While definitions can vary, the American Psychological Association describes hypnosis as a cooperative interaction in which the participant responds to the suggestions of the hypnotist.

While hypnotherapy has become well-known thanks to popular acts where people are prompted to performs unusual or ridiculous actions, hypnosis has also been clinically proven to provide medical and therapeutic benefits, most notably in the reduction of pain, panic attacks, and anxiety disorders.

Other known benefits are stress reduction, relaxation, restful sleep, better study habits, weight management, painless childbirth, pain management, past life regression, and erotic hypnosis, just to name a few.