Types of Hypnosis: A Complete Directory of Every Main Approach

The types of hypnosis are the different styles and applications of hypnosis. They range from traditional direct suggestion and indirect Ericksonian hypnosis to clinical approaches such as cognitive-behavioural hypnotherapy, gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS and hypnosis for childbirth, along with self-hypnosis, regression work and stage hypnosis for entertainment.

Directory · Themes: hypnosis, hypnotherapy, self-hypnosis, suggestion and the mind-body connection

Last updated: 10 November 2026

Written by Saj Ali

Reading time: about 9 minutes

How we wrote this article: this article was written by Saj Ali. It sorts the main types of hypnosis by style and use, links to our full guide on each, and every research claim links to its source.

Types of hypnosis in brief

• By style. Traditional (direct), Ericksonian (indirect), conversational and rapid inductions.
• Clinical. Cognitive-behavioural hypnotherapy, gut-directed hypnotherapy, hypnosis for pain and for childbirth.
• Self-directed. Self-hypnosis, instant self-hypnosis, autosuggestion and recordings.
• Exploratory. Regression, past-life regression and QHHT.
• Entertainment. Stage and street hypnosis.

Contents

1. What All Types of Hypnosis Share
2. Directory at a Glance
3. Traditional (Direct) Hypnosis
4. Ericksonian Hypnosis
5. Cognitive-Behavioural Hypnotherapy
6. Clinical and Medical Hypnosis
7. Self-Hypnosis and Autosuggestion
8. Regression and Exploratory Approaches
9. Stage and Street Hypnosis
10. Historical Forms
11. How to Choose the Right Type
12. Frequently Asked Questions
13. Key Takeaways
14. Explore More on Self Help Supermarket
15. Sources

What All Types of Hypnosis Share

The American Psychological Association’s hypnosis division (Division 30) defines hypnosis as a state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, characterised by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion. It defines hypnotherapy as the use of hypnosis in the treatment of a medical or psychological disorder or concern (Elkins et al., 2015).

Every type of hypnosis uses the same basic ingredients: an induction that focuses attention, suggestions for change, and a return to normal alertness. What differs is the style of the suggestions, who gives them and what they are used for. This directory groups the main approaches so you can find the one that fits your goal. For the basics, start with our complete guide to hypnosis.

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Directory at a Glance

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Traditional (Direct) Hypnosis

Traditional hypnosis uses clear, direct suggestions such as “You feel calm and relaxed” or “Cigarettes no longer appeal to you.” The hypnotist usually leads the person through a formal induction, such as progressive relaxation or eye fixation, then gives straightforward suggestions for change.

This is the style most people picture. It works well for people who respond readily to suggestion and who like a clear structure. Many recordings and apps use it. British hypnotist Paul McKenna is well known for popular self-help programmes in this style.

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Ericksonian Hypnosis

Ericksonian hypnosis is named after the American psychiatrist Milton Erickson (1901–1980). Instead of direct commands, it uses indirect suggestion, stories, metaphors and everyday language. A therapist might tell a story about a tree bending in the wind rather than saying “you will be flexible”.

The approach adapts to each person and is often described as more permissive. Erickson’s work strongly influenced brief therapy and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), whose founders Richard Bandler and John Grinder modelled his language patterns.

Conversational hypnosis is a related style that uses Ericksonian language patterns in normal conversation, without a formal induction.

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Cognitive-Behavioural Hypnotherapy

Cognitive-behavioural hypnotherapy combines hypnosis with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Hypnosis is used to deepen relaxation, rehearse new behaviour in imagination and strengthen helpful thoughts, while CBT provides the structure.

A meta-analysis of 18 studies found that adding hypnosis to CBT improved outcomes compared with the same treatment without hypnosis (Kirsch, Montgomery and Sapirstein, 1995). Our comparison of CBT vs hypnotherapy explains how the two approaches differ and work together.

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Clinical and Medical Hypnosis

Clinical hypnosis is hypnosis used by trained health professionals to help with medical or psychological issues. Three well-researched areas are:

Gut-directed hypnotherapy is a structured programme, usually of 6 to 12 sessions, that uses imagery and suggestions focused on calming the gut. It is one of the best-studied clinical uses of hypnosis.

Hypnosis for childbirth, often called hypnobirthing, teaches self-hypnosis, breathing and relaxation for labour. Many parents learn it in antenatal classes.

Other clinical uses include anxiety before medical procedures, dental anxiety and support for quitting smoking. Clinical hypnosis is best used alongside medical care.

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Self-Hypnosis and Autosuggestion

Self-hypnosis is hypnosis you do on your own. You guide yourself into a relaxed, focused state and give yourself suggestions. A systematic review of 22 randomised controlled trials found a medium-to-large effect for self-hypnosis in clinical use, with the best results when people practised at least three times (Eason and Parris, 2019).

