Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis in psychotherapy and is performed by qualified physicians and psychologists to treat diseases such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders. In addition, therapists use hypnotherapy to help patients quit smoking, lose weight, or stop abusing drugs and alcohol. Hypnotism is a state in which one is susceptible to influence from another person. In order for someone to be able to put you under their spell, they have to be capable of generating feelings of trust and safety. Additionally, they need to be able to remove your ability to resist them. Only a small number of people are able to do this effectively, which is why it is not possible for most people to be hypnotized by someone else. Hypnotists use various techniques to generate these feelings of trust and safety. For example, they may ask you to imagine yourself in an environment that is comfortable for you- maybe it's a beach where you feel the sand between your toes or a mountain cabin where you know you will be safe. The hypnotist will then lead you into deeper levels of relaxation by asking you questions about your past experiences or telling you stories about other people who have been through similar things. When you reach this point, the hypnotist will suggest ideas to you that you would not have thought of on your own.