Low libido can feel like losing a part of yourself. The spark that once felt natural and effortless seems to have simply vanished, leaving behind frustration, confusion, and sometimes strain in your relationship.

What if that connection to your own desire could be gently restored? Imagine feeling genuinely interested in intimacy again, not forcing it or going through the motions, but experiencing that natural pull toward your partner.

Hypnotherapy offers a unique approach to low libido by addressing the mental and emotional barriers that often suppress sexual desire. Rather than focusing solely on physical solutions, it works with the subconscious patterns that may be blocking your natural responses.

Many people find this gentle, non-invasive approach helps them reconnect with their sexuality in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to access your subconscious mind. Think of it as a deeply calm, focused state where your mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions and new ways of thinking.

During hypnosis, you remain fully aware and in control. You’ll hear every word your therapist says, and you can emerge from the relaxed state whenever you choose. It’s nothing like the dramatic portrayals you might have seen in films or stage shows.

The process feels remarkably peaceful – like that drowsy state just before you fall asleep, when your thoughts flow more freely. Your conscious, analytical mind steps back slightly, allowing your subconscious to explore new possibilities without the usual mental resistance.

For sexual concerns, this relaxed state can be particularly valuable. It allows you to examine beliefs, anxieties, or past experiences that might be affecting your libido without the embarrassment or tension you might feel in normal conversation.

Your therapist might use visualisation, positive suggestions, or techniques to help reframe negative associations with intimacy. The goal is to create new neural pathways that support healthy sexual desire and response.

How Effective Is Hypnotherapy for Low Libido?

Low libido often stems from a complex interplay of psychological factors: performance anxiety, body image concerns, relationship stress, or past negative experiences. Your brain’s limbic system, which governs both emotional responses and sexual arousal, can become conditioned to associate intimacy with tension rather than pleasure.

Hypnotherapy works by accessing the subconscious mind where these associations are stored. In this relaxed state, your brain shows increased theta wave activity – the same brainwaves associated with creativity, emotional processing, and memory consolidation. This neurological shift creates an optimal environment for rewiring unhelpful patterns.

Research published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis demonstrates hypnotherapy’s effectiveness for sexual dysfunction, with studies showing significant improvements in sexual satisfaction and reduced performance anxiety. A 2018 study found that 78% of participants experienced improved sexual functioning after a course of hypnotherapy sessions.

The process feels like gentle waves washing away old tensions. Where once the thought of intimacy might have triggered stress or disconnection, you may find yourself naturally softening into curiosity and openness.

Sarah, a 34-year-old teacher, began to notice small shifts after her third session – she found herself touching her partner’s hand whilst watching television, something that had felt forced for months. These weren’t dramatic changes, but they felt genuine and unforced.

Individual responses vary considerably, and hypnotherapy works best when underlying stress and relationship factors are also addressed. Success often depends on your readiness to explore these deeper patterns and your commitment to the therapeutic process.

What Happens in a Session for Low Libido?

Your first session typically begins with a detailed conversation about your concerns, relationship dynamics, and any factors that might be influencing your libido. This isn’t about intimate details – it’s about understanding patterns and triggers that affect your sexual wellbeing.

Your therapist will explain the hypnosis process and address any concerns you might have. Many people worry about losing control or revealing embarrassing thoughts, but you’ll remain fully aware throughout the session.

The hypnotic portion usually starts with progressive relaxation – you’ll be guided to release tension from different parts of your body whilst your breathing naturally deepens. This physical relaxation often brings immediate relief from the stress that can suppress sexual desire.

Once you’re deeply relaxed, your therapist might use various techniques tailored to your specific situation. This could include visualising yourself feeling confident and connected to your body, reframing negative beliefs about sexuality, or creating positive associations with intimacy and touch.

Some sessions focus on building body confidence, others on reducing performance anxiety or addressing relationship concerns. The approach depends entirely on what’s contributing to your low libido. You might explore scenarios where you feel naturally sensual and connected, allowing your subconscious to remember these positive states.

Sessions typically last 50-60 minutes, ending with gentle emergence back to normal awareness. Most people feel remarkably relaxed afterwards, often describing a sense of lightness or renewed possibility they haven’t felt in months.

Common Misconceptions About Hypnotherapy

One of the biggest myths is that hypnotherapy will instantly “fix” your libido after one session. Sexual desire is complex, influenced by hormones, stress, relationships, and psychological factors. Hypnotherapy works gradually, helping you process and reshape these various influences over time.

Many people worry they’ll lose control or reveal intimate secrets under hypnosis. In reality, you remain fully conscious and aware throughout the session. You can’t be made to do or say anything against your will, and you’ll remember most or all of what happens.

Another misconception is that low libido is “all in your head” and therefore easily changed. Whilst psychological factors play a significant role, hypnotherapy works alongside your natural healing processes rather than forcing artificial changes. It’s about removing barriers to your authentic sexual self, not creating false desires.

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy emphasises that professional hypnotherapy is a collaborative process, not something done “to” you but something you participate in actively.

How Many Sessions Are Needed for Low Libido?

Most people begin noticing subtle changes within 3-4 sessions – perhaps feeling more relaxed about physical affection or experiencing less anxiety around intimate situations. These early shifts often feel gentle rather than dramatic, like gradually warming up rather than sudden ignition.

A typical course involves 6-8 sessions spread over 2-3 months. This timeframe allows your subconscious mind to integrate new patterns whilst giving you opportunity to notice changes in your daily life. Some people benefit from occasional maintenance sessions, particularly during stressful periods.

The timeline depends largely on underlying factors contributing to your low libido. If it’s primarily stress-related, you might see improvements relatively quickly. More complex issues involving past experiences or relationship anxiety may require longer exploration.

Your therapist will regularly review progress with you, adjusting the approach based on what you’re experiencing between sessions. Some weeks you might focus on confidence-building, others on addressing specific anxieties that arise as your comfort levels increase.

Remember that sustainable change takes time. Quick fixes rarely last, whilst the gradual shifts created through hypnotherapy tend to feel more natural and permanent.

Is Hypnotherapy Right for Me?

Hypnotherapy can be particularly helpful if your low libido seems connected to stress, anxiety, body image concerns, or relationship tensions. If you find yourself overthinking during intimate moments or feeling disconnected from your physical sensations, the relaxation and subconscious work involved in hypnotherapy may be beneficial.

Consider whether you’re open to exploring the psychological aspects of sexuality. Hypnotherapy works best when you’re willing to examine not just symptoms but underlying patterns and beliefs that might be affecting your desire.

If your low libido developed suddenly or is accompanied by other physical symptoms, it’s worth consulting your GP first to rule out hormonal or medical causes. Hypnotherapy can complement medical treatment but shouldn’t replace appropriate healthcare.

Some people worry they’re “not the right type” for hypnotherapy, but willingness to try the process is often more important than any particular personality trait. If you can daydream, meditate, or lose yourself in a good book, you can likely benefit from hypnotherapy.

What matters most is finding a qualified therapist you feel comfortable with, particularly given the sensitive nature of sexual concerns. Many practitioners offer initial consultations where you can explore whether this approach feels right for you.

Explore more about hypnotherapy for Relationships & Intimacy.

Is Hypnotherapy as Effective Online?

This session can be conducted online from anywhere in the world—research published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare has demonstrated that online hypnotherapy is equally effective as in-person sessions for anxiety, with the added benefits of convenience and accessibility from your own comfortable environment. 

Many clients find that being in their own space actually helps them relax more deeply. 

If after that initial session you feel hypnotherapy isn’t right for you, there’s no obligation to continue. 

Book your introductory session and discover whether this approach resonates with you.