What Happens to a Person When They Are Hypnotised?

When people first think about hypnosis, they often picture stage shows, swinging watches, or someone being “under a spell.” It’s no wonder you might feel curious, or even cautious, about what really happens in a professional hypnosis session.

The truth is simpler and something that is being kept from us. Hypnosis isn’t about losing control. It’s about entering a natural state of focused awareness that is familiar to us, in a way that enables us to take control of our own choices and decisions. It’s learning how not to be controlled by people and situations around us!

The Science Behind Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a shift in how your brain focuses its attention and responds to suggestion. Under brain scans, researchers see changes in activity in the following areas:

1. Focus and attention (the anterior cingulate cortex).
2. Self-reflection and mind wandering (the default mode network).
3. Emotional regulation (the amygdala)

In hypnosis, your brain shows activity similar to when you’re absorbed in a book or film: fully engaged, yet relaxed and open. You’re not asleep. You’re not unconscious. You’re in a state where the critical, analysing part of your mind takes a step back, and the part that’s creative and responsive comes forward.

What It Feels Like

People often describe hypnosis as:

• A deep sense of calm, like just before falling asleep
• A quietening of the “chatter” in their mind
• Being more absorbed in words or images
• A heightened sense of imagination or visualisation
• Some feel their body grow heavy and still, others feel light and floaty. Some notice every word, others drift in and out.

All of these are normal.

The key point? You remain aware, and you can always choose to stop or shift your attention.

What Happens in a Session

A professional hypnosis session usually involves:

• Conversation — understanding what you want to change.
• Guided induction — relaxing your body and focusing your mind.
• Suggestion or imagery — using words, stories, or visualisations that support your goals (e.g. letting go of anxiety, building confidence, or changing habits).
• Reorientation — gently returning to full alertness, often with a sense of clarity or calm.
• It’s a collaborative process—you’re not being “done to.” You’re participating in your own change.

Why Hypnosis Works

When you’re in hypnosis, your brain is more receptive to new patterns. That means habits, thoughts, and responses you want to change can shift more easily. By working directly with the subconscious, hypnosis helps align what you know you want (to be calmer, healthier, more focused) with how you actually feel and act.

So, What Happens When You’re Hypnotised?

You enter a safe, natural state of focused awareness. Your body relaxes, your mind opens, and you access a space where meaningful change becomes possible.

It isn’t about being out of control. It’s about stepping into a state where you can take back control—calmly, effectively, and with lasting impact.

Curious to try it for yourself?

I offer private online hypnosis sessions designed to make the process simple, safe, and tailored to you.

Contact me to find out more.