Skip to main content
    Back to Blog
    techniques
    Level 1

    The Difference Between Hypnotherapy and Psychedelic Therapy

    Kelly Bearer, MA, LPC, ACHTFebruary 10, 2023

    The Difference Between Hypnotherapy and Psychedelic Therapy

    This guide covers hypnotherapy training. Hypnotherapy and psychedelic therapy are two distinct forms of therapy that are often used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. While both forms of therapy can be effective, they differ in several important ways.

    Hypnotherapy

    Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses hypnosis to access the subconscious mind and make positive changes to thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. During a hypnotherapy session, the therapist will guide the individual into a state of deep relaxation, often by having them focus on a specific image or sound. Once in this state, the therapist can suggest new ways of thinking or behaving that can help to overcome negative patterns and promote positive change.

    Psychedelic Therapy

    Psychedelic therapy involves the use of psychoactive substances, such as psilocybin or LSD, to promote therapeutic experiences and help individuals overcome mental health conditions. During a psychedelic therapy session, the individual will take the substance and participate in a guided therapeutic experience. The aim of this therapy is to help individuals gain a new perspective on their problems, overcome negative thought patterns, and experience feelings of connection and well-being.

    Differences between Hypnotherapy and Psychedelic Therapy:

    1. Method of inducing altered states: Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to access the subconscious mind, while psychedelic therapy uses psychoactive substances.

    2. Length of therapy: Hypnotherapy sessions are typically shorter, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, while psychedelic therapy sessions can last several hours, depending on the substance used.

    3. Level of control: In hypnotherapy, the individual is in a state of deep relaxation, but still has control over their thoughts and behaviors. In psychedelic therapy, the individual may experience a loss of control, as the psychoactive substance can alter their perception of reality.

    4. Legal status: Hypnotherapy is widely recognized and practiced, and is generally considered safe and legal. Psychedelic therapy, on the other hand, involves the use of psychoactive substances that are often illegal and controversial.

    5. Research and evidence base: There is a growing body of research and evidence supporting the use of hypnotherapy for various mental health conditions, while the research on psychedelic therapy is still in its early stages and more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and limitations.
    Both hypnotherapy and psychedelic therapy have the potential to help individuals overcome mental health conditions, but they differ in important ways. If you or someone you know is considering therapy, it’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons of each form of therapy, and seek the help of a qualified professional.

    Hypnotherapy Training and Certification

    If you’re interested in an evidence-based hypnotherapy method that includes energy practices and spirituality, you’ve found the training for you!

    Meta Hypnotherapy is a one-of-a-kind training program designed from the ground up to be delivered online in the most effective way possible for optimal learning, connection, and personal transformation.

    Join our 5-Day Hypnotherapy Training and Certification program and get certified as a Clinical Hypnotherapist.

    Already a hypnotherapist? Ready for the deep end?

    Join our next Past Life Regression Training. Discover your own past lives and get certified while you do.

    Join our Level Two Advanced Spiritual Regression Training and Certification program and get certified as an Advanced Spiritual Regression Specialist.

    Curious About Hypnotherapy?

    Watch our free masterclass and see if hypnotherapy is right for you.

    Written by
    KB

    Kelly Bearer, MA, LPC, ACHT

    Clinical Director & Founder, Boulder Hypnotherapy Institute

    Licensed Psychotherapist with 20+ years in mental health and 10+ years of clinical hypnotherapy experience. M.A. in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University. NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (#7691). Published author in the Journal for Integral Theory and Practice.

    Related Articles

    Becoming a certified regression therapist opens doors to professional practice. Discover the top 5 past life regression certification programs for 2026.

    Let’s take a look at the topic of brainwaves and the role they play in the process of hypnotherapy and Past Life Regression. As you may well know our brains ...

    Curious about past life regression training? Learn exactly what a PLR certification program covers — from induction techniques and regression protocols to ethics, supervised practice, and building a thriving regression therapy practice.

    Boulder Hypnotherapy Institute

    Clinical hypnotherapy training for therapists, counselors, and practitioners. Join our community of over 1,000 trained graduates worldwide.

    NBCC Approved Continuing Education Provider

    NBCC ACEP No. 7691

    Approved Continuing Education Provider

    Complete at least 75% of the free masterclass to unlock a 72-hour $300 tuition credit. Enter code MASTERCLASS300 manually at Level 1 checkout; pay-in-full tuition is $2,500.

    info@boulderhypnotherapyinstitute.com
    Founded in Boulder, Colorado · Headquartered in Plymouth, Massachusetts · Serving students worldwide through live online training

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates, tips, and exclusive offers.

    Join 12,000+ subscribers. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Educational Purpose — Boulder Hypnotherapy Institute provides hypnotherapy education and training. Completion of any BHI program does not guarantee employment, income, or clinical outcomes. Individual results vary based on effort, prior experience, and professional context.

    Licensure & Scope of Practice — Your scope of practice after training depends on your existing professional credentials, licensing board requirements, and jurisdiction. BHI training alone does not confer a license to practice therapy or counseling. Students are responsible for verifying that their use of hypnotherapy skills complies with applicable state and local regulations.

    Continuing Education — CE credits are approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), ACEP No. 7691. CE eligibility and acceptance vary by licensing board and jurisdiction. Students should verify that NBCC-approved CEs satisfy their specific board's renewal requirements before enrolling. Programs designated as "0 CEs" do not offer continuing education credits.

    Payment Plans & Refunds — Payment plan enrollees are responsible for all scheduled installments regardless of continued participation. Full refund available within 14 days of enrollment (prior to program start), minus a registration fee of 10% of tuition or $100, whichever is less. After 14 days, tuition is held as a non-transferable credit valid for 18 months and may be applied toward any BHI program. Discounted or sale-priced purchases are final. See Refund Policy, Cancellation Policy, and Terms of Service for complete details.

    Testimonials — Student testimonials reflect individual experiences and are not guarantees of specific outcomes. Results vary based on individual effort, background, and circumstances.

    Boulder Hypnotherapy Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7691. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Boulder Hypnotherapy Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

    © 2026 Boulder Hypnotherapy Institute, LLC. All rights reserved. Subconscious Shift Method™ and SSM™ are trademarks of Boulder Hypnotherapy Institute, LLC. BHI provides educational programs in hypnotherapy and related modalities. Our trainings, membership, and resources are educational in nature and do not constitute licensure, clinical supervision, or medical advice.

    Speak with BHI Admissions

    Free 30-minute call

    Your Privacy Matters

    We use cookies to improve your experience and measure site performance. Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors use our site. Marketing cookies help us show you relevant content on other platforms.