Hypnosis
November 7, 2018Hypnosis: What’s the deal?
“Is hypnosis even real, or is it some stage show trick?”
“Can hypnosis help me quit my bad habits?”
“I don’t want anyone controlling my mind… that’s weird, right?”
I always hear these types of questions when the subject comes up. Maybe you’re wondering the same thing. It’s expected to be sceptical—I was too. Let’s get real: “Hypnotism” makes most people think of a swinging pocket watch and some dude on stage making someone cluck like a chicken. That’s not what we’re talking about here. We’re talking about how hypnosis can help you change behaviours, unlock new mental states, and get rid of those patterns you’ve been stuck in for years.
What Is Hypnosis?
Here’s the short version: It is a natural state of focused concentration. We’ve all been in a state of hypnosis without realizing it. Have you ever driven home and had no memory of the last 10 minutes of your drive? You were zoned out, but you were still functioning perfectly. That’s like a low-grade form of hypnosis.
Hypnosis puts you in a state where your conscious mind—the one that overthinks everything—takes a back seat. When that happens, your subconscious mind—the part responsible for your habits and automatic responses—becomes more accessible. That’s where the real change can happen.
Myths About Hypnotism
There’s so much misinformation floating around about hypnosis. Let’s knock out a few common myths:
- Myth #1: It is mind control. Nobody’s taking over your brain, trust me. You’re still aware of everything happening and won’t do anything you don’t want to do.
- Myth #2: You’re unconscious. You are not unconscious; you’re hyper-aware. Your mind is focused and alert, just in a different way.
- Myth #3: Only weak-minded people can be hypnotized. Nope. It’s not about being weak or gullible. Anyone can be hypnotized if they’re willing and open to it.
So, let’s stop picturing some weird voodoo. It is just a tool. Like any tool, it’s about how you use it.
How Does It Work?
Let’s break this down. When you’re in a hypnotic state, you’re more open to suggestion. And no, that doesn’t mean someone is planting weird ideas in your head. It just means your mind is more receptive to positive suggestions that can help you change habits, improve focus, or even relieve anxiety.
Here’s how it typically works:
1. Induction: This is getting you into that hypnotic state. Think of it as a deep relaxation technique. This might involve focusing on breathing, a calming voice, or a specific visualization.
2. Deepening: Once you’re relaxed, the practitioner may use techniques to help you enter a deeper state of focus.
3. Suggestions: At this point, your subconscious mind is more accessible. This is when the practitioner will offer suggestions related to the issue you want to work on.
4. Waking Up: After making the suggestions, the practitioner will guide you back to your regular awareness. And guess what? You wake up feeling refreshed.
No swinging watches. No mind control. It’s a deep, focused state where you can create real change.
What Can Hypnosis Help With?
Now, you’re probably asking, “Okay, cool. But what’s it useful for?” It is like a Swiss Army knife for mental wellness. Here are just a few things it can help with:
1. Breaking Bad Habits
Whether it’s nail-biting, procrastination, or scrolling TikTok for hours when you should be doing anything else, hypnosis can help break those patterns. Your habits live in your subconscious, and hypnosis enables you to get in there to make a shift.
2. Stress and Anxiety Relief
Do you ever feel tight in your chest, like you can’t catch a break? It can guide you into deep relaxation, helping you calm that inner storm. When you’re calm, you think more clearly and handle life better.
3. Improving Sleep
Struggling to fall asleep at night? Tossing and turning? It can help you train your brain to wind down and get quality shut-eye. No more counting sheep.
4. Boosting confidence
Hypnosis can be like a mental reset button. You can rewire and replace those thoughts with more empowering beliefs if you’re constantly battling self-doubt. You walk out feeling like you can tackle whatever comes your way.
How to Know If Hypnosis Is Right for You
You might think, “This all sounds great, but is it really for me?” Well, let’s keep it simple. If you’ve got a behaviour you want to change or a mental block you can’t seem to get past, hypnosis could be worth trying.
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Do you have habits you want to quit?
- Do you feel like stress or anxiety is controlling you?
- Are you struggling with confidence in some regions of your life?
- Is your sleep quality trash?
Hypnosis could be a game-changer if you answered “yes” to any of these. But here’s the kicker—you have to be open to it. It’s not magic. It works best when you’re ready to embrace it.
What Does Hypnosis Feel Like?
So, what’s it like to experience hypnosis? Think of it like being in that zone when you’re binge-watching Netflix. You’re intensely focused but not unconscious. You know everything happening around you.
In a hypnotherapy session, you’ll feel deeply relaxed. Your body might feel heavy like you’re sinking into the chair, but your mind is still sharp. You’re in control the whole time, and when the session ends, you’ll feel refreshed—like waking up from the best nap of your life, but without the grogginess.
Hypnosis vs. Meditation: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a question I get a lot: “Isn’t hypnosis the same as meditation?”
Not exactly. Both put you in a relaxed, focused state, but they’re used for different things. Meditation is more about clearing your mind, being present, and managing stress. Hypnosis, conversely, is more about suggestion—getting into that focused state and then actively working to change specific thoughts, habits, or behaviours.
They complement each other, though. If you already meditate, you’ll probably slip into a hypnotic state even easier. Think of hypnosis as meditation’s more tactical cousin.
Is Hypnosis Safe?
The short answer is yes. Hypnosis is 100% safe when practised by a trained professional. You’re in control and can snap out of it whenever you want. Remember, you’re not unconscious or asleep. You’re just really, really focused.
So, if you’re ready to stop letting your subconscious run the show and start taking control of your habits, behaviours, and mental blocks, hypnosis might be the tool you’ve been overlooking. And if you’re wondering whether hypnosis is the real deal—know it’s not magic, but it can feel pretty close to it when you see the changes in your life.
Hypnosis is real. It’s powerful. And it might just be the thing that helps you break through.
Contact Quays Clinic
For hypnotherapy services to help with weight loss, smoking cessation, or anxiety relief, contact Quays Clinic. Ian Smith is a respected international therapist with over 202 five-star reviews.
