Does Virtual Hypnotherapy Work? What Therapists and Experience Tell Us

Quick Answer: Does Virtual Hypnotherapy Work?

Yes—virtual hypnotherapy can be just as effective as in-person hypnotherapy when provided by a trained clinician. Research, clinical experience, and patient outcomes show that hypnosis relies on language, rapport, and the nervous system—not physical proximity—making telehealth a powerful and often more comfortable option for many people.

Is Virtual Hypnotherapy Effective?

As the Practice Manager at New York Health Hypnosis & Integrative Therapy, I may not be the one providing treatment—but I am the person speaking daily with people who are considering it. Through countless calls and consultations, I’ve become very familiar with what prospective clients are looking for, the questions they ask, and the concerns that often hold them back.

One of the most common questions we hear is whether hypnotherapy—especially virtual hypnotherapy—actually works.

Why Are People Skeptical of Hypnotherapy?

Skepticism around hypnosis is understandable. Stage shows, movies, and decades of misinformation have shaped a version of hypnosis that feels theatrical, controlling, or even fake.

What many people think of as “traditional hypnosis”—mind control or loss of awareness—has existed for thousands of years. In contrast, clinical hypnotherapy, particularly Ericksonian hypnotherapy, is a modern, evidence-informed approach rooted in neuroscience, psychology, and language.

Because of this contrast, people often approach hypnotherapy with more hesitation than they might traditional talk therapy.

What’s the Difference Between Traditional Hypnosis and Clinical Hypnotherapy?

Clinical hypnotherapy is not about surrendering control. Instead, it works by helping the brain enter a focused, receptive state where change can occur more easily.

Rather than being “put under,” clients remain aware, engaged, and in control throughout the process. Hypnotherapy is often integrated with psychotherapy to support changes in behavior, thought patterns, and emotional regulation.

Does Hypnotherapy Work as Telehealth?

Our therapists offer both in-person and virtual sessions, though virtual therapy is often the best—or only—option due to scheduling limitations, therapist availability, or convenience.

Still, hypnotherapy raises a unique concern:

Can hypnotherapy really be effective through a screen?

To answer this accurately, it’s important to hear directly from a clinician who practices hypnotherapy in both settings.

What a Clinical Psychologist Says About Virtual Hypnotherapy

To get more clarity on whether hypnotherapy is effective virtually, I reached out to a true expert on the topic, Dr. Karolina Pekala.

Expert Q&A: Virtual Hypnotherapy

Q: From a psychological perspective, why can hypnotherapy be just as effective when done virtually as it is in person?

A: The beauty of hypnosis is that it is the art of language combined with neuroscience. Hypnosis can be done just as effectively over telehealth as in person, and has some added benefits as well. For instance, a person knows what couch or chair feels comfortable in their home. Ironically, seeing a person on the screen allows me to see their physiological reactions to hypnosis much closer up-from breathing to muscle relaxation. I can also speak to this experience firsthand-just as one benefits from being a patient before becoming a psychologist, I’ve experienced hypnosis from colleagues or at conferences (both virtual and in person). I was able to reach the altered state of consciousness of hypnosis in either modality, though I personally noticed a deeper experience from the comfort of my own home.

Q: How does being in a familiar environment—like one’s own home—impact the nervous system and the effectiveness of hypnotherapy sessions?

A: It can be soothing to be in a comfortable place, especially when one has high anxiety or associated conditions (agorophobia, for example). An added benefit of telehealth is that for my patients who struggle with sleep, insomnia or upsetting dreams, we can shift the second half of session to the bed to reinforce comfort and relaxation and counter the anxiety usually associated with sleeplessness (and thus the bed).

Q: Are there specific concerns or conditions where you’ve seen virtual hypnotherapy work especially well?

A: Yes. Teletherapy can be particularly helpful for individuals with certain medical conditions or chronic pain issues. Prior to telehealth, those sessions would have to be cancelled or switched to phone if a patient had an unexpected flare-up. Insomnia is another one, given that the sleep environment can be assessed. With my work with eating disorders, patients being close to their kitchen is also a benefit in case a snack or meal is needed.

Q: What misconceptions do people often have about virtual hypnotherapy, and how would you address them as a clinician?

A: Sometimes people will ask if they can be hypnotized via a screen. The biggest predictor of success of any treatment modality is rapport with the clinician, and hypnosis is about language, its cadence, and how it is tailored to the person and their unique history and needs. That stays the same whether we are in a room together or miles apart.

Q: Who Is a Good Candidate for Virtual Hypnotherapy?

Virtual hypnotherapy works best for individuals who:

• Have access to a private, quiet space
• Feel comfortable using video technology
• Prefer flexibility due to busy schedules or long commutes

Many clients choose teletherapy simply because it fits more naturally into their lives.

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How to Get Started With Virtual Hypnotherapy

Modern hypnotherapy is grounded in psychology and neuroscience—not myths or theatrics. When provided by trained clinicians, virtual hypnotherapy is not a compromise. For many people, it’s an effective and empowering way to create meaningful change.

If virtual hypnotherapy feels like it could be a good fit for you and you are a resident of New York State, you’re welcome to learn more about Dr. Karolina Pekala and her approach to treatment. You can also book a free consult to get support in determining which therapist's experience and specialties align with your needs.