What Does Hypnosis Feel Like? What to Expect

For most people, hypnosis feels like deep, relaxed focus. You’re awake, you can hear what’s going on around you, and you stay in control the whole time. It’s closer to being absorbed in a good book or on a long drive than to being asleep. If you’re expecting something dramatic, it’s usually quieter than that.

At Joymind, hypnosis happens in live, one-on-one video sessions with a certified hypnotherapist, and Joymind has delivered more than 45,000 of them since 2021. Here’s what the experience is like, from going in to coming out.

What does hypnosis feel like?

Hypnosis feels like a relaxed, focused state of attention. Your body settles, your thinking slows down, and your attention narrows to your hypnotherapist’s voice and the images or ideas you’re working with. You’re still aware of where you are.

Michael Glock, PhD, co-founder of Joymind, describes the trance state this way:

“It’s actually a trance, and it is a quiet, deeply tranquil space in which the logical, rational part of your mind is attenuated down. It’s dialed down, and the presence in the present moment comes forward.”

In everyday terms, the part of you that analyzes and second-guesses steps back, and your attention rests more fully on what’s happening in the moment.

What happens as you go into hypnosis?

You begin fully awake, talking with your hypnotherapist about what you’d like to work on. Then they guide you into relaxation, usually by asking you to focus your attention and let your body settle. As Glock puts it:

“You start … fully awake. And then you slip into a light state of relaxation.”

From there, many hypnotherapists use a deepener, such as a slow count, to help you settle further. Each hypnotherapist has their own approach, so the exact words and pace vary. You don’t need to do anything special. Following the guidance is enough.

What do people notice during hypnosis?

Experiences vary, and there’s no right way for it to feel. People commonly mention:

• A heavy or light feeling in the arms, legs or whole body.
• A shift in their sense of time. A session can feel shorter or longer than it was.
• Being aware of sounds around them, which tend to fade into the background.
• Thoughts drifting in and out, the way they do when you daydream.
• Images, memories or feelings coming up, sometimes unexpectedly.
• Very little at all. Some people feel simply relaxed and wonder whether anything happened.

All of these are normal. How hypnosis feels doesn’t tell you how well a session is going.

Are you in control during hypnosis?

Yes. You stay aware and in control throughout, and you can speak, move or stop at any time. Hypnosis isn’t sleep, unconsciousness or mind control.

The idea that a hypnotist can take over comes mostly from stage shows. Stage hypnosis is entertainment that relies on volunteers who are willing to perform. Hypnotherapy is private, goal-directed and collaborative: you choose the goal, and your hypnotherapist works with you toward it. For more on the common myths, see Is Hypnosis Real? Myths And Facts.

Can you fall asleep during hypnosis?

You might drift close to sleep, especially if you’re tired, but hypnosis itself isn’t sleep. Your hypnotherapist’s voice keeps you engaged, and if you do doze off, they can bring you back. It helps to sit or recline comfortably rather than lying down as if to sleep. For more on setting up, see How to Prepare for an Online Hypnotherapy Session.

Will you remember the session?

Many people remember most of the session. Some parts can feel hazy afterwards, like the details of a daydream. Either way, every Joymind session is recorded, so you can listen again between sessions.

What does it feel like to come out of hypnosis?

At the end, your hypnotherapist guides you back to full alertness, often with a count. Glock describes the moment like this:

“I count you back one to seven to the ordinary world. You flutter your eyelids and you come back to the room.”

Many people describe feeling calm and clear-headed afterwards. Give yourself a few minutes before you go back to your day.

What if you don’t feel hypnotized?

That’s common, especially in the first session. Hypnosis often feels more ordinary than people expect, and some people expect to feel “under” in a way that never happens. If you’re unsure, tell your hypnotherapist. They can adjust their approach, and it often gets easier to settle with practice. For more, see Can Anyone Be Hypnotized?