How to Know If You’re a Good Candidate for Hypnosis

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QUICK SUMMARY (TL;DR)

Most people (approximately 70-80%) can experience hypnosis to some degree. Good candidates typically share traits including openness to the experience, motivation for change, ability to focus attention, trust in their practitioner, and willingness to participate actively. Hypnosis is generally safe when conducted by qualified professionals, though individuals with severe psychiatric disorders like active psychosis or untreated schizophrenia should consult medical providers before attempting hypnosis. Even those with lower hypnotic responsiveness may benefit from certain applications.

This article provides general information only and is not medical advice. Hypnosis should be performed by licensed healthcare professionals trained in clinical hypnosis. Consult your healthcare provider before pursuing hypnotherapy, especially if you have mental health conditions or medical concerns. The information here does not replace professional medical evaluation or treatment.

1. Understanding Hypnosis and Hypnotizability

According to the American Psychological Association Division 30 (Elkins et al., 2015), hypnosis is defined as a state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion. This definition was developed through consensus of leading researchers and clinicians in the field.

Hypnotherapy is a heightened state of concentration and focused attention guided by a trained, certified hypnotist or hypnotherapist, allowing you to be more open to suggestions about making healthful changes (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).

What is Hypnotizability?

Hypnotizability refers to an individual’s ability to experience suggested alterations in physiology, sensations, emotions, thoughts or behavior during hypnosis (Elkins et al., 2015; Weitzenhoffer & Hilgard, 1962). This capacity varies significantly among individuals and is considered a relatively stable trait across the lifespan.

Research indicates that hypnotizability is roughly normally distributed in the adult population, with approximately 10-15% of people showing low responsiveness, 15-20% demonstrating high responsiveness, and the majority (65-75%) falling in the moderate range (Hilgard, 1965; Elkins, 2014, 2021). Standard hypnotizability scales classify the general population into highly hypnotizable (highs), medium (mediums), and low hypnotizable persons (lows) according to total scores or specific scale items passed (Malloggi & Santarcangelo, 2023).

Importantly, even individuals with lower measured responsiveness may still benefit from hypnotherapy for specific applications such as procedural anxiety, relaxation training, or educational components of treatment (Elkins, 2021).

2. Core Traits of Good Candidates

Research and clinical experience have identified several characteristics that correlate with successful hypnotherapy outcomes. While no single trait is absolutely required, individuals who possess more of these qualities tend to respond better to hypnotic interventions.

Openness and Willingness

Individuals who approach hypnosis with curiosity and openness rather than rigid skepticism tend to respond better (Lynn & Kirsch, 2006). While mild doubt is normal and doesn’t prevent success, strong resistance or unwillingness to participate can reduce effectiveness.

Before a patient begins hypnotherapy, a full mental health evaluation is completed and treatment goals are set with the client (American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, 2023). Success depends significantly on the individual’s collaborative approach to the process.

The personality trait of “absorption”—the capacity to become deeply immersed in experiences—has been consistently linked to hypnotic responsiveness (Tellegen & Atkinson, 1974). This doesn’t require special abilities; it refers to the natural tendency some people have to become engrossed in activities. Contemporary multivariate research confirms that absorption, along with expectancies and motivation, accounts for meaningful variance in hypnotic responsiveness (Green et al., 2020).

Motivation for Change

A positive desire by an individual is central to treatment success, as the therapist acts as a facilitator helping a motivated individual toward desired behavioral modification (Hammond, 1990). The strength of your motivation to address the issue bringing you to hypnotherapy significantly impacts outcomes.

Those seeking hypnosis with clear, personally meaningful goals—rather than vague wishes or external pressure—typically experience better results. Your “why” matters as much as the hypnotic technique itself.

Capacity for Focused Attention

People who can become absorbed in activities like reading, watching movies, daydreaming, or meditation often find hypnosis comes naturally (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). This capacity for focused attention correlates with hypnotic responsiveness (Spiegel & Spiegel, 2004).

Neuroscience research indicates that individuals with high hypnotizability display different patterns of functional connectivity in brain networks responsible for executive control and attention (De Pascalis, 2024; De Benedittis, 2024). However, this doesn’t mean those who find focus challenging cannot benefit—it may simply require a different approach or more practice.

Trust in the Practitioner

The therapeutic relationship forms the foundation for effective hypnosis. The most important part of hypnosis is trusting your therapist, and like any healthcare provider or counselor, you should feel comfortable with them (WebMD, 2023).

