State or Non-State Hypnosis? Why It’s Not As Simple As It Sounds

When you first step into the world of hypnotherapy—whether as a student or as a client—you’ll soon come across a longstanding debate: is hypnosis a unique, altered “state,” or is it something more subtle, like a shift in focus and receptivity?

It’s the classic state vs. non-state question in hypnotherapy training circles, and honestly, it’s not just academic—it has real implications for how we practice, how we teach, and how we experience hypnosis.

As a practitioner who’s had my fair share of fascinating and at times intense hypnotic experiences, I want to share some honest reflections. Because like much of hypnotherapy, the truth isn’t black and white. And it's by acknowledging the complexity of the debate that we can grow as practitioners and ensure our clients feel more comfortable in embracing hypnosis.

The “State” Model of Hypnosis: When Something Feels Tangibly Different

The state model argues that hypnosis involves an actual shift in brain function—a distinctive, altered state of consciousness. Think of it as something akin to sleep, meditation, or a deep trance where the client appears almost disconnected from their surroundings.

I’ve seen this happen. Rarely, but unmistakably.

There was one time I found myself in a deep, altered state during a hypnotic session—so deep it felt physically intense, even unpleasant. It wasn’t just relaxation. It was like my mind had slipped into a space that was other. I remember coming out of it thinking, something very different just happened in my brain. This felt very different to my previous experiences of hypnosis, and I've never quite had such an overwhelmingly intense experience again.

So yes, I believe there’s room in this conversation for these deeper, perhaps neurological states of altered awareness. They exist, and they can be powerful.

But they’re not the only pathway to change.

The “Non-State” Model: Why It’s More About Connection Than Trance

Now let’s talk about the non-state model, which I find myself aligning with more often in practice.

Non-state theorists believe that hypnosis is not an altered state at all. Instead, it’s more about a shift in how we use language, attention, imagination, and relationship. Rather than “putting someone under,” it’s about inviting them into a collaborative, responsive space where change can happen.

And here’s the thing: this model resonates with what I see day in and day out in real-world sessions.

Some of the most meaningful changes I’ve witnessed in clients happened when they were simply relaxed—nothing dramatic, nothing trance-like. Just a safe space, a strong therapeutic alliance, and the right suggestion at the right moment.

Because in the non-state model, the relationship between the hypnotherapist and the client is everything.

It’s not about the depth of trance. It’s about trust. Connection. Presence.

Client motivation plays a huge role too. Sometimes, change happens not because the client is deeply hypnotised, but because they’re invested in the outcome. They want to feel better. They want to shift something. And sometimes—yes—they even want to please the hypnotherapist, especially if that rapport is strong.

Now, in academic circles, that’s sometimes referred to as “demand characteristics” or “response expectancy,” but in everyday terms, it just means that people are more suggestible when they feel safe, understood, and hopeful.

That doesn’t diminish the work. It enhances it. Because it reminds us that we’re not doing hypnosis to someone—we’re creating something with them.

Why The State or Non-State Model of Hypnosis Matters for New Practitioners

If you’re training in hypnotherapy, it’s tempting to believe that your success hinges on how “deep” you can get your client to go. But here’s what I want you to know:

Depth isn’t everything. Connection is.

Don’t let your confidence wobble just because your client doesn’t appear zoned out or unresponsive. Often, clients are making powerful internal shifts even while looking outwardly alert. Sometimes they’re just lightly relaxed. And that’s more than enough.

You don’t have to chase a magical trance state. You just have to listen deeply, hold space skillfully, and offer suggestions with clarity and care.

That’s the true art of modern hypnotherapy.

Why This Matters for Your Clients

Understanding the nuance between state and non-state hypnosis isn’t just helpful for you—it has a direct impact on your clients too.

When you recognise that deep trance isn’t a requirement for change, it immediately takes the pressure off your clients. They no longer feel like they have to “perform” hypnosis or reach some elusive state to get results.

That shift changes everything.

Instead of chasing depth, you can focus on what truly matters: being a good, ethical, and attuned hypnotherapist.Someone who listens carefully, builds trust, and creates a space where clients feel safe to explore.

Your role becomes less about doing hypnosis to someone, and more about guiding and supporting them through a collaborative process. You become a partner in their transformation, not the keeper of a mystical state.

Clients benefit deeply from this approach. They feel less anxious about “getting it right” and more empowered to simply experience the session in whatever way feels natural to them.

And that’s where real, sustainable change can begin.