Which Type of Hypnosis Should You Choose?
There are several schools of hypnosis: classic (direct suggestions), Ericksonian (indirect language and metaphors, the most widely used in therapy), humanist (in a state of expanded awareness, the person stays active), and new hypnosis (an integrative approach). In practice, the choice of practitioner matters more than the choice of school: most hypnotherapists combine approaches depending on the person and the goal.
First, what do all types of hypnosis have in common?
Classic hypnosis, Ericksonian hypnosis, humanist hypnosis, new hypnosis... Faced with all these labels, how do you know what you're dealing with, and which type of hypnosis fits your needs? Good news: it's simpler than it looks.
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, a dynamic state between waking and sleep that allows communication with the unconscious. It's a natural state you experience several times a day: while driving, while daydreaming. Your body is here, your mind is elsewhere. This is called dissociation.
All types of hypnosis lead to this state. What sets them apart is how the therapist guides you into it, and what they do once you're there.
The different types of hypnosis
Classic (or direct) hypnosis
This is the one people picture, with the pendulum and the famous "sleep, I command it." The caricature has aged, but the essentials remain: direct suggestions that explicitly influence the person on the object of change. You'll hear phrases like: "You now feel relaxed" or "From now on, you'll feel more confident in this situation."
Direct and fast, it works well for certain targeted goals and for people who appreciate clear instructions. It's also the historical form from which all the others descend.
Ericksonian hypnosis
It owes its name to American psychiatrist Milton Erickson, who transformed the practice in the twentieth century. The approach is more flexible and strategic: rather than instructing, the therapist suggests indirectly, tells metaphors, and uses your own psychological reactions to work around resistance. The underlying idea: your unconscious already has the resources to solve the problem, and the therapist helps it find them.
It's the most widespread form of hypnotherapy today, and the main foundation of our work at Solutions Hypnose. It pairs very well with NLP techniques to work on emotions, beliefs, and behaviors all at once.
Humanist hypnosis
Here, there's no trance "going down": the induction opens outward, toward a state of expanded awareness. You stay fully present and active, working consciously on your unconscious, often through symbols and images you choose yourself. The therapist is a guide, not an operator: you're the one doing the work.
This approach works well for people who want to understand and take part, for journeys of meaning and self-exploration, and for those held back by the idea of "letting go of control."
New hypnosis
Named this way in 1979 by sexologist and hypnotherapist Daniel Araoz, this is an integrative approach: it combines the mechanisms of classic hypnosis, Ericksonian language, and tools from NLP. Less a separate school than a modern synthesis, centered on active collaboration between client and therapist.
Video available in French
So, which hypnosis should you choose?
Here's the secret this article can share with you: the question of which school matters less than people think. No study crowns any type of hypnosis as "the most effective." What really matters is the quality of your relationship with your practitioner, their training, their experience with your particular issue, and their ability to adapt the method to how you work.
A few guideposts, though:
- a targeted goal and a preference for clear instructions: direct suggestions work well;
- an involuntary reaction you want to transform (panic, avoidance, automatic behavior, phobia): Ericksonian excels here;
- wanting to stay fully conscious and active, a search for meaning: humanist is a beautiful path;
- performance, mental preparation, learning: hypnosis combined with NLP.
Every hypnotherapist at Solutions Hypnose is solidly trained in several types of hypnosis. In therapy, we mainly use Ericksonian hypnosis, often blended with NLP techniques, or humanist hypnosis. And above all, we adapt: the right hypnosis is the one that suits you.
Want to try the hypnosis that suits you?
We're available to answer your questions and support you in therapeutic hypnosis, in person in Montreal, Sherbrooke, Gatineau, Paris, and Lille, or by video anywhere in the world: that works very well too. Book an appointment now to build the life you want with hypnosis! See you soon!
Where would you like to consult?
All areas
Annie Mayrand
Gatineau - Cumberland (ON)
👤
🧑🎓
🚭
❤️
💻
Christian Rocher
Beloeil
👤
🧑🎓
👶
🚭
❤️
💻
David Veilleux
Montréal - Anjou
👤
🧑🎓
🚭
❤️
🤰
💻
Florence Aton
Sutton
👤
🚭
❤️
💻
Jessica Reid
Sherbrooke
👤
🚭
💻
Julie Rocque
Montréal - Jean-Talon
👤
🧑🎓
👶
🚭
❤️
🤰
💻
Nuria Pérez de León
Montréal - Rosemont - Saint-Lambert
👤
🧑🎓
💻
Réjeanne LeBlanc
La Prairie
👤
🧑🎓
👶
💻
Frequently asked questions about Which Type of Hypnosis Should You Choose?
No approach has shown overall superiority. The number one factor for effectiveness is the alliance between you and your practitioner, followed by the fit between the method and your profile. A good hypnotherapist combines approaches rather than forcing one on you.
No, it's completely different. Stage hypnosis aims to entertain: selecting the most responsive participants, quick inductions, dramatic effects. Therapeutic hypnosis works toward your goal of change, in a confidential, respectful setting, at your own pace.
Three criteria: their training (solid and verifiable), their experience with your specific issue, and the human connection you feel at the first conversation. If you don't feel comfortable, switch: trust is a precondition for the work.
Hypnotherapy is a complementary form of support and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult a physician first.
Page written by Jean-Marie Balestrat
hypnotherapist and NLP coach
partner at Solutions Hypnose.
English version reviewed by David Veilleux