Am I asleep or in a trance during hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of “relaxed awareness.” There are three different states of hypnosis. In a “light state”, you consciously hear everything I’m saying. In a “medium state”, which is the most common, you may find yourself daydreaming during hypnosis. You’ll hear me say certain things, then you’ll daydream, then you’ll bring yourself back to what I’m saying, and so on. In a “deep state”, you don’t hear much of the hypnosis on a conscious level, but your subconscious mind hears everything. Hypnosis works just as well no matter what state of relaxation you are in. It varies, too. Sometimes you may be in a light state, and other times you may be in a deep state or a medium state.

When you go into hypnosis, it feels very similar to the first few minutes when you are falling asleep. You will know that you’re in my office, but are just listening to me in a very relaxed state. You probably won’t want to open your eyes or move, but you know that you could if you wanted to. You are always in complete control during hypnosis.

Amy Bernstein

Amy Bernstein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Hypnotherapist. She trained through the American Institute of Hypnosis and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the National Guild of Hypnotists. Amy has a BA in communication from NC State University and a BS in social work from UNC-Greensboro. She earned her Master of Social Work degree at the University of South Carolina. She is a Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist with almost 20 years of experience.