How does hypnosis work for stress relief?

Many ways: Hypnosis is a sort of enhanced focus which will allow you to control your breathing, heart rate, response to adrenaline, relax, alter your response to stressors in your life, etc. It is a tool like a screwdriver and can be used many different ways.

Very well: As hypnosis is a very relaxed state, it is natural that it might help stress. Some of my greatest success with hypnosis has involved dealing with patients with stress and/or insomnia. The exact mechanism of how hypnosis works is not that simple. There are many theories. Sometimes one can just relieve stress with relaxing suggestions but at times the reasons for the stress have to be dealt with.

Relaxation: Hypnosis often but not always involves relaxation, which may help. But a trained therapist may also be able to use hypnosis to explore the reasons behind the stress. Ego strengthening during hypnosis may also help. This requires skill and experience; look for a therapist with credentials from asch- american soc of clinical hypnosis.