In short: Solution-focused hypnotherapy is a talking therapy that combines solution-focused conversation, which concentrates on your goals and what is already working, with hypnosis, a relaxed state of focused attention. You stay aware and in control throughout and can stop at any time. It is a complementary therapy: research evidence for hypnotherapy is mixed and strongest for a small number of uses, and hypnotherapists are not regulated by law in the UK, so it is worth choosing a practitioner on an accredited register.

What is solution-focused hypnotherapy?

Solution-focused hypnotherapy brings together two approaches:

Solution-focused brief therapy – a conversation-based approach that spends less time analysing problems and more time on what you want to be different, your strengths, and small steps that move you towards your goals.
Hypnosis – a calm, focused state, similar to being absorbed in a book or daydream, during which the therapist uses relaxation and agreed, positive suggestions to reinforce the ideas you have discussed.

Sessions usually start with conversation about your week and your goals, followed by a period of relaxation. It does not require you to revisit past events in detail unless you want to.

Do you lose control under hypnosis?

No. A common myth, helped by stage shows and films, is that a hypnotist takes over your mind. In a therapeutic setting:

you remain aware of what is happening and can hear everything
you cannot be made to do or say anything you do not want to
you can open your eyes and end the relaxation at any time
suggestions are based on goals you have agreed with the therapist

The aim of the solution-focused approach is to help you recognise and build on your own resources, rather than having someone else "fix" things for you.

How is a session structured?

Initial consultation: you talk about what you would like to change, relevant health history, and whether this approach suits you.
Goal-setting: you describe what life would look like if things were better, and what small signs would show progress.
Solution-focused conversation: questions that help you notice what has gone well and identify next steps.
Relaxation and hypnosis: a guided, relaxed state to reinforce the session's themes.
Review: progress is reviewed at each session, and the number of sessions is agreed with you.

What can hypnotherapy help with, and what does the evidence say?

People often seek hypnotherapy for stress, worry, low confidence, sleep difficulties, habits they want to change or phobias. It is important to be realistic about the evidence:

NICE guidance on irritable bowel syndrome includes hypnotherapy as one of the psychological options that can be considered for people whose symptoms have not improved after 12 months of medicines.
For many other uses, studies are smaller or of variable quality, so the evidence is limited or inconclusive.
Solution-focused hypnotherapy as a specific combined approach has been studied less than either of its component parts.

Hypnotherapy is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric assessment. If you have a diagnosed mental health condition, or symptoms such as persistent low mood, panic attacks or thoughts of self-harm, speak to your GP, and use hypnotherapy, if at all, alongside appropriate care rather than instead of it. NICE-recommended talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are available through NHS Talking Therapies, and you can refer yourself in England.

Is hypnotherapy safe, and who should avoid it?

For most people, hypnotherapy with a properly trained practitioner is low risk. The NHS advises that it may not be suitable for people with schizophrenia or a history of psychosis, or with epilepsy. Always tell your therapist about any health conditions and medicines, and let your GP or mental health team know if you are having hypnotherapy.

How is hypnotherapy regulated in the UK?

Hypnotherapy is not a statutorily regulated profession in the UK, which means anyone can call themselves a hypnotherapist. To reduce risk:

choose a practitioner on a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA), such as the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
ask about their training, professional membership, insurance and supervision
check how they handle confidentiality and complaints
be cautious of anyone who promises guaranteed results or a set number of sessions to "cure" a problem

Frequently asked questions

How many sessions of solution-focused hypnotherapy will I need?

It varies from person to person and depends on your goals. Your therapist should discuss a likely number with you at the start and review progress regularly.

Can everyone be hypnotised?

People vary in how easily they relax into a hypnotic state. You do not need to feel "deeply" hypnotised to take part, and the conversation part of the session is an important element in its own right.

Is hypnotherapy available on the NHS?

Only rarely, for example for some people with irritable bowel syndrome when other treatments have not helped. Most people who choose hypnotherapy pay privately.

Is solution-focused hypnotherapy the same as CBT?

No. Both are goal-oriented and practical, but CBT works directly with thoughts and behaviours and has a much larger evidence base for conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Key takeaways

Solution-focused hypnotherapy combines goal-focused conversation with relaxation-based hypnosis.
You stay aware and in control throughout.
Evidence is strongest for a few uses, such as some cases of IBS, and limited for many others.
Hypnotherapists are not regulated by law; choose one on a PSA-accredited register.
It does not replace medical or psychological assessment and evidence-based treatments.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Would you like to find out whether solution-focused hypnotherapy is right for you? Read about our hypnotherapy service and arrange an initial chat with our in-house solution-focused hypnotherapist at Ready Health in Standish, near Wigan.