Main forms include:

• Classic self-hypnosis. An induction, a deepener, your own suggestions and a count back up. See self-hypnosis through writing for how to write your own script.
• Instant self-hypnosis. Short techniques that take a minute or two. See instant self-hypnosis.
• Autosuggestion. Repeating a positive phrase, made famous by Émile Coué.
• Hypnosis recordings. Audio sessions recorded by a hypnotist or by yourself.
• Sleep hypnosis. Recordings designed to relax you into sleep. See our sleep guide.

Relaxation practices such as yoga nidra and guided visualisation share many features with self-hypnosis.

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Regression and Exploratory Approaches

Some approaches use hypnosis to explore memories or inner experiences:

• Regression hypnotherapy. The therapist guides the person to recall earlier experiences linked to a current issue. Memories recalled under hypnosis can be vivid but are not always accurate, so good practitioners use this carefully and focus on present feelings rather than proving past events.
• Past-life regression. A spiritual practice in which people explore what they experience as memories of earlier lives. See our past-life regression guide.
• Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT). Developed by Dolores Cannon, it uses deep hypnosis for spiritual exploration. See our QHHT guide.
• The Raikov effect. Named after Russian psychiatrist Vladimir Raikov, it uses deep trance to help people take on the identity of someone skilled, for learning and creativity. See our Raikov effect guide.

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Stage and Street Hypnosis

Stage hypnosis is hypnosis performed for entertainment. Performers choose responsive volunteers from the audience and give playful suggestions. Street hypnosis is a similar style performed in public places, often for television or online videos.

Stage shows depend on volunteers who are highly responsive and willing to perform. They show how powerful suggestion can be, but they are very different from therapy. Mentalist Derren Brown is one of the best-known performers who uses hypnosis and suggestion on stage. Our list of famous hypnotists covers the history from Franz Mesmer to today.

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Historical Forms

Modern hypnosis grew out of several earlier traditions:

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How to Choose the Right Type

For any clinical concern, choose a qualified practitioner. Our guide on how to find a qualified practitioner explains what to look for, including training and professional membership.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of hypnosis?

The main types are traditional (direct) hypnosis, Ericksonian (indirect) hypnosis, cognitive-behavioural hypnotherapy, clinical hypnosis such as gut-directed hypnotherapy and hypnosis for childbirth, self-hypnosis, regression approaches and stage hypnosis.

What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is the focused state itself. Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis to treat a medical or psychological concern, according to the APA’s Division 30 definition.

What is Ericksonian hypnosis?

It is an indirect style of hypnosis developed by psychiatrist Milton Erickson. It uses stories, metaphors and permissive language instead of direct commands.

Which type of hypnosis has the most research?

Hypnosis for pain and gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS are among the best studied. Adding hypnosis to CBT has also been studied in meta-analyses.

Can you hypnotise yourself?

Yes. Self-hypnosis is a common type. A review of 22 trials found a medium-to-large effect for self-hypnosis in clinical use, especially with regular practice.

Is stage hypnosis the same as hypnotherapy?

No. Stage hypnosis is entertainment with selected volunteers. Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic practice with goals agreed between client and practitioner.

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Key Takeaways

• All types of hypnosis use focused attention and suggestion, but differ in style and purpose.
• Traditional hypnosis uses direct suggestion, while Ericksonian hypnosis uses stories and indirect language.
• Clinical hypnosis has research support for pain, IBS and as an addition to CBT.
• Self-hypnosis has a medium-to-large effect in trials, especially with practice.
• Choose a qualified practitioner for any health concern.

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Explore More on Self Help Supermarket

Use these pages alongside this one:

• Hypnosis – the complete guide
• Self-Hypnosis Through Writing – write your own script
• Instant Self-Hypnosis – quick self-hypnosis techniques
• Famous Hypnotists – the people who shaped hypnosis
• CBT vs Hypnotherapy – how the two compare
• Find a Qualified Practitioner – what to look for
• NLP Techniques – 15 techniques and what research says
• Browse all self-help techniques – compare every method on Self Help Supermarket.

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Sources

1. Elkins, G. R., Barabasz, A. F., Council, J. R., and Spiegel, D. (2015). Advancing research and practice: The revised APA Division 30 definition of hypnosis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 63(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2014.961870
2. Kirsch, I., Montgomery, G., and Sapirstein, G. (1995). Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy: A meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 63(2), 214–220. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.63.2.214
3. Thompson, T., et al. (2019). The effectiveness of hypnosis for pain relief: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 85 controlled experimental trials. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 99, 298–310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.02.013
4. Adler, E. C., et al. (2025). Gut-directed hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurogastroenterology and Motility, 37, e70037. https://doi.org/10.1111/nmo.70037
5. Madden, K., Middleton, P., Cyna, A. M., Matthewson, M., and Jones, L. (2016). Hypnosis for pain management during labour and childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016(5), CD009356. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009356.pub3
6. Eason, A. D., and Parris, B. A. (2019). Clinical applications of self-hypnosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice, 6(3), 262–278. https://doi.org/10.1037/cns0000173

Self Help Supermarket guides are for general information and are not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.