Research specific to hypnotherapy demonstrates that the therapeutic alliance develops progressively during treatment and significantly influences outcomes (Bioy et al., 2024). Meta-analytic evidence from general psychotherapy indicates that positive therapeutic alliance is consistently associated with better treatment outcomes (Martin et al., 2000), and this relationship extends to hypnotherapy contexts (Jensen & Patterson, 2014; Spiegel et al., 2020). The quality of the therapeutic alliance may be as important as hypnotic suggestibility itself in predicting outcomes.

Ability to Follow Verbal Instructions

Hypnosis is a guided experience requiring the ability to follow verbal directions from your hypnotherapist. This doesn’t require special skills, just the capacity to listen and respond to guidance with reasonable attention span.

Contraindications to hypnotherapy sometimes involve the client’s inability to maintain concentration for long enough to induce or maintain a hypnotic state characterized by focused attention (Hartland, 1971). However, techniques can be adapted for individuals with attention difficulties, making hypnosis accessible to a wider range of people than commonly assumed. Clinicians can modify approaches using briefer inductions, active engagement techniques, or non-hypnotic therapeutic components to accommodate diverse needs.

Realistic Expectations

Understanding what hypnosis can and cannot do contributes to candidacy. Those who approach hypnotherapy with realistic expectations—viewing it as a collaborative tool rather than a magical solution—tend to engage more productively with the process.

3. Quick Self-Assessment Checklist

Use this checklist to gauge your potential candidacy for hypnotherapy. This is not a diagnostic tool, but rather a starting point for discussion with a qualified practitioner.

✅ Candidacy Indicators

Check the statements that apply to you:

□ Openness: I’m willing to try hypnosis with an open mind, even if I have some uncertainty

□ Absorption: I can become deeply engrossed in books, movies, music, or other activities where time seems to pass quickly

□ Motivation: I have specific, personally meaningful goals I want to achieve through hypnotherapy

□ Focus: I can follow multi-step verbal instructions and maintain attention for 20-30 minutes

□ Trust: I’m comfortable building a therapeutic relationship and working collaboratively with a healthcare provider

□ Stability: I do not currently have active psychosis, mania, or severe psychiatric symptoms requiring stabilization

Interpretation:

  • 4-6 boxes checked: Strong candidacy indicators. Consider scheduling a consultation with a qualified hypnotherapist.
  • 2-3 boxes checked: Moderate candidacy. Discuss your specific situation with a hypnotherapist to determine fit.
  • 0-1 boxes checked: You may still benefit from hypnotherapy, but discuss concerns openly with a qualified practitioner who can tailor approaches to your needs.

Important Note: This checklist is not a substitute for professional evaluation. A qualified hypnotherapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment during your initial consultation.

4. Measuring Hypnotic Responsiveness

Standardized Assessment Scales

The Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale Form C (SHSS:C) has been considered the gold standard hypnotizability scale and frequently serves as the standard against which all other scales are compared (Weitzenhoffer & Hilgard, 1962).

The SHSS:C scoring ranges categorize responsiveness as: very low (0-1), low (2-3), middle (4-8), high (9-10), and very high (11-12) (Hilgard, 1965). Most people fall in the middle range. Good internal consistency of the SHSS:C has been reported at .85 (Woody et al., 2005), indicating reliable measurement of hypnotic responsiveness.

Contemporary research has developed newer assessment instruments such as the Elkins Hypnotizability Scale (EHS), which demonstrates comparable validity while offering advantages in administration time and participant experience (Elkins et al., 2021). Other validated scales include the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility (HGSHS:A) and the Hypnotic Induction Profile (HIP), each with specific applications and advantages in clinical or research settings.

Clinical Relevance

While standardized scales provide valuable research data and can help predict treatment outcomes, they are not required to benefit from hypnotherapy. Your hypnotherapist will get to know you before you start your first session, and you shouldn’t have to do any special preparation—just be yourself and be honest about what you hope to accomplish (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).

Hypnotic responsiveness exists on a spectrum. Even those who score lower on susceptibility scales can often achieve therapeutic benefits, particularly for specific applications like anxiety management, habit modification, or relaxation training. The scales predict probability of response but are not absolute determinants of who will benefit.

Stability and Modifiability

Research suggests hypnotizability is relatively stable across time, meaning your natural responsiveness tends to remain consistent when retested, even years or decades later (Piccione et al., 1989). Contemporary test-retest reliability studies confirm this stability, with Spearman correlations for the SHSS:C around .66 and for the EHS around .82 across one-week intervals (Rasch & Cordi, 2024).

However, emerging evidence suggests responsiveness can be modestly enhanced through repeated exposure, practice with self-hypnosis, and reduction of performance anxiety (Gorassini & Spanos, 1986; Rasch & Cordi, 2024). Working with a skilled practitioner who can match techniques to your natural style often matters more than raw susceptibility scores.

