When you hear the term hypnotherapy, what comes to your mind?
Because of the word hypno in hypnotherapy, many people assume a person is under some kind of magical spell, listening to the instructions given by the therapist and following them. As we have seen in movies or cartoons, it portrays the image of “You are getting very sleepy” and then directly commands that the hypnotised person follows without question.
However, there are a lot of misconceptions regarding hypnotherapy. Let’s decode what hypnotherapy is and what it isn’t.
Contrary to popular belief, people under hypnosis don’t lose control of themselves and they don’