Is Hypnotherapy Safe? 7 Myths Debunked

Separating Fact from Fiction

If you are considering hypnotherapy but have concerns about whether it is safe, you are asking a sensible question. The problem is that most people's understanding of hypnosis comes from films, television shows and stage hypnosis performances — none of which bear much resemblance to what happens in a clinical hypnotherapy session.

I have been practising clinical hypnotherapy in Wilmslow since 1994. In over thirty years and thousands of sessions, I have never encountered a single safety issue. Not one. Clinical hypnotherapy is one of the safest therapeutic approaches available, with no harmful side effects when practised by a qualified, registered therapist.

But I understand that reassurance alone may not be enough. You deserve a thorough explanation that addresses the specific concerns people most commonly have. So let me take the seven most persistent myths about hypnotherapy and debunk them one by one.

Myth 1: You Lose Control During Hypnosis

This is false. It is also the single most common fear people have about hypnotherapy, and it could not be further from the truth.

During hypnosis, you are in complete control at every moment. You can hear everything I say. You know where you are. You are fully aware of what is happening. You could open your eyes, stand up and walk out of the room at any point if you chose to. Most people simply do not choose to, because the state of hypnosis feels deeply pleasant and relaxing.

The idea that a hypnotherapist can "take over" your mind comes directly from stage hypnosis and Hollywood films. In reality, all hypnosis is essentially self-hypnosis — I guide you into the relaxed, focused state, but you are the one who allows it to happen. Your subconscious mind has powerful protective mechanisms that will prevent you from accepting any suggestion that conflicts with your values, beliefs or personal boundaries.

Think of it this way: have you ever been so absorbed in a book or film that someone had to call your name twice to get your attention? That absorption is a natural form of hypnotic focus. You were deeply engaged, but you were never out of control. Clinical hypnosis works with the same natural mental state, just guided and directed towards therapeutic goals.

After over thirty years of practice, I can tell you with absolute certainty that no client has ever done anything during hypnosis that they did not want to do. You remain yourself throughout — just a deeply relaxed, focused version of yourself.

Myth 2: You Fall Asleep or Lose Consciousness

This is false. Hypnosis is not sleep. The two states look similar from the outside — a person sitting quietly with their eyes closed — but what is happening internally is very different.

During sleep, your conscious awareness dims significantly. During hypnosis, your awareness actually increases. You enter a state of heightened focus and concentration, sometimes described as "focused attention" or "absorption." Your body is deeply relaxed, but your mind is alert and receptive.

Most clients report that they can hear every word I say during the session. They are aware of sounds in the room and outside. They could open their eyes at any moment. The state feels wonderfully relaxing, but it is not sleep and it is not unconsciousness.

You will remember what happens during your session. Some people recall every word; others remember the general themes but not every specific detail — similar to how you might remember the plot of a film but not every line of dialogue. Neither experience is better or worse; both indicate that the hypnosis was effective.

Occasionally, a client may drift into a very deep state of relaxation that borders on sleep. If this happens, I will gently bring them back to the optimal level of focus. Even in very deep states of relaxation, the subconscious mind continues to receive and process therapeutic suggestions.

Myth 3: You Can Get "Stuck" in Hypnosis

This is false. This is another myth that comes from dramatic portrayals in fiction, and it has absolutely no basis in reality.

It is physically impossible to get "stuck" in hypnosis. Hypnosis is a natural state that your brain enters and exits regularly throughout the day — when you daydream, become absorbed in music, or zone out during a familiar drive. Just as you always come out of a daydream, you will always come out of hypnosis.

If I were to leave the room mid-session (which would not happen, but hypothetically), one of two things would occur: you would either open your eyes naturally after a few moments, realising that the guidance had stopped, or you would drift into natural sleep and wake up normally a short time later. There is no mechanism by which hypnosis can become a permanent state.

In over thirty years of practice, this has never happened to any of my clients, and it has never been documented as occurring anywhere in the professional literature. It simply cannot happen.

Myth 4: Clinical Hypnotherapy Is the Same as Stage Hypnosis

This is false. This myth causes more misunderstanding about hypnotherapy than any other, and it is one I am particularly keen to address.

Stage hypnosis is entertainment. The performers — and they are performers, not therapists — select volunteers from the audience who are naturally extroverted, eager to participate, and highly responsive to social pressure. The "hypnosis" involved is largely a combination of social compliance (people doing what is expected of them in front of an audience), suggestion (the performer telling them what to do), and selection bias (choosing the most responsive participants). Many stage hypnosis acts involve no genuine hypnotic state at all.

