — without falling asleep. You remain aware throughout, but feel incredibly comfortable and safe.
2. A Heightened Mental Focus
Even though your body feels completely relaxed, your mind becomes more focused and clear. It’s a unique state — a blend of physical calm and mental alertness. Everyday distractions fade into the background, and you’re able to tune in to my words more deeply than usual.
This allows your subconscious mind to become more receptive to positive suggestions and mental reprogramming — helping shift the beliefs and patterns that may be holding you back.
3. A Sense of Timelessness
Many people who visit Behavioural Freedom report that time seems to pass differently during a session. What feels like ten minutes may actually be forty-five. This is completely normal — it’s a result of your brain entering a different rhythm, similar to when you’re deeply absorbed in a book or film.
You may even come out of the session surprised at how refreshed and focused you feel — like waking from a restful nap, but with complete awareness.
Common Physical Sensations During Hypnotherapy
While every person’s experience is unique, here are some physical sensations you might notice:
Heaviness or lightness in your limbs
Tingling in your hands, feet, or scalp
Warmth spreading through the body
Stillness – a feeling like you don’t want to move
Drifting thoughts – your mind may wander slightly before returning to the therapist’s voice
All of these sensations are part of your mind and body responding naturally to the trance state. They’re not essential to the process, but they are very common.
Will I Be Asleep or Unaware?
No — and this is one of the biggest misconceptions about hypnotherapy. You are not asleep, and you don’t lose awareness or control. You’ll likely hear everything that I say, and you can stop the session at any time if you choose.
At Behavioural Freedom, our goal is to help you feel empowered, not passive. Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process — your mind plays an active role in the changes you want to make.
What Happens After a Session?
Once your session ends, you’ll slowly return to full awareness — although in most cases, you never truly left it. Most clients describe feeling refreshed, clear-headed, and often lighter, emotionally. Some report a shift in perspective immediately; for others, the effects build over the coming days or weeks.
I will give you space to reflect, along with practical tools or recordings to reinforce the benefits between sessions.
What If I “Can’t Be Hypnotised”?
Many people worry that they won’t be “hypnotisable.” The truth is, virtually everyone can enter a trance state — because it’s a natural state your mind already accesses daily. Ever driven somewhere and forgotten parts of the journey? That’s a form of trance.
At Behavioural Freedom, I work with your unique way of processing information to help guide you into the right state for therapeutic work. It’s not about tricks or manipulation — it’s about safety, rapport, and expert guidance.
What Issues Can Hypnotherapy Help With?
Hypnotherapy can support a wide range of mental, emotional, and behavioural challenges. At Behavioural Freedom, I work with clients on:
Anxiety and stress management
Overcoming phobias
Smoking cessation
Confidence and self-esteem
Trauma and past emotional wounds
Weight loss and eating habits
Performance and public speaking
Because hypnotherapy taps into the subconscious, it can help create change at a deep, lasting level — often faster than traditional talk therapy alone.
What Makes Behavioural Freedom Different?
I understand that starting therapy is a big step, and our approach reflects that. At Behavioural Freedom, I combine clinical expertise with a supportive, judgment-free environment, so you feel heard, safe, and understood at every stage of your journey.
I also tailor every session to your individual needs — whether you’re looking for rapid behavioural change, emotional healing, or simply a space to reset and reconnect with yourself.
Ready to Experience It for Yourself?
Now that you know what hypnotherapy feels like, the next step is trying it in a safe, professional setting. At Behavioural Freedom, I’m here to guide you through the process and help you discover just how powerful your mind can be.
Whether you’re local to Hertfordshire or exploring online sessions from across the UK, I’d love to support you.
Book your free consultation today and take the first step toward real, lasting change.