What is hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy - also called therapeutic or clinical hypnosis – is a scientifically recognized treatment method that has been used for over 3000 years. It uses guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness, which is called trance. A person's attention is so focused while in this state that anything going on around them is temporarily blocked out or ignored. In this naturally occurring state, a person may focus his or her attention - with the help of a trained hypnotherapist - on specific thoughts, goals, or tasks. This state of deep relaxation allows us to communicate with our subconscious minds and make changes.

Many of our behaviour patterns are hidden in our subconscious minds. These deep-rooted imprints can be based on earlier experiences, learned behaviour patterns and coping mechanisms that are no longer necessary or relevant to us. Through the active cooperation of the client (an important prerequisite for successful therapy and hypnosis), new skills can be acquired, or existing skills can be revived and anchored. Core beliefs or negative behaviour patterns can be transformed or let go of completely thus freeing us from unwanted behaviour.

Points to remember about common misconceptions and risks of hypnotherapy

You are ALWAYS in control!

Hypnosis is NOT anaesthesia!

It is NOT mind control or brainwashing.

Hypnotherapy is not a dangerous procedure at all. We all pass through this stage every time we go to sleep. A therapist cannot make a person do something they might consider embarrassing or that the person does not want to do. You only take on the suggestions you want or that would benefit you. You always wake up from hypnosis feeling as you would when waking up from a night’s sleep.

Hypnosis only works if you say YES to it.

How does hypnotherapy work and what does it do?

Hypnosis helps you to use the power of your mind to make positive changes. It can be used as a standalone method or in conjunction with therapy and counselling. The hypnotic state (trance) allows people to enter a deep state of relaxation in which they can explore different thoughts, goals and future tasks. These can be things like stopping smoking, releasing anxiety and phobias, becoming more self-confident, passing exams, giving birth without fear, as well as, letting go of painful thoughts, feelings, and memories that might be hidden from our conscious minds but that are causing us different mental and physical problems. Hypnosis can also enable people to perceive things differently, such as blocking an awareness of pain on a physical level or experiencing familiar feelings, relationships, and situations from a different perspective.

The hypnotist can use various methods to induce trance. The main goal at this stage is to allow the client to become fully relaxed and drift into a state of trance. Once in this state, the person becomes more open to specific suggestions and ideas that could benefit them, such as allowing a lowering of pain or enabling them to let go of things that might be blocking them.

Before and/or after the session, the therapist will review what you can do to help you reach your goals and enhance your personal well-being, and will also address anything you might have experienced during hypnosis.

Difference between "regular hypnosis" and clinical hypnosis

The difference between "regular hypnosis" and clinical hypnosis lies in the purpose. Regular hypnosis is aimed at relaxation and well-being, while clinical hypnosis treats medical or psychological problems such as pain, anxiety, stop smoking, etc.






Hypnotherapy can help with:

  • Fears and phobias
  • Physical ailments and chronic pain
  • Autoimmune problems
  • Trauma and crisis management
  • Exam anxiety and blockages
  • Concentration
  • Eating disorders and other nutritional problems
  • Stress symptoms and burnout syndrome
  • Physical and emotional complaints
  • Sleep disorders and fatigue
  • Decision-making
  • Grief
  • General anxiety and panic
  • Giving birth or preparing for an operation
  • etc.

What a Hypnosis session could look like

Introduction phase

Before starting hypnosis itself, the first session begins with a detailed preliminary talk to discuss the subject you wish to address, and your goals and expectations.

This initial talk will explain in detail what hypnosis is, how it feels and what results can be expected. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have in this regard. An important prerequisite for a successful hypnosis therapy session is the will to change, mutual trust, openness, as well as a positive and anxiety-free attitude towards this efficient therapy method.

Induction phase

After the open preliminary talk, I will lead you into a pleasant trance, in other words a relaxed, expanded and focused state of consciousness. Hypnotic trance is not such an unusual state as many may think and has absolutely nothing to do with magic or spells. The consciousness, in which we often find ourselves during the day, recedes into the background and the subconscious comes to the fore. Attention is directed inwards and concentration is increased. One feels comfortable and calm, like just before falling asleep.

Deepening phase

The mind becomes calmer and the body is loosened and relaxed. This state can be compared to daydreaming, meditation, or dozing. Subjectively, the hypnotic trance state is usually experienced by the client as deep relaxation. Mostly the sense of time is lost, the environment becomes unimportant, although one perceives almost everything. The attention is focused on my voice as well as on the person’s inner images, ideas, and feelings. You will hear my voice accompanying you throughout the whole session. We remain in contact with each other during the whole session. Trance is not a sleeping state, as some people might think.

Therapy phase

Through the changed state of consciousness, it is possible to communicate directly with the subconscious and to find and process imprints from the past. With the help of the most modern hypnosis techniques and targeted suggestions, I will go into the subject with you, work on the desired changes and anchor them in such a way that they can also positively influence the day consciousness. Undesirable beliefs can be specifically programmed and changed. Using positive suggestions, self-confidence is strengthened, the wish or the desired goal is internalised, and positive feelings are encouraged.

Wakening phase

After ending the hypnosis, we can discuss how you experienced the hypnosis therapy. You will also receive individual tips for positive behaviour to allow the hypnosis to have the best possible outcome.