What Is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a natural state of consciousness in which your mind becomes calmer, more focused
and more open to positive change. It is neither sleep nor loss of control. Instead, it is a
deeply relaxed yet aware state where the analytical mind steps aside, allowing your unconscious
mind—the part of you that stores memories, emotions and automatic responses—to participate in
the process of transformation.
You already enter this state several times a day without noticing it: when you are absorbed in a
film, fully engaged in a book, or driving on a familiar road and suddenly realise that you don’t
remember each moment of the journey. These everyday trances are the foundation of therapeutic
hypnosis.
My name is Maude Favre, a therapist with over 19 years of experience and a
Swiss Federal Diploma in Complementary Therapy – Hypnosis. My practice combines
hypnotherapy, kinesiology and transgenerational work, offering a safe and supportive space for deep,
respectful and lasting transformation.
In this page you will discover how hypnosis works, what it can help you achieve, and why it is a
powerful tool for emotional regulation, stress reduction, behavioural change and personal growth.
To support your progress between sessions, you can also use my audio hypnosis app:
Hypnosis with Maude Favre
.
You may also explore interviews, press features and articles here:
Media & Articles.
A Natural and Safe Altered State of Consciousness
Hypnosis is often described as an “altered state of consciousness,” but this does not mean that you
are disconnected from reality. Instead, your attention shifts inwards, allowing you to access deeper
emotional layers, unconscious patterns and inner resources that are not as easily accessible in your
everyday state of mind.
In hypnosis, you remain fully aware. You hear everything, you can move, speak, open your eyes or stop
the process at any moment. You stay in control. Hypnosis does not impose anything; it only creates the
ideal internal environment for change.
This state allows your nervous system to relax, your mind to slow down, and your emotions to settle,
making it easier to explore what needs attention without overwhelm.
How Does Hypnosis Work?
Hypnosis works by activating a more intuitive, sensory and emotional way of processing information.
The conscious mind—which analyses, judges and filters—is still present but less dominant. This allows
the unconscious mind to communicate more freely and update old patterns.
In this state, it becomes easier to:
- transform limiting beliefs (“I’m not capable”, “I don’t deserve success”),
- reduce anxiety, emotional overload or irrational fears,
- change unwanted habits such as smoking or sugar cravings,
- regulate stress, sleep patterns and physiological reactions,
- strengthen confidence, clarity and emotional stability.
Hypnosis does not erase your past. It allows you to relate to it differently—more peacefully,
more confidently and with greater inner freedom.
What Can Hypnosis Help With?
Hypnosis is an incredibly versatile tool, because it works directly with emotions, perceptions and
automatic behaviours. It can support you with:
- anxiety, worry and mental overload,
- phobias and irrational fears (flying, driving, heights, social situations…),
- sleep difficulties and insomnia,
- smoking cessation or sugar reduction,
- self-confidence and self-worth,
- emotional eating and weight-related struggles,
- stress-related discomfort and physical tension,
- life transitions, breakups, grief and personal milestones.
Hypnosis is not a replacement for medical or psychological care when required. It is a complementary
therapeutic approach that works beautifully alongside other treatments, especially when the goal is
emotional regulation, nervous system balance and behavioural change.
What Happens During a Session?
Each session begins with a conversation to understand what you are experiencing, what you wish to
transform and what direction feels right for you. This dialogue creates clarity, trust and a safe
therapeutic framework.
You are then guided into a hypnotic state through the voice, imagery, breathing and progressive
relaxation. As your body softens and your thoughts slow down, new perspectives, emotions and insights
naturally surface.
The work continues through metaphors, inner journeys, emotional release and positive suggestions.
When the session ends, you return to your normal state of awareness with a sense of clarity, calm,
grounding and renewed inner space.
FAQ – Understanding Hypnosis
1. Will I lose control?
No. You remain in control at all times. Hypnosis is a collaborative process and cannot force you
to do anything against your values or will.
2. Will I fall asleep?
Not exactly. You may feel deeply relaxed, but a part of your mind stays aware and present.
3. Can everyone be hypnotised?
Yes. Hypnosis is a natural human state. People simply enter it in different ways and at different
speeds.
4. How many sessions will I need?
Some transformations occur within 1–3 sessions, while deeper or longstanding issues may benefit from
a longer process. The pace is always personalised.
5. Can I continue the work between sessions?
Yes. You can support the process with guided audio hypnosis using the app:
Hypnosis with Maude Favre
.