Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy - what's the difference?

Within the context of therapeutic goals, the terms "hypnosis" and "hypnotherapy" are basically interchangable, although "hypnosis" is not a therapy in and of itself . Having said that, it is our belief and experience that the hypnotic trance all by itself, without the use of any suggestion, can be a very profound and healing state. 

Sometimes people might try to differentiate between hypnosis and hypnotherapy as an indication of "depth" of trance (ie, "in hypnosis, you go under, but in hypnotherapy you are just relaxed") but this is incorrect ("under" what?), and is indicative of a practitioner not taking the time to explain or demonstrate to their client the process and what they can expect. 

HYPNOSIS Hypnosis is a tool, not a therapy. The word hypnosis means "sleep", and indicates a state whereby the brain has achieved a specific range of brainwaves - typically, from:  Alpha: 13Hz - 8Hz (light relaxation; "idle"; calm; light focus; daydreaming);   to   Theta: 7Hz - 4Hz (more focused but still a "daydream" state, with an increase in vital subconcsious processes, such as immune system activation, memory activation and increased sensory awareness);   and in some cases, to   Delta: 3Hz - 0.05Hz (heightened sensory awareness; increased immune function; decreased release of cortisol and increased release of DHEA & melatonin, vital 'anti-stress' hormones; deep physical relaxation; drifting towards sleep; physiological sleep).  These states are normal and natural, and we all experience them every day. Hypnosis is the formal induction of these states.

HYPNOTHERAPY Hypnotherapy is the application of hypnosis to achieve specific  therapeutic outcomes. This involves the skillful use of hypnotic suggestion to guide people towards change.  Hypnotherapy usually involves more than a symptomatic cure. Hypnotherapy is the induction of specific "states of mind" or brainwave pattern, so that direct influence can be made on subconscious processes, whether they be physical or emotional in nature.  Hypnotherapy does not necessarily involve relaxation, although it is more pleasant and quite common to use relaxation procedures.  There are no "magic" suggestions that are the key to everyone. Hypnotherapy suggestions are merely triggers. The change originates from within you.  All hypnotherapists are hypnotists, but not all hypnotists are hypnotherapists.