5. Who Should Avoid or Use Caution

While hypnosis is generally safe for most people, certain conditions warrant caution, medical clearance, or alternative approaches. This section outlines situations requiring careful consideration.

Severe Psychiatric Conditions

Hypnosis is generally not recommended for people with serious mental disorders including active hallucinations and delusions without specialist psychiatric oversight (Heap & Aravind, 2002). Experts note uncertainty about whether people with active schizophrenia can reach complete hypnotic states, and some research suggests hypnosis may exacerbate symptoms or cause other mental health problems for people with these conditions (Coe & Ryken, 1979).

Individuals with active psychosis, untreated bipolar disorder during manic episodes, or severe psychiatric instability should consult their psychiatrist or treating physician before considering hypnosis. In some cases, hypnosis may be used safely under specialist supervision once stabilization is achieved, but this requires careful case-by-case evaluation.

Those with dissociative disorders should work only with hypnotherapists who have specialized training in trauma and dissociation, as standard hypnotic techniques may inadvertently trigger dissociative episodes.

Active Substance Use

People currently under the influence of drugs or alcohol should not undergo hypnosis. Those in active withdrawal or early recovery should stabilize their condition before pursuing hypnotherapy. Once stabilization is achieved, hypnotherapy can be a valuable adjunct to addiction treatment programs.

Medical Conditions Requiring Clearance

Epilepsy and narcolepsy are conditions where hypnotherapy should proceed with caution and only after consultation with the patient’s physician and the doctor’s approval (Waxman, 1989). These are not absolute contraindications, but require medical clearance and careful monitoring on a case-by-case basis.

There is a range of ailments where hypnotherapy is appropriate and often highly effective, but where it should only be provided if the condition has been diagnosed and confirmed by the client’s own doctor. These include conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain syndromes, and psychosomatic conditions (Hammond, 1990).

Pain Without Medical Evaluation

It is important to remember that pain is in a sense a warning signal, and therefore the practitioner must ensure medical advice has been sought before doing pain management work (Hartland, 1971). Physical pain should always be evaluated by a physician to rule out conditions requiring medical or surgical treatment before using hypnosis for pain management.

Using hypnosis to suppress pain before proper diagnosis could mask serious medical conditions. Once medical evaluation is complete and a diagnosis established, hypnosis can be an effective complementary approach to pain management.

Strong Persistent Anxiety About Hypnosis

For those for whom hypnosis arouses strong, persistent feelings of anxiety even after meeting and talking over concerns with a therapist, it would probably be best to seek some other form of therapy (Hartland, 1971). Forcing the process when significant anxiety remains is counterproductive and may undermine the therapeutic relationship.

However, mild pre-session nervousness is normal and typically resolves once the process begins. A skilled hypnotherapist will address concerns and may use gradual exposure techniques to build comfort.

6. Working with a Qualified Practitioner

The safety and effectiveness of hypnotherapy depend heavily on working with properly trained, licensed professionals. This section helps you identify qualified practitioners and know what to expect.

Professional Qualifications

The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) requires members to be licensed healthcare workers. At a minimum, members must hold a doctorate (PhD, PsyD, MD, DO, DDS, DMD), PA Certification, APRN, CRNA, or master’s degree in a healthcare discipline considered appropriate by the Society (ASCH, 2023). Members must also complete approved training in clinical hypnosis.

Not all states require people to have certification in hypnotherapy in order to practice it. As you do your research, make sure that anyone you consider has appropriate healthcare licensure and specialized hypnosis training, or that they’re a member of recognized professional organizations like the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) or the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH) (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

Finding a Qualified Practitioner

Your regular healthcare provider may be able to suggest a hypnotherapist. Professional organizations maintain referral directories:

  • American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH): https://www.asch.net/Public/FindAMember.aspx
  • Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH): https://sceh.us/find-a-professional/
  • American Psychological Association Division 30: https://www.apadivisions.org/division-30

These directories list members who have met educational, licensure, and training requirements established by the organizations.

Initial Consultation

Before a patient begins the process, a full mental health evaluation is completed and treatment goals are set with the client (ASCH, 2023). This screening ensures hypnosis is appropriate for your situation and allows the practitioner to tailor approaches to your needs.

Your hypnotherapist will get to know you before you start your first session. You shouldn’t have to do any special preparation—just be yourself and be honest about what you hope to accomplish (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). This consultation is also your opportunity to assess whether you feel comfortable with the practitioner.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Like any type of therapy, hypnosis can take some time, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. At the same time, be honest about your progress. Some people find hypnosis benefits them significantly while others never quite connect with it, and there’s no right or wrong outcome (WebMD, 2023).

