If the idea of hypnosis conjures up images of pocket watches, swirling spirals, or people clucking like chickens, you’re not alone. But let’s set the record straight. Hypnotherapy has little to do with cheesy stage shows and everything to do with accessing a powerful, natural state of mind bringing potential for healing and transformation. So, what exactly is the hypnotic state, and how does hypnotherapy make use of it?
Hypnotherapy has little to do with cheesy stage shows and everything to do with accessing a powerful, natural state of mind bringing potential for healing and transformation.
And How It’s Used in Hypnotherapy
Let’s dive in.
What Is the Hypnotic State?
The hypnotic state, or trance, is a perfectly natural state of focused attention combined with relaxation. You’ve probably experienced it without even realising. Ever been so engrossed in a book or film that the outside world melted away? Or driven somewhere on autopilot, arriving without remembering every turn? That’s a hypnotic state – your mind focused inward, while the world outside takes a backseat.
In hypnosis, this state is deliberately induced to access the subconscious mind. The subconscious is where your habits, beliefs, and memories live – all the stuff that shapes your behaviours, thoughts, and feelings without you consciously realising it. By reaching this level of mind, hypnotherapy can help you shift counterproductive patterns, enabling healing and sustainable transformation.
What Hypnosis Is Not?
Before we go further, let’s bust some myths. Hypnosis is not:
- Magic: Hypnosis is not a magic wand or a supernatural phenomenon. It is a natural ability of the mind to access your inner potential.
- Mind control: You’re always in control during hypnosis. A hypnotherapist can’t make you do anything you don’t want to. If you’re picturing a sinister villain making people rob banks, you may need to think again.
- Sleep: Although the word “hypnosis” comes from the Greek word for sleep, you’re not asleep. In fact, your mind is often more alert and focused than usual.
How Hypnotherapy Uses the Hypnotic State
So, how does hypnotherapy harness this unique state of mind? Here’s a breakdown:
- Relaxation and Focus: Hypnosis begins with guiding you into a deeply relaxed state. Think of it as a mental spa day. Once your body and conscious mind are at ease, your subconscious becomes more accessible.
- Accessing the Subconscious: The subconscious mind is a bit like a vault, and hypnosis is the key. In this state, your mind is more receptive to new ideas and less likely to refer to old thought patterns or to put up resistance.
- Planting Seeds of Change: This is where the transformation happens. A hypnotherapist uses positive suggestions, visualisations, or guided imagery to help you reframe thoughts, change perspective, break habits, or achieve your goals. Whether it’s letting go of smoking, overcoming anxiety, improving physical health, boosting confidence, or accessing creativity, the hypnotic state makes it easier to shift those stubborn patterns.
- Reinforcement: Hypnosis doesn’t stop when the session ends. The suggestions planted in your subconscious mind often continue to grow, like seeds sprouting after a rainstorm. That’s why many people find changes happening naturally, sometimes even days or weeks after their session.
What Can Hypnotherapy Help With?
