MODEL RELEASED. Hypnotherapy. Abstract image of a woman in a hypnotic trance. The hand of a hypnotherapist is seen over her face. A hypnotic trance is characterised by extreme susceptibility to suggestion. Hypnosis was first thought to be a form of sleep, but modern measurements show no correlation between brain electrical activity during hypnosis and sleep. Subjects who respond strongly to hypnosis can be helped using hypnotherapy. Treatments for panic attacks, extreme anxiety, phobias or relief from addictive habits (such as smoking) are common.