Effective hypnotherapy often involves multiple sessions, homework practice with self-hypnosis, and integration with other therapeutic approaches. Your practitioner should provide a realistic timeline based on your specific goals.

Safety Considerations

Emotional safety tools are built into ethical hypnotherapy practice, including the patient’s option to stop the process at any time. You remain in control and aware throughout hypnotic sessions (Elkins et al., 2015). Despite common misconceptions, you cannot be forced to do anything against your will or values during hypnosis.

A qualified practitioner will obtain informed consent, explain the process thoroughly, address your concerns, and create a safe therapeutic environment. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you have the right to discontinue treatment.

❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Can everyone be hypnotized?

Most people (approximately 70-80%) can experience hypnosis to some degree, though responsiveness varies significantly (Hilgard, 1965; Elkins, 2021). Research using standardized scales shows hypnotic ability is roughly normally distributed in the adult population, with approximately 10-15% showing low responsiveness, 15-20% demonstrating high responsiveness, and the majority falling in the moderate range. Even those with lower measured susceptibility may benefit from certain applications of hypnotherapy.

Q: Will I lose control during hypnosis?

No. You remain aware and maintain control throughout the session. You can choose to accept or reject suggestions and can end the session at any time (Elkins et al., 2015). This is a persistent myth contradicted by decades of research. Hypnosis is a collaborative process, not a loss of autonomy.

Q: Is hypnosis safe?

Hypnotherapy is a safe, guided experience when conducted by qualified, licensed professionals (Jensen & Patterson, 2014). However, individuals with certain psychiatric conditions (active psychosis, untreated mania) or medical conditions should consult their healthcare provider for clearance first. When appropriate safeguards are in place, hypnosis has an excellent safety profile.

Q: How long does it take to see results?

This varies by individual, condition, and treatment goals. Some people experience benefits after one or two sessions, particularly for specific issues like smoking cessation or procedural anxiety. Complex conditions like chronic pain or anxiety disorders may require 6-12 sessions or more. Your hypnotherapist should provide realistic expectations during your consultation.

Q: How do I find a qualified hypnotherapist?

Your regular healthcare provider may be able to suggest a hypnotherapist. The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (www.asch.net), the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (www.sceh.us), and the American Psychological Association Division 30 (www.apadivisions.org/division-30) have searchable directories to find trained, licensed professionals near you. Verify that practitioners hold appropriate healthcare licenses and specialized hypnosis training.

Q: What should I expect in my first session?

Your hypnotherapist will get to know you, complete an evaluation, discuss your goals, explain the hypnotic process, and address your questions before any hypnosis occurs (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). The first session often focuses primarily on assessment and building rapport, though some practitioners include a brief hypnotic experience. You shouldn’t have to do any special preparation—just be yourself and be honest about what you hope to accomplish.

Q: Does insurance cover hypnotherapy?

Coverage varies significantly by insurance plan, the condition being treated, and whether the provider is a licensed healthcare professional billing under a covered diagnostic code. Many insurance plans cover hypnotherapy when provided by licensed psychologists, physicians, or clinical social workers for recognized medical or psychological conditions. Contact your insurance provider for specific information about your plan’s coverage.

Q: Can I hypnotize myself?

Yes. Self-hypnosis is a learnable skill that many people use effectively for relaxation, focus, habit change, and symptom management (Spiegel & Spiegel, 2004). Most hypnotherapists teach self-hypnosis techniques to their clients as homework between sessions. However, learning self-hypnosis is typically easier after initial instruction from a qualified practitioner.

📚 REFERENCES AND RESOURCES

Primary Research and Clinical Sources

Bioy, A., Lignier, B., & Servillat, T. (2024). The development of the therapeutic alliance during the first five hypnotherapy sessions. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 57, 101894. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2024.101894

Coe, W. C., & Ryken, K. (1979). Hypnosis and risks to human subjects. American Psychologist, 34(8), 673-681.

De Benedittis, G. (2024). Brain functional correlates of resting hypnosis and hypnotizability: A review. Brain Sciences, 15(2), 142. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020142

De Pascalis, V. (2024). Brain functional correlates of resting hypnosis and hypnotizability: Neuroscience perspectives. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1293070.

De Pascalis, V., & Santarcangelo, E. L. (2020). Hypnotizability-related asymmetries: A review. Symmetry, 12(6), 1015. https://doi.org/10.3390/sym12061015

Elkins, G. R. (2014). Handbook of medical and psychological hypnosis: Foundations, applications, and professional issues. New York: Springer.