Clinical hypnotherapy is entirely different. It is a therapeutic process conducted in a private, confidential, one-to-one setting. There is no audience, no performance, no entertainment value. The goal is therapeutic change — helping you overcome a problem, build a skill, or improve your wellbeing. The hypnotic state used in clinical work is gentle, respectful and always in service of your therapeutic goals.

I understand why the confusion exists — both use the word "hypnosis" — but the similarity effectively ends there. Comparing stage hypnosis to clinical hypnotherapy is rather like comparing a magic show to surgery: both involve someone doing things with their hands, but the purpose, context and standards could not be more different.

Myth 5: Only Weak-Minded People Can Be Hypnotised

This is false. In fact, the opposite is closer to the truth.

The qualities that make someone responsive to hypnosis are intelligence, imagination, the ability to concentrate, and a willingness to engage with the process. These are not characteristics of weak-mindedness — they are characteristics of a capable, active mind.

Research consistently shows that people with higher levels of intelligence, creativity and focus tend to be more responsive to hypnosis, not less. This makes sense when you understand that hypnosis is essentially a state of focused concentration — a skill that requires mental engagement, not mental passivity.

People who struggle with hypnosis tend to be those who find it difficult to relax, who resist the process, or who are attending against their wishes. This has nothing to do with intelligence and everything to do with willingness and engagement.

In my experience, almost everyone can be hypnotised to some degree. The depth of the hypnotic state varies between individuals, but even a light state of hypnosis can be therapeutically beneficial. If you can concentrate on a book, become absorbed in a film, or lose yourself in a daydream, you can experience hypnosis.

Myth 6: The Therapist Can Access Your Secrets

This is false. During hypnosis, you do not suddenly lose the ability to choose what you do and do not share. Your privacy and your boundaries remain entirely intact.

Hypnosis does not create a state in which you involuntarily reveal hidden thoughts, memories or secrets. You remain in complete control of what you say, and you can choose to share as much or as little as you wish. If I were to ask you a question during hypnosis, you would have exactly the same freedom to answer, deflect or decline as you would in normal conversation.

Some clients worry that under hypnosis they might accidentally reveal something embarrassing or personal. This does not happen. Your subconscious mind's protective mechanisms remain fully active during hypnosis, and they will not allow you to share anything you are not comfortable sharing.

Confidentiality is also a fundamental principle of my practice. Everything discussed during our sessions is completely confidential, whether shared during hypnosis or in our preliminary conversation. I am bound by the codes of ethics of the NCH, NGH and GHR, all of which have strict confidentiality requirements.

Myth 7: Hypnotherapy Is Not a Real Therapy

This is false. Hypnotherapy is a well-established, professionally recognised therapeutic approach with a substantial body of supporting evidence.

The NHS uses hypnotherapy within clinical settings, particularly for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and pain management. NICE has acknowledged research supporting hypnotherapy for IBS. NHS hospitals in several parts of the UK have incorporated clinical hypnosis into their pain management and gastroenterology services.

Hypnotherapy is recognised by major professional bodies including the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH), the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR) and the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH). These organisations maintain registers of qualified practitioners, uphold training standards, and provide regulatory oversight.

The University of Iowa's comprehensive analysis of 48 studies covering more than 6,000 smokers found that hypnosis was one of the most effective methods for smoking cessation, as reported in New Scientist in October 1992.

Hypnotherapy has been used therapeutically for well over a century. The British Medical Association formally recognised its therapeutic potential as far back as 1955. It is practised worldwide by trained professionals, used in hospital settings, and continues to be the subject of ongoing research.

Dismissing hypnotherapy as "not real" is simply not consistent with the evidence.

When Hypnotherapy May Not Be Suitable

While hypnotherapy is safe for the vast majority of people, there are some circumstances in which it may not be the most appropriate approach.

Certain Mental Health Conditions

Hypnotherapy should generally not be used as a standalone treatment for serious psychiatric conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. These conditions require specialist medical supervision, and hypnotherapy may be contraindicated or should only be used with the explicit agreement of the client's psychiatrist or GP.

If you have a diagnosed mental health condition, please mention this when we first speak. I will give you an honest assessment of whether hypnotherapy is appropriate for your situation, and if I believe you would be better served by a different type of support, I will tell you so.

