Before our first session, I kindly ask you to read this page if you are not yet familiar with the method of hypnosis.
It’s important for our collaboration and your success that you understand the approach at its core — and meet it with openness and curiosity, rather than falling for common myths. But don’t worry — we’ll of course discuss it together in more depth. 🙂
Hypnosis is a natural, altered state of consciousness characterised by focused attention, increased suggestibility, and often a deep sense of relaxation. In this state, people are more open to positive suggestions and may experience changes in perception, memory, or behaviour.
Hypnosis is typically facilitated by a trained practitioner using methods such as guided imagery, relaxation, and suggestion. It is a collaborative process in which the client willingly participates and remains in full control of their thoughts and actions.
Clinical Hypnosis
In Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH), hypnosis is used as a complementary tool to support cognitive restructuring, mentally rehearse new behaviours, and shift emotional states.
A similar use of hypnosis can be found in non-clinical HypnoCoaching.
It allows clients to enter a deeply relaxed and receptive state, making it easier to explore and transform deeply held thought patterns and beliefs.
Through hypnosis, clients can vividly rehearse and reinforce new, more supportive behaviours and ways of thinking — strengthening the work done through CBT.
This combination of hypnosis and measures from cognitive behavioural therapy can help promote lasting change in thoughts, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing.
In Other Words:
Hypnosis is a powerful mental training that supports change and helps us move towards our goals.
Hypnosis is a mental exercise — one that you guide yourself through. Just like any other form of mental or physical training, it works because you actively take part. Whether it’s meditating, reading, or daydreaming — the process is yours. It’s never something done *to* you.
The hypnotist simply supports you — just as a trainer might guide you through a workout at the gym. But it’s you who performs the exercise, by choice.
A trance-like feeling can arise when you consciously focus on the idea of “being in a trance.” Trance is entirely subjective — it can’t be measured or observed from the outside. No one can put you into a trance against your will — nor can they do so without your consent.
Debunking Common Myths:
Myth: Loss of Control
Reality:
People in hypnosis do not lose control of their minds. They remain fully aware of their surroundings and can reject any suggestion that doesn’t align with their values or intentions.
It’s similar to intentionally immersing yourself in a vivid daydream. You’re in charge — simply choosing to focus.
Even in a daydream, your attention is centred on the imagined experience, while other things fade into the background.
Myth: Mind Control
Reality:
Hypnosis is not mind control. You cannot be made to do anything against your will. Hypnosis is a co-created process, and you always have the choice to accept or ignore suggestions.
A hypnotherapist simply offers you ideas — like suggestions for mental focus or visualisation. A professionally trained and ethical hypnotherapist will only offer helpful, supportive suggestions that align with your goals.
A qualified hypnotherapist or hypno-coach will always work in service of *your* wellbeing — never to manipulate or override your autonomy.
Myth: Magical or Mystical Powers
Reality:
Hypnosis is a psychological state — not something mystical or magical. Its effects are based on how the brain processes suggestion and imagery, not on anything supernatural.
A helpful comparison:
Imagine a parent sitting beside their child at bedtime, saying something reassuring — like, *“You’ll sleep well tonight. You are smart and special in your own unique way.”*
In this relaxed, trusting state, the child absorbs those words more deeply. They settle into the mind and replay, especially when the child listens without distraction.
Trust + focused attention + a willingness to imagine = the foundation of effective hypnosis.
Myth: Hypnosis Is Sleep
Reality:
Although the word “hypnosis” comes from the Greek word for sleep, being in hypnosis is not the same as being asleep. You may appear very relaxed on the outside — sitting still, eyes closed, listening quietly — but mentally, you are focused and alert.
Myth: Only Gullible People Can Be Hypnotised
Reality:
Hypnotisability varies between individuals — but it has nothing to do with gullibility. People who have strong imagination and can concentrate well often respond particularly well to hypnosis.
In fact, using hypnosis intentionally for personal growth often reflects openness, intelligence, and a deep willingness to change.
Myth: Hypnosis Erases Memories
Reality:
Hypnosis does not erase memory. It may sometimes enhance recall — but memories are not perfect recordings, and under certain conditions, false memories can be created. Hypnosis should always be used responsibly.
Myth: Hypnosis Is Dangerous
Reality:
When practised by a trained and ethical professional, hypnosis is considered safe. It’s a recognised therapeutic tool for addressing emotional and behavioural issues.
Practised regularly, self-hypnosis can be a powerful way to support long-term neuroplastic change in the direction you want to go.
Summary:
Hypnosis is a natural, safe and effective state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility. It can support positive change, help overcome internal obstacles, and enhance your overall wellbeing.
Many misconceptions about hypnosis stem from outdated ideas or media portrayals. But modern clinical hypnosis is an evidence-based practice — grounded in psychology, not mysticism.