Elkins, G. R. (Ed.). (2021). Hypnotizability: Emerging perspectives and research [Special issue]. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 69(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2021.1836934

Elkins, G. R., Barabasz, A. F., Council, J. R., & Spiegel, D. (2015). Advancing research and practice: The revised APA Division 30 definition of hypnosis. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 57(4), 378-385.

Gorassini, D. R., & Spanos, N. P. (1986). A social-cognitive skills approach to the successful modification of hypnotic susceptibility. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 50(5), 1004-1012.

Green, J. P., Lynn, S. J., Green, O. J., Bradford, V. R., & Rasekhy, R. (2020). Hypnotic responsiveness and dissociation: A multi-variable analysis. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 5(2), 029. https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.2002029

Hammond, D. C. (Ed.). (1990). Handbook of hypnotic suggestions and metaphors. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

Hartland, J. (1971). Medical and dental hypnosis and its clinical applications (2nd ed.). London: Baillière Tindall.

Heap, M., & Aravind, K. K. (2002). Hartland’s medical and dental hypnosis (4th ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

Hilgard, E. R. (1965). Hypnotic susceptibility. New York: Harcourt, Brace & World.

Jensen, M. P., & Patterson, D. R. (2014). Hypnotic approaches for chronic pain management: Clinical implications of recent research findings. American Psychologist, 69(2), 167-177.

Lynn, S. J., & Kirsch, I. (2006). Essentials of clinical hypnosis: An evidence-based approach. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Malloggi, E., & Santarcangelo, E. L. (2023). Physiological correlates of hypnotizability: Hypnotic behaviour and prognostic role in medicine. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(24), 7192. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20247192

Martin, D. J., Garske, J. P., & Davis, M. K. (2000). Relation of the therapeutic alliance with outcome and other variables: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68(3), 438-450.

Piccione, C., Hilgard, E. R., & Zimbardo, P. G. (1989). On the degree of stability of measured hypnotizability over a 25-year period. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 56(2), 289-295.

Rasch, B., & Cordi, M. J. (2024). The influence of experience and modality of presentation (online vs. offline) on hypnotizability. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1293070. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1293070

Spiegel, E. B., Baker, E. L., Daitch, C., Diamond, M. J., & Phillips, M. (2020). Hypnosis and the therapeutic relationship: Relational factors of hypnosis in psychotherapy. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 62(1-2), 118-137.

Spiegel, H., & Spiegel, D. (2004). Trance and treatment: Clinical uses of hypnosis (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Tellegen, A., & Atkinson, G. (1974). Openness to absorbing and self-altering experiences (“absorption”), a trait related to hypnotic susceptibility. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 83(3), 268-277.

Waxman, D. (1989). Hartland’s medical and dental hypnosis (3rd ed.). London: Baillière Tindall.

Weitzenhoffer, A. M., & Hilgard, E. R. (1962). Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.

Woody, E. Z., Barnier, A. J., & McConkey, K. M. (2005). Multiple hypnotizabilities: Differentiating the building blocks of hypnotic response. Psychological Assessment, 17(2), 200-211.

Professional Organizations

American Psychological Association Division 30 (Society of Psychological Hypnosis)

  • Website: https://www.apadivisions.org/division-30
  • Find a Professional: https://www.apadivisions.org/division-30/about/services/referral

American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH)

  • Website: https://www.asch.net
  • Find a Member: https://www.asch.net/Public/FindAMember.aspx
  • About ASCH: American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. (2023). Membership requirements and ethical standards.

Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH)

  • Website: https://sceh.us
  • Find a Professional: https://sceh.us/find-a-professional/

Medical and Consumer Health Resources

Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Hypnotherapy: What it is, why it’s done, benefits & risks. Cleveland Clinic Health Library. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22664-hypnotherapy

Mayo Clinic. (2022). Hypnosis. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hypnosis/about/pac-20394405

WebMD. (2023). Hypnosis: What you need to know. WebMD Medical Reference. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-hypnosis

Note on Sources

This article draws upon peer-reviewed research from 2020-2025, consensus definitions from professional organizations, and information from recognized medical institutions. Contemporary reviews on hypnotizability (De Pascalis, 2024; Elkins, 2021; Malloggi & Santarcangelo, 2023) provide current perspectives on measurement, distribution, and clinical applications. For the most current research and professional guidance, consult the organizations and academic journals listed above. When seeking hypnotherapy services, always verify practitioner credentials through professional organization directories.

Last Updated: October 23, 2025