When you hear the word “hypnosis,” what comes to mind? For many, it’s a stage show or a movie scene where someone’s swinging a watch and taking control of another person’s mind. But clinical hypnosis couldn’t be more different. In reality, it’s a research-supported therapeutic tool used by licensed health professionals to help individuals tap into their own strengths and inner resources.
Clinical hypnosis can be used to address a wide range of mental and physical health concerns, and even help enhance performance. I use hypnosis in my practice both as a standalone tool and integrated into psychotherapy, supporting my clients in areas like chronic illness, stress, anxiety, trauma, and sports or performance goals. So, let’s talk about what it really is, how it works, and why it can be such a powerful tool.
What Is Clinical Hypnosis?
At its core, clinical hypnosis involves a focused state of awareness and concentration, often accompanied by deep relaxation. It’s a natural state of mind that we all experience from time to time—like when you’re so absorbed in a task or a movie that you lose track of time. In a clinical setting, this state is guided intentionally to help support specific goals, whether related to health, emotional well-being, or performance.
As a clinician trained in Level 1 Clinical Hypnosis through the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), I use evidence-based approaches grounded in neuroscience and psychology. One of the unique aspects of ASCH training is that all certified practitioners must be licensed healthcare professionals—holding, at a minimum, a master’s degree in a relevant health field. This ensures that hypnosis is practiced within the context of ethical, informed clinical care.
Unlike general relaxation therapies, clinical hypnosis helps you focus deeply on what matters most to you—while reducing distraction from outside or unimportant stimuli. With practice, this focused state becomes deeper, making you more receptive to the guided suggestions that support the positive changes you’re working on in therapy.
Importantly, hypnosis is never about “mind control.” It’s a collaborative process—you are always in control, and your experience is shaped by your goals, needs, and comfort level.
How Can Hypnosis Help?
Clinical hypnosis can be a valuable approach for both mental and physical health concerns, as well as for performance-related goals. Some of the areas where it’s been particularly effective include:
Mental Health:
- * Anxiety and stress
- * Trauma response
- * Phobias and fears
- * Sleep difficulties
Physical Health:
- * Chronic pain (e.g., fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines)
- * Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- * Preparation for and recovery from medical procedures or surgery
- * Support in managing chronic conditions like cardiovascular or pulmonary illness
Sports and Performance:
- * Enhancing focus and mental preparation
- * Managing performance anxiety
- * Visualization and confidence-building techniques
- * Recovery and resilience
Hypnosis taps into the mind-body connection, making it especially useful for conditions that involve both physical symptoms and emotional components. It aligns beautifully with my practice’s holistic approach—treating the whole person and integrating both physical and psychological well-being.
How I Use Hypnosis in Therapy
In my work, hypnosis is never a one-size-fits-all tool. It can be used as a standalone intervention, or I may integrate it into our ongoing psychotherapy sessions depending on your needs and goals, and of course, your interest in utilizing it. Whether we’re working through a health concern, stress, or a performance challenge, hypnosis can help you access a calmer, more focused state and develop new strategies for change.
For example, someone navigating chronic illness might use hypnosis for pain management or stress reduction. An athlete might benefit from mental rehearsal or grounding techniques before competition. The process is highly personalized and always rooted in a strong therapeutic relationship.
What to Expect in a Hypnosis Session
First and foremost, hypnosis is safe, collaborative, and always done with your full awareness and consent. Every session is based on the changes you are seeking. Here’s what you can generally expect:
- * We’ll talk about your goals and determine whether hypnosis might be a helpful approach.
- * I’ll guide you into a relaxed, focused state—this may include breathing techniques, guided imagery, or other methods tailored to you.
- * You’ll remain aware and in control throughout the session.
- * We’ll work with your thoughts, sensations, and imagery to support change, relief, or performance enhancement.
Sessions are always paced according to your comfort, and I’ll guide you through the process step by step. Practicing between sessions is an important part of building skills and progress—it’s often recommended as “homework,” just like other therapeutic strategies we might use together.
Why Work With a Clinician-Trained Hypnosis Practitioner?
It’s important to know that not all hypnosis training is the same. As someone trained through the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, I bring a depth of clinical expertise and ethical responsibility to this work. ASCH ensures that all members are licensed healthcare professionals, meaning we are trained not just in hypnosis techniques, but in overall mental and physical health care.
That’s especially important if you’re dealing with a chronic condition, mental health concern, or a complex history—you want someone who understands the full picture.
Interested in Exploring Hypnosis?
Whether you’re struggling with pain or stress, navigating health changes, or looking to unlock your full potential in performance or daily life, hypnosis can be a powerful and effective tool. If you’re curious about how it might fit into your therapy journey, I’d be happy to talk with you more.
Feel free to reach out for a consultation—let’s explore how this mind-body approach can support your goals and well-being.
For more information or to schedule a free 15-minute virtual consultation, visit my website at evaserber.com. You may also connect with me by email: DrEva@evaserber.com, or phone: 843-564-3930.
Today prepares you for tomorrow. Anything of value requires ongoing, consistent effort.
– Eva Serber, PhD, LLC
