How Does It Feel to Be Hypnotised?

If you’re curious about hypnosis but feeling a little apprehensive, you’re not alone. Many people wonder, what does it actually feel like to be hypnotised? Is it like sleep, meditation, or just a weird, zoned-out state where you won’t fear anything and come back into the room completely oblivious to what’s happened.  

Spoiler alert: it’s different for everyone. In this blog, I’ll take you through what hypnosis feels like, why it works differently for each person, and how you can experience it for yourself.

What Is Hypnosis?

Let’s start with the basics. Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility. It’s not magic or mind control—your brain is still fully in charge. You might feel deeply relaxed, or you could remain quite alert, simply noticing a shift in how you focus. Think of it as the sweet spot between being awake and asleep, but still fully aware of your surroundings.

The Different Depths of Hypnosis

Not all hypnosis feels the same, and that’s where Dave Elman’s model of hypnotic depth comes in. Hypnosis ranges from light trance (where you’re just a little more relaxed than usual) to deep trance (where you may feel as though your body has completely disappeared). Here’s a quick breakdown:

Light Hypnosis: Similar to daydreaming. You might feel slightly detached but still very aware.

Medium Hypnosis: Relaxation deepens, and you may notice a feeling of heaviness or lightness. This is where most therapeutic work happens.

Deep Hypnosis (Somnambulism): You might feel as though you’re floating or in a dream-like state. Some people lose track of time or have little memory of the session (don’t worry, that’s normal!).

Not everyone reaches deep levels, and that’s perfectly fine. The effectiveness of hypnosis doesn’t rely on depth—it’s more about how receptive you are to suggestions.  Being receptive isn’t about being “weak willed” which is what some people think. 

I’ve lost count of the number of times people have said “I’ve quite strong minded, I’m not sure you can hypnotise me”. It’s more about whether you WANT to be hypnotised and the intention that underpins the sessions you attend.

How Hypnotisable Are You?

Believe it or not, some people are naturally more hypnotisable than others. This doesn’t mean hypnosis won’t work for you—it just means your experience may vary.

A fascinating way to measure hypnotisability is the Spiegel Eye-Roll Test, which assesses how easily your eyes roll upwards when you close your eyelids. It’s not the final word, but it’s a good indicator of how readily someone might enter a trance.

Common Blocks to Hypnosis

One of the biggest hurdles to experiencing hypnosis is apprehension. If you’re nervous about “letting go” or worry about losing control, you may find it harder to relax.

I often find that as sessions go on, and people feel more relaxed with the experience, and with me, they go deeper.  This tells me that it’s all about choice, you choose just how deeply you wish to go.

 Here are a few common concerns: 

Fear of Being Out of Control: You’re always in control during hypnosis—you can talk, laugh, or even open your eyes if you choose.

Difficulty Relaxing: If your mind is racing, that’s okay. Hypnosis doesn’t require you to be completely still or “silent” in your head.

Fear of Doing It Wrong: There’s no such thing as doing hypnosis “wrong.” Your experience is unique to you.

The key to a deeper trance is trust—trust in the process, the therapist, and yourself. The more comfortable you feel, the more likely you are to relax and go deeper. 

Talking During Hypnosis

One myth about hypnosis is that you’ll be lying there like a statue. Actually, you may talk during the session! Many people answer questions or describe what they’re feeling. This helps the therapist guide you through the process and tailor suggestions to your needs. 

What Does Hypnosis Feel Like?

So, what can you expect? Here are a few common sensations people report: 

• A sense of calm or peacefulness
• Feeling heavy or light, as though you’re floating
• Losing track of time—what feels like 10 minutes could be an hour
• Heightened focus on one thought or feeling
• A sense of detachment from your body, as though you’re watching yourself from the outside
• Thoughts may be drifting a bit like daydreaming
• Some people can also feel a sense of anticipation if it's the first time they have done it.  The trick is not to try to go into hypnosis, but to sit back and enjoy it

But remember, your experience is unique. You might feel deeply relaxed or just mildly calmer than usual, and both are valid.

Want to Experience Hypnosis for Yourself?

If you’re ready to explore hypnosis and see how it feels for you, there are a few ways to get started: 

Book a Session: Let’s explore what hypnosis can do for you in a safe, professional environment.

Schedule a Clarity Call: If you’re unsure, we can chat about what to expect and how hypnosis might help you.

Listen to an Audio: Try a short, guided hypnosis track to dip your toes into the experience.

Hypnosis isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you feel deeply hypnotised or lightly relaxed, the process can open the door to lasting change in a way that’s uniquely yours.

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