Hypnosis
What it is, how it works and where it can support you

Hypnosis is a method that combines focused attention and relaxation. It can help develop new perspectives, activate inner resources, and shape personal change processes more consciously.

But what exactly happens during hypnosis? What does a hypnotic trance feel like, and what can hypnosis help with? On this page, we explain hypnosis in an easy-to-understand way and show how professional hypnosis sessions work at Hypnosis Austria.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis describes a state of focused attention, in which attention can be directed more inward. This state is often associated with physical and mental relaxation. Thoughts, inner images, feelings, and perceptions can be experienced more consciously.

Hypnosis is neither sleep nor a state of unconsciousness. During hypnosis, people can usually continue to perceive, hear, and speak. The experience of a hypnotic trance is individual and can vary from person to person.

In professional hypnosis, this state is used to focus attention specifically on personal concerns, inner resources, and potential processes of change. The focus is not on loss of control, but rather on conscious and responsible collaboration.

How does hypnosis work?

Hypnosis utilizes a state of focused attention in which external stimuli can temporarily become less important and attention is directed more strongly towards internal perceptions. This can create access to thoughts, feelings, inner images, and personal resources.

Focused attention and relaxation

In everyday life, our attention is often focused on many different stimuli simultaneously. During hypnosis, attention is deliberately concentrated. At the same time, deep physical and mental relaxation can occur.

This combination of focus and relaxation is used to engage more intensively with inner perceptions and personal concerns.

What happens during a hypnotic trance?

A hypnotic trance can feel different for everyone. Some people experience a pleasant calm and relaxation, while others perceive inner images, feelings, or thoughts particularly intensely.

The person remains responsive and can end the hypnosis at any time. Hypnosis therefore does not mean relinquishing control. Rather, it is about consciously using one's attention and enabling new experiences and perspectives.

Conscious and unconscious processes

Many of our everyday reactions and habits occur automatically. These include, for example, certain thought and behavior patterns or emotional reactions. Hypnosis can help us to become more aware of such personal patterns and to develop new ways of dealing with them.

We do not consider hypnosis a miracle cure. In our view, change arises from the active participation and willingness of the individual. Hypnosis can support this process, but it does not replace personal responsibility for one's own change.

What happens during a hypnosis session?

A professional hypnosis session doesn't begin directly with hypnosis. First, it's about understanding your concerns and personal situation. Then, together, we'll create a suitable framework for the session. The exact procedure can vary depending on the issue and the individual.

1. Initial consultation and concerns

We begin by taking time for a personal consultation. During this meeting, we will discuss your concerns, your goals, and important aspects of your current situation. Any questions or uncertainties can be addressed openly, ensuring you feel well-informed and confident.

2. Relaxation and focus

You will then be supported step by step in calming down and turning your attention inward. Various methods can help promote physical relaxation and focused attention.

3. Hypnotic Trance

In a hypnotic trance, attention is focused more intensely on inner perceptions. Depending on the issue, inner images, feelings, thoughts, or memories may play a role. You remain responsive throughout and can communicate what you perceive or need at any time.

4. Individual work on the issue

The actual hypnosis session is tailored to your personal concerns and goals. This can involve, for example, activating existing resources, developing new perspectives, or reflecting on current thought and behavior patterns. The content and methods are individually adapted to each situation.

5. Return and Integration

At the end of the hypnosis session, you will be gradually guided back to your normal waking state. Afterwards, there will be time to reflect on the experience together and to process the key insights. Lasting change occurs particularly when new impulses are also taken up and integrated into everyday life.

What can hypnosis help with?

Hypnosis can be used for a variety of personal concerns. Which issues can be effectively addressed with hypnosis always depends on the individual situation and personal goals.

The focus is not on a specific "problem", but on the individual with their unique experiences, resources and desires for change.

Hypnosis & Personal Development

Hypnosis can help change one's perception, use personal resources more consciously, and develop greater self-confidence. Examining personal beliefs and existing thought and behavior patterns can also be part of hypnotherapy.

Hypnosis for stress and relaxation

Prolonged tension can make it difficult to relax and recharge. Hypnosis can help promote relaxation, consciously direct attention inward, and develop a more mindful approach to stress.

Hypnosis for anxiety and inner blocks

Anxiety, self-doubt, or distressing inner patterns can influence personal and professional situations. Hypnosis can be used to support individuals in becoming more aware of such patterns and developing new perspectives and courses of action. Examples of such issues include exam anxiety, fear of flying, stage fright, or insecurity.

Hypnosis for changing habits

Habits often develop over a long period and can become automatic. Hypnosis can support change processes by focusing attention and inner motivation on new possibilities and desired behaviors. One possible reason for using hypnosis is smoking cessation.

Hypnosis for Sleep & Regeneration

Thoughts, tension, and everyday stresses can make it difficult to switch off. Hypnosis can help promote relaxation and inner peace and support a more conscious transition into the recovery phase.

Hypnosis for career & personal goals

Hypnosis can also be used for personal development in a professional context. This can focus on areas such as focus, motivation, self-confidence, and the perception of one's own resources. The goal is to support personal change processes and to utilize existing skills more consciously.

What does hypnosis feel like?

How hypnosis feels varies from person to person. Some people primarily experience pleasant physical relaxation, while others perceive their thoughts, feelings, or inner images with particular intensity. The state is often described as calm, pleasant, and simultaneously alert.

Am I awake during hypnosis?

Yes. Hypnosis is neither sleep nor unconsciousness. During a hypnotic trance, you can usually hear, speak, and perceive what is happening around you.

Do I have control during hypnosis?

You don't simply relinquish control during hypnosis. You remain fundamentally in control and can communicate at any time if something doesn't feel right. Professional hypnosis is therefore based on trust, transparency, and collaboration.

Will I remember after the hypnosis?

You can usually remember the session and its content. Hypnosis does not automatically mean that memories are lost. However, how a person perceives and remembers the experience can vary from individual to individual.

Do I need to be able to relax particularly well?

No. You don't need any special skills to experience hypnosis. The ability to focus attention and engage with inner experiences is something people experience repeatedly in everyday life. The type and intensity of hypnosis can vary from person to person.

Hypnosis: responsible and individualized

For us, professional hypnosis begins with trust, thorough explanation, and a clear understanding of the individual's needs. Each session is tailored to the individual's personal situation and goals.

We do not see hypnosis as a miracle cure, nor as a method where one relinquishes control. Rather, we see it as a way to consciously guide personal change processes and activate existing resources.

For health or psychological problems, a medical or psychotherapeutic evaluation may be necessary. Hypnosis does not replace necessary professional medical or psychotherapeutic treatment.

Hypnosis in the office, online or as a home visit

Hypnosis can take place in various settings. What's crucial for us is that you feel safe and well-supported, and that the form of support suits your needs and personal situation.

Hypnosis in practice

In our practice, we take the time for personal and individualized hypnosis support. In a safe and supportive environment, you can focus on your concerns and gradually immerse yourself in hypnosis.

Online hypnosis

Hypnosis is also possible online. The session takes place in a familiar environment via a personal online connection. This allows you to access our services regardless of where you live.

Hypnosis as a home visit

If it suits your needs and personal situation, we also offer hypnosis as a home visit. We would be happy to discuss the possibilities and details in an initial consultation.

Professional hypnosis support at Hypnosis Austria

Behind Hypnosis Austria are Alice and Michael Grassauer. As a married couple, we accompany people on their personal journey and place particular emphasis on trust, individual support, and a responsible approach to hypnosis.

We are convinced that sustainable change does not follow a rigid pattern. Therefore, we consider each person and each concern individually and create a framework in which personal development can occur.