Hypnotherapy is incredibly versatile. Here are just a few areas where it’s often used:
Mental Health &
Emotional Well-Being
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Managing depression
- Overcoming phobias and fears (fear of flying, heights, or public speaking)
- Building self-esteem and confidence
- Improving emotional regulation
- Coping with grief and loss
- Addressing trauma and PTSD
Habits & Behaviours
- Breaking unwanted habits (nail-biting, hair-pulling)
- Supporting smoking cessation
- Encouraging healthy eating habits
- Managing procrastination
- Increasing motivation for personal or professional goals
Physical Health & Pain Management
- Managing chronic pain (migraines, fibromyalgia, arthritis)
- Easing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Improving skin conditions like Psoriasis and Eczema
- Addressing allergies
- Supporting recovery from surgery or illness
- Reducing the perception of pain during childbirth (hypnobirthing)
- Managing side effects of medical treatments (nausea during chemotherapy)
Relationship &
Social Skills
- Overcoming social anxiety
- Enhancing communication skills
- Romantic Relationships Navigation
- Expressing and Honouring Authenticity in Relationships
Performance &
Personal Development
- Enhancing focus and concentration
- Improving intellectual performance
- Overcoming creative blocks
- Boosting athletic performance
- Developing a successful mindset
Other Areas
- Increasing relaxation and mindfulness
- Preparing for major life transitions (parenting, moving, career changes)
- Resolving inner conflicts or limiting beliefs
- Supporting spiritual or personal growth
Stress-Related Conditions
- Lowering blood pressure
- Alleviating stress-induced conditions (tension headaches, bruxism)
Sleep Issues
- Alleviating insomnia
- Improving overall sleep quality
Addictions
- Reducing cravings for substances (nicotine, alcohol, drugs, sugar)
- Addressing underlying psychological triggers for addiction
*Helping children
Hypnotherapy can be a gentle and effective approach for children, tailored to their unique needs and developmental stages. It often uses age-appropriate language, metaphors, and stories to guide children into a relaxed state where they can address various challenges.
And that’s just scratching the surface.
Why Hypnotherapy Works?
The relaxed state of hypnosis reduces stress hormones, creating a sense of calm and safety. This not only helps during the session, but also reinforces positive changes in your day-to-day life. You may find yourself responding to situations differently, adopting new habits, or noticing a shift in your mindset in ways that feel effortless. This organic integration is a hallmark of hypnotherapy’s power.
What to Expect in a Hypnotherapy Session?
Curious about what actually happens during hypnotherapy? Here’s a sneak peek:
- The Chat: Every session starts with a conversation. I will ask about your habits, challenges and goals. This gives me the opportunity to tailor the session to your needs. Think of it as setting the stage for transformation, by aligning our understanding and intentions, we create a pathway for meaningful, personalised progress
- Getting Comfortable: You’ll sit or lie down on a comfy chair. Forget the dangling pocket watches, modern hypnosis is all about creating a calm, inspiring environment. This comfort is essential because it allows you to gently shift your focus inward, turning your attention away from the busyness of the outside world. That allows you to relax and access the most creative part of your mind.
- Induction: This is the process of guiding you into the hypnotic state. It is here that the journey into hypnosis truly begins. It might involve focusing on your breathing, taking an imaginary trip through your body, or visualising a peaceful scene. The purpose of this stage is to internalise your awareness, releasing any tension as we go.
- The Work: Once you’re in a relaxed state, I will use techniques to address your specific issue. This is the core of the session, where the real transformative work takes place. This could include direct suggestions, storytelling or metaphors, exploring underlying beliefs, or re-visiting significant past events, to reframe the experience from the position of the powerful, capable person you are today.
- Waking Up: After the session, you’ll be gently brought back to full alertness, feeling refreshed and often pleasantly surprised by how relaxing it was.
- Integrating: After the session we may spend few moment integrating your experience. This ensures you walk away not only relaxed but also empowered and ready to embrace the changes we’ve initiated. Real flourishing happens as the days go and you notice your behaviour changes without any conscious efforts. Follow-up sessions allow us to assess your progress and adjust the approach as needed. You might need multiple sessions depending on the complexity of your issue.
Is Hypnotherapy Right for You?
If you’re curious about hypnotherapy but feeling a bit sceptical, that’s perfectly normal. Many people find themselves pleasantly surprised by the hypnotic state and how effective and enjoyable it is. Hypnotherapy works best when you’re open to the process and genuinely want to make a change. It’s not about forcing unnatural processes, it’s about unlocking the resources already present within you.
Final Thoughts
The hypnotic state is a natural, powerful tool for transformation. Whether you’re looking to kick a habit, manage stress, or tap into your full potential, hypnotherapy offers a gentle yet effective way forward. And no, you won’t cluck like a chicken (unless you really want to). So why not give it a try? You might just surprise yourself.
