Hypnosis & Self Hypnosis: Guide by a UK Clinical Hypnotherapist
- Sharon Shinwell

- Nov 10, 2025
- 3 min read

After more than two decades in clinical practice, I’ve seen how hypnosis can help people make steady, lasting changes. This post gives a clear outline of the main areas people often ask about, and you’ll find links throughout to more detailed articles on each subject if you want to explore them further.
What Hypnosis Involves and How It Works
Hypnosis is a calm, focused state where the mind becomes more receptive to helpful suggestions. You remain aware, comfortable, and fully in control. It aims to shift unhelpful patterns and ease thoughts or reactions that may be holding you back.
Many people describe it as a “mental reset”—a chance to quieten the noise and access a clearer inner space where change feels more achievable. How it works
Hypnosis for Weight Loss and Eating Habits
Weight-related issues are a common reason people seek hypnosis. Stress, routine, and emotional triggers can all affect eating habits. Hypnosis can help you respond differently to these cues and develop steadier approaches around food.
Gastric band hypnosis appeals to those wanting an internal shift in how they experience hunger and fullness without surgery. It isn’t a medical treatment, but it can be useful for people looking for a different route.
Hypnosis for Anxiety and Confidence
Anxiety and confidence concerns influence many areas of everyday life. Hypnosis can help calm the mind, reduce inner tension, and soften negative thought patterns. This can make social, work, or personal situations easier to manage.
Confidence work focuses on strengthening your internal dialogue, changing how you process setbacks, and developing a steadier sense of self.
Hypnosis for Stopping Smoking
People often turn to hypnosis when they want to quit smoking but feel trapped by old habits or stress triggers. Hypnosis helps weaken the link between those triggers and the automatic urge to smoke, giving you space to choose a different response.
For those who have tried several approaches, hypnosis can feel more aligned with personal motivation.
Self-Hypnosis and At-Home Practice
Self-hypnosis is popular with people who want support they can access privately. Recordings guide you into a relaxed state, give clear direction, and can be repeated whenever you need them. This helps build a steady routine that supports long-term change.
I’ve created a range of self-hypnosis downloads for people who prefer this approach. If you’re new to self-hypnosis, you can try my free introductory session here:.
Final Thoughts on Hypnosis and Well-Being
Hypnosis offers a calm, practical way to approach many common challenges. Whether your goal is habit change, easing tension, building confidence, or feeling more balanced, hypnosis provides tools that fit naturally into daily life.
When you’re ready to explore further, you’ll find my self-hypnosis downloads here:
FAQ About Hypnosis
What is hypnosis in simple terms?
Hypnosis is a relaxed, focused state where your mind becomes more open to helpful suggestions. You remain in control at all times.
Can anyone be hypnotised?
Most people can enter a light to medium hypnotic state. The key factor is willingness to follow the guidance.
Is hypnosis safe?
Yes. When used by a trained professional or through reputable recordings, hypnosis is a safe method for supporting personal change.
What does hypnosis feel like?
People often describe it as feeling deeply relaxed, similar to daydreaming. You stay aware of your surroundings, just more focused inwardly.
Can hypnosis help with weight loss?
Hypnosis can support healthier choices by reducing emotional eating triggers, easing stress responses, and encouraging clearer routines around food.
Can hypnosis help with anxiety?
It can help calm the mind, lessen negative thinking patterns, and promote a more settled internal state.
Is self-hypnosis effective?
Yes. Many people find self-hypnosis recordings helpful because they can practice regularly, repeat sessions, and make it part of their routine.
How many sessions do you need?
This varies by person and goal. Some notice change after one or two sessions, while others prefer ongoing support which is where having a self-hypnosis download to hand comes into its own.
Can hypnosis help you quit smoking?
Hypnosis can help break the link between triggers and the automatic urge to smoke, making it easier to choose a different response.
Are you asleep during hypnosis?
No. You remain aware and responsive. It’s a relaxed state, not sleep.


