What Happens to Your Brain During Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is often described as a state of focused attention, increased absorption and relaxation. It is not the same as being unconscious or asleep.
During hypnosis, you may become particularly absorbed in the therapist's voice, your imagination, physical sensations or particular thoughts and ideas. Everyday distractions can become less important as your attention becomes more focused.
Research into hypnosis suggests that hypnotic states can involve changes in attention, perception and the way information is processed. However, hypnosis should not be described as switching off a particular part of the brain or putting you into a mysterious “subconscious state”.
You remain capable of thinking, communicating and responding throughout the process.
In hypnotherapy, this focused state can be used therapeutically to explore emotional patterns, rehearse new responses, strengthen useful beliefs and support behavioural change.
The experience can vary considerably between people. Some may feel deeply relaxed, while others simply notice that their attention has become unusually focused.