Traditional hypnotherapy and RTT: what's the difference?
What happens in a 50-minute traditional hypnotherapy session, how hypnotic suggestion works, and how it differs from Rapid Transformational Therapy, so you can choose the session that fits.
What is traditional hypnotherapy?
Traditional hypnotherapy, sometimes called suggestion hypnotherapy, is the classic form of hypnotherapy. I guide you into a relaxed, focused state, and then give your mind calm, positive hypnotic suggestions for the change you want.
It doesn't dig into the past or ask you to relive anything. The aim is simple: while your critical, analytical mind is resting, new ideas reach the subconscious more easily and start to feel natural. Many people describe it as the deepest relaxation they've ever had, with a clear sense of change afterwards.
What happens in a 50-minute session
Every session is tailored to you, but the structure is usually the same:
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Check-in (about 10 minutes)
We talk briefly about what you want to change and how you'd like to feel. I use your own words to shape the suggestions.
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Induction
I guide you into hypnosis using your breathing, relaxation and my voice. You stay aware and in control the whole time.
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Deepening
We gently take the relaxation deeper, so your body is calm and your mind is open and focused.
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Suggestions and imagery (the main part)
I give direct suggestions (“you feel calm and confident when you speak”), use metaphors and stories, and guide you to imagine the change already happening.
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Building your inner resources
We strengthen feelings of calm, confidence and self-belief that you can use day to day.
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Rehearsing the future
You imagine a real situation coming up, like a presentation, a night's sleep or a flight, going exactly as you want.
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Coming back and reflecting
I bring you gently back to full awareness. You'll feel relaxed and refreshed, and we take a moment to talk about how it went.
How hypnotic suggestion works
A suggestion is simply an idea offered to the mind while it is relaxed and receptive. There are a few kinds:
Direct suggestions
Clear, positive statements of the change: “Each night you fall asleep more easily.”
Indirect suggestions and metaphors
Stories and images that the subconscious understands without the critical mind arguing, such as a river finding its way around a rock.
Imagery and rehearsal
Vividly imagining yourself acting the new way, so it starts to feel familiar.
Post-hypnotic suggestions
Suggestions that come into effect later, in a specific situation: “When you stand up to speak, you'll breathe slowly and feel steady.”
How RTT is different
RTT (Rapid Transformational Therapy) also uses hypnosis, but it does something traditional hypnotherapy doesn't: it goes looking for the cause. Under hypnosis, your mind takes us back to a few key memories where the belief or habit began. We understand what you decided about yourself then, release it, and only then install new beliefs and suggestions.
Think of it this way: traditional hypnotherapy plants new seeds in the garden. RTT also pulls out the old roots first, so the new seeds have room to grow. That's why RTT sessions are longer, more active, and come with a personal recording to reinforce the change every day. Read more about RTT and its creator, Marisa Peer.
Side by side
| Feature | Traditional hypnotherapy | RTT |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 50 minutes | Around 90 minutes |
| Price | €100 | €220 |
| Main tool | Hypnotic suggestion and imagery | Regression to the root cause, then new beliefs and suggestion |
| Works on | How you feel and respond now | Why the pattern started |
| Do you talk? | Very little, you mostly listen and relax | Yes, you describe what comes up and I guide you |
| How it feels | Calm, restful, like a deep guided relaxation | More active and sometimes emotional, ending in relief |
| Talking about the past | Not needed | A few key memories, explored safely |
| Number of sessions | Usually a short series, as each session builds on the last | Usually one to three per issue |
| Personal recording | Not included | Included, to listen to for at least 21 days |
| Best for | Stress, sleep, relaxation, motivation, confidence boosts, exam and performance nerves, and top-ups | Smoking, cravings, phobias, long-standing anxiety, low self-worth, money and success blocks |
Which one should I choose?
Choose traditional hypnotherapy if…
you want to feel calmer, sleep better, prepare for an exam, interview or performance, boost motivation, or simply enjoy deep relaxation, without talking about the past.
Choose RTT if…
the issue has been with you a long time, keeps coming back however hard you try, or feels emotional, like smoking, cravings, phobias, anxiety, low self-worth, or money and success blocks.
Not sure?
That's what the free 20-minute call is for. I'll tell you honestly which one fits, and you can always start with traditional hypnotherapy and move to RTT later.
Find the right session for you
Book a free 20-minute call. We'll talk about what you want to change and choose between hypnotherapy, RTT and RTC coaching together.