Hypnotherapy is a mind-body therapy that aims to guide the mind a certain way to help change specific thoughts, feelings, perceptions and behaviours.

Hypnotherapy tends to involve a particular goal and is helpful in providing relief and support to people with certain health problems, phobias or issues associated with confidence, when used alongside their own willpower and motivation.

What to expect

Typically, your hypnotherapist will discuss the goals and intentions you wish to achieve through hypnotherapy, asking about your health, lifestyle and previous medical history to determine the best approach for you.

Your hypnotherapist will then guide you into a hypnotic state, during which you will be conscious and in control, but the unconscious part of your mind is typically more receptive to accepting and acting on suggestions. During this state, long-lasting changes can begin to be made to your thoughts, feelings and behaviour. 

Benefits of hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy can be helpful in encouraging the behavioural change needed to stop smoking, change attitudes to weight, and enhance performance in areas such as sport or public speaking. It can also have a beneficial effect on a range of health conditions, improve sleep and help minor skin conditions that are made worse by stress or poor self-confidence.

The therapy has been used to relieve the side effects of certain medical treatments and to increase relaxation in preparation for surgery. Hypnotherapy can be used to release past trauma and facilitate an unconscious learning process to deal with anxieties, fears and phobias, improving self-esteem and promoting well-being. 

To read more about the potential benefits hypnotherapy has to offer as a form of complementary healthcare

Hypnotherapy should not be used in place of conventional medical care. Always consult a GP or other health professional for medical attention and advice.

Choosing a therapist

It is important to choose a qualified hypnotherapist who has undertaken the necessary training to understand the theory and practice of this technique. 

In order for a qualification to be accepted for FHT membership and to the FHT Complementary Healthcare Therapist Register, it must meet the following criteria:


Skills for Health National Occupational Standards: 

  • CNH1 Explore and establish the client’s needs for complementary and natural healthcare
  • CNH2 Develop and agree plans for complementary and natural healthcare with clients
  • CNH23 Provide Hypnotherapy to Clients

Core Curriculum

All qualifications related to the FHT’s Register modalities must be reviewed by the FHT Education Panel. The qualification is reviewed by an expert in that particular therapy prior to the registrant being accepted to the FHT Complementary Healthcare Therapist Register.

Training Required

Practical led and observed training to Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Level 3 equivalent or above. This will ensure the course is mapped to the above standards.

By choosing a hypnotherapist who is an FHT member, you can be confident that they are professionally trained, qualified and insured. They will also be listed on our Complementary Healthcare Therapist Register, as hypnotherapy is considered a form of complementary healthcare. 

To check that an FHT member is on the Complementary Healthcare Therapist Register