Epilepsy

People with certain types of epilepsy should discuss hypnotherapy with their GP or specialist before proceeding. In most cases, hypnotherapy can still be used safely, but it is important to have medical guidance.

Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

Hypnotherapy should not be conducted when a client is under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs, as these substances impair the ability to engage meaningfully with the therapeutic process.

Unwillingness to Participate

Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process. If someone is attending purely because they have been pressured by someone else and has no personal motivation to engage, the session is unlikely to be productive. This is not a safety concern, but rather a question of effectiveness.

How to Ensure Your Safety: Choose a Registered Practitioner

The most important step you can take to ensure your safety is to choose a properly qualified, registered hypnotherapist. Here is what to look for.

Professional Registration

Check that your therapist is registered with a recognised professional body. The main UK bodies are the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) and the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR). The National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) is the leading international body. Registration means the therapist has met specific training requirements, adheres to a code of ethics, carries professional insurance, and is subject to a complaints procedure.

I am registered with all three — the NCH, GHR and NGH — and I hold qualifications including BA Hons, Dip CAH, MasterNLP, PEFT and CI. I am also a Certified Trainer in both Hypnotherapy and EFT.

Training and Qualifications

Ask about your therapist's training. Reputable hypnotherapy training involves substantial face-to-face instruction, supervised practice, and rigorous assessment. Be cautious of practitioners whose sole training consists of brief online courses.

Experience

There is no substitute for experience. A therapist who has been practising for many years and has worked with a wide range of clients will have the skill and judgement to handle any situation that arises during a session.

Transparent Communication

A good therapist will answer your questions openly, explain the process clearly, and never make guarantees or claims that seem too good to be true. They will be honest about what hypnotherapy can and cannot achieve.

A Comfortable Environment

Whether your session takes place in person or online, you should feel comfortable, safe and respected. The therapist's practice should be clean, private and professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hypnotherapy make my condition worse?

When practised by a qualified, registered therapist, hypnotherapy does not make conditions worse. Occasionally, a client may feel temporarily emotionally stirred up after a session, particularly if we have addressed something significant. This is a normal part of the therapeutic process and typically settles within a day or two. I am always available by phone between sessions if you need reassurance.

Is hypnotherapy safe during pregnancy?

Hypnotherapy is generally considered safe during pregnancy and is often used specifically to support pregnant women — for example, through hypnobirthing techniques, managing pregnancy-related anxiety, or addressing nausea. If you have any specific pregnancy-related health concerns, please discuss them with your midwife or obstetrician.

Is hypnotherapy safe for children?

Yes. I work with children from age six, and hypnotherapy is a gentle, safe approach for young people. Children often respond particularly well because they are naturally imaginative and open to the experience. Sessions for children are adapted to their age and attention span.

What if I have a panic attack during hypnosis?

This is extremely rare, but if it were to happen, I would gently guide you out of the hypnotic state and we would work through the experience together. My thirty years of clinical experience mean I am well-equipped to handle any response that occurs during a session. You are always safe in my care.

Can anyone practise hypnotherapy?

Unfortunately, hypnotherapy is not currently a legally regulated profession in the UK, which means that technically anyone can call themselves a hypnotherapist. This is precisely why checking your therapist's registration with a recognised professional body is so important. Bodies like the NCH, GHR and NGH maintain standards that protect the public.

Are there any side effects?

Clinical hypnotherapy has no harmful side effects. The most common experience after a session is feeling deeply relaxed and calm. Some people feel energised, others feel pleasantly sleepy. All of these are normal and positive responses.

How is your practice regulated?

I am registered with the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH), the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) and the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR). These bodies require me to maintain professional standards, carry insurance, participate in continuing professional development, and adhere to strict codes of ethics. You can verify my registration directly with these organisations.

The Bottom Line

Hypnotherapy is safe. It has been practised therapeutically for well over a century, it is recognised by the NHS and multiple professional bodies, and it has an excellent safety record. You remain fully in control throughout every session, you cannot get stuck, your secrets are safe, and it bears almost no resemblance to stage hypnosis.

The key to a safe and effective experience is choosing a properly qualified, experienced, registered practitioner. If you have any remaining questions or concerns about safety, I am always happy to discuss them with you — either before or during your first session.

You can learn more about me and my qualifications, read through my frequently asked questions, or get in touch via my contact page.