When we think about trauma recovery, most people immediately think of talk therapy or, more recently, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). But another important, often misunderstood therapeutic tool is hypnosis.
While hypnosis may conjure up images of stage tricks or mind control, hypnotherapy is a well-researched method used by trained professionals to help clients process and heal from traumatic experiences. So what does healing trauma with hypnosis actually feel like?
First: What is hypnosis?
Let’s clear up a common misconception: being hypnotized doesn’t mean you’re unconscious or out of control. In reality, hypnosis is a state of deep, focused relaxation. Think of it like the state your mind enters right before you fall asleep, or when you're so absorbed in a book or movie that you lose track of time.
In this state, the conscious mind quiets down, and the subconscious becomes more accessible. This calm, open mental state allows your therapist to gently guide you through healing work in a way that feels safe.
A gradual, layered process
Much like EMDR, healing with hypnosis doesn’t happen in one dramatic session. People often expect that hypnosis will be like flipping a switch; after one or two sessions, suddenly the trauma is gone and you feel “cured.” But just like with EMDR, hypnosis typically involves a process of desensitizing the emotional charge around traumatic memories, reconnecting with your body, and allowing new insights to emerge over time.
Clients often describe the healing journey as unfolding in layers. At first, they may simply notice feeling calmer in situations that used to be triggering. Over time, they might find themselves responding with more self-compassion, or making choices from a place of empowerment rather than fear.
What it feels like in the moment
During a hypnotherapy session, your therapist will likely begin by helping you relax. You might focus on your breath, a calming visualization, or even a soothing metaphor. Once you’re in a trance state (meaning you’re awake and aware, just deeply relaxed), your therapist might guide you to revisit a memory or image related to the trauma, but in a safe, controlled way.
People often report feeling more observant than emotional. You might see a memory as if it’s on a screen, and it may feel distant or less intense than it did before. This distance can make it easier to process what happened without being overwhelmed by it.
Some clients experience shifts in their bodies. They may feel their muscles relax, have a sensation of “letting go,” or even warmth or tingling on the skin. Others describe a sense of clarity, or sudden connections being made: “Oh, that’s why I always react that way.” These are the moments that can be built on through therapy.
What changes you can expect over time
Healing trauma with hypnosis doesn’t always announce itself with a dramatic moment. Usually the changes are subtle and progress over several sessions. Clients frequently report:
feeling less reactive to old triggers
a reduction in anxiety and intrusive thoughts
improved sleep
a deeper connection to their body and emotions
greater self-trust
inner calm
a feeling of having “updated” the story they tell themselves about their trauma
These changes often happen without the client having to relive every painful detail. That’s one of the gifts of hypnosis: it works not only with words but with imagery, symbols, and emotion. This allows the therapy to make changes starting at the subconscious level up to your conscious life.
Is hypnosis right for you?
Hypnotherapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Some people are more responsive to hypnosis than others, and it tends to work best when there is a strong, trusting relationship with your therapist. Reach out to us today to find out more about how gay men’s therapy can integrate hypnosis. Together, we can access your inner world and rewire how trauma lives in your mind and body.