How Hypnotherapy Works: The Science Behind Subconscious Healing

Why Hypnotherapy Works: The Science Behind It

Marc Cooper Hypnosis Blog Post

(Note: The following is a hypothetical conversation between a hypnotherapist and a skeptical client to illustrate the concepts and science behind hypnotherapy.)

Client: "Okay, Marc, I have to be honest. I’m skeptical. I’ve heard about hypnotherapy, but how can it possibly work? It seems... mystical, almost like magic."

Me: "I totally understand where you’re coming from. I had the same thoughts before I dove deep into it myself. It’s easy to think of hypnosis as some form of mind control or stage trickery, but that’s really far from the truth. What if I told you that hypnotherapy is based on solid science? And, more importantly, that it taps into your brain’s natural ability to heal, reduce stress, and find peace?"

Client: "Solid science, you say? I don’t mean to sound rude, but isn’t it just... relaxation with fancy words?"

Me: "I hear you! Hypnotherapy does involve deep relaxation, but it’s so much more than that. Let’s start with something we both can agree on: your mind is incredibly powerful, right?"

Client: "Yes, of course."

Me: "Exactly. Your brain is constantly processing, storing, and recalling information. It keeps track of your habits, emotions, and reactions. Think about when you’ve been driving and suddenly realize you’ve been on autopilot, not even conscious of how you got from point A to point B. That’s your subconscious mind at work. It handles a huge amount of information without you even being aware of it."

Client: "Yeah, that’s happened to me before. It’s weird when you think about it."

Me: "It is, right? But here’s the thing: hypnotherapy allows us to access that subconscious part of the brain—the part that’s always working behind the scenes. This is where your deeply ingrained habits, emotional responses, and beliefs live. We can’t easily reach it when we’re in our regular, alert state because we’re too focused on the conscious mind—what’s right in front of us. Hypnotherapy helps bypass that filter."

Client: "So, you’re saying hypnotherapy is about reaching my subconscious? What does that even do?"

Me: "Think of your subconscious as the storage unit for all your past experiences, memories, and emotional responses. It’s where certain beliefs or automatic reactions come from—like if you’ve always felt nervous in social situations, or if you have an overwhelming sense of loss that doesn’t seem to heal. By gently accessing that part of your mind, we can work together to reframe or release those old patterns. It’s not about forcing you to do anything—it’s about giving your mind the space to make new connections, new associations, and ultimately, heal."

Client: "I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. Why can’t I just talk through these issues or think positively to fix them?"

Me: "I get it. We’ve been taught that we can ‘think’ our way out of anything. And talking things through—like in traditional therapy—can be really helpful. But here’s where hypnotherapy is different. Sometimes, no matter how much we want to change or heal, our subconscious mind holds on to old programming. That’s why you might feel like you’re stuck, even though consciously, you want to feel better. Positive thinking is powerful, but if there’s a deep-seated belief or trauma in your subconscious that contradicts it, the positive thinking doesn’t always stick."

Client: "So, hypnotherapy gets past those blocks? What’s happening in my brain when that happens?"

Me: "Great question. When we’re in a deeply relaxed state, like during hypnosis, our brain waves actually shift. Normally, we operate in a state called beta—alert, thinking, problem-solving. But in hypnosis, we move into alpha and theta brain waves. These are the same brain waves that are present during deep meditation or just before we fall asleep. In these states, the subconscious mind becomes more accessible, and we’re able to introduce new, healthier patterns."

Client: "Hmm. So it’s like a meditative state, but with a goal?"

Me: "Exactly! Hypnosis is like a guided meditation with a purpose. And the best part is, you’re in control the entire time. You’re not unconscious or unaware—your mind is just in a very relaxed, focused state, ready to receive the suggestions that we discuss beforehand. This is where we can plant seeds for change—whether that’s releasing grief, overcoming anxiety, or simply finding calm after a difficult experience."

Client: "I’ve heard people can be made to do strange things under hypnosis. Is that what you’re doing? Controlling my mind?"

Me: "I love that question because it’s one of the biggest misconceptions out there. No, I can’t control your mind. Hypnotherapy isn’t mind control at all—it’s a partnership. You have the power the entire time. I’m simply guiding you into that relaxed state where we can work together on the things you’ve already agreed you want to address. If you don’t want to go along with a suggestion, your mind will simply reject it. You’re always in control of what happens."

Client: "Okay, I guess that makes sense. But is there any proof that it works?"

Me: "Yes, actually. There have been numerous scientific studies that support hypnotherapy’s effectiveness. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis showed that hypnotherapy helped significantly reduce anxiety in participants. Other studies have demonstrated its effectiveness for chronic pain management, trauma recovery, and even overcoming habits like smoking. In fact, the American Psychological Association acknowledges hypnotherapy as a legitimate therapeutic technique."

Client: "Really? That’s interesting. I guess I thought it was more fringe."

Me: "It’s understandable—there’s a lot of outdated information out there. But more and more research is showing how powerful the mind-body connection is, and hypnotherapy is one of the tools that taps into that. When we relax deeply, we allow our body to calm the fight-or-flight response that’s often stuck in overdrive, especially when we’ve experienced stress, loss, or trauma. And when our body is calm, our mind becomes more open to healing. That’s the magic of hypnotherapy—it’s not about tricks, it’s about working with the natural rhythms of your brain to help you heal from the inside out."

Client: "Okay, that’s starting to click for me. But what’s the emotional aspect of it? How can it help with something like grief?"

Me: "Grief is one of the heaviest emotions we carry, and it can often feel like it has no end. When we’re grieving, our mind and body are in a constant state of stress, holding on to the pain, the memories, and sometimes even guilt. Hypnotherapy helps create a safe space to process that grief without getting overwhelmed by it. It allows us to gently explore the emotions, release the ones that are keeping us stuck, and find peace within. It’s not about ‘getting over’ loss, but about finding a way to carry the love without the unbearable weight of pain."

Client: "That sounds... really comforting, actually."

Me: "It is. It’s not an instant fix, but it’s a way to honor your emotions and allow your mind to heal at its own pace. Everyone’s journey is different, but the science behind hypnotherapy is solid. It’s about creating a space for healing that feels safe, compassionate, and guided. And as someone who’s been through loss myself, I can tell you that hypnotherapy was a key part of my own healing process after losing my dog, Blue. It helped me find calm in the storm of grief, and that’s something I’m deeply passionate about sharing with others."

Client: "I think I’m starting to see the value. Maybe it’s not as mystical as I thought."

Me: "It’s definitely not magic, but the results can feel pretty magical. And the best part is, the healing comes from within you. I’m just here to help guide the process."

In this blog, my hope is to offer not just an understanding of how hypnotherapy works but also to offer a sense of hope. I know how heavy things can feel, and if you’re reading this, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Whether it’s grief, anxiety, or stress—there’s a path forward, and I’d be honored to walk it with you. If you’re curious or even a little skeptical, that’s okay. Let’s have a conversation. Maybe, just maybe, this could be the key to unlocking the peace you’ve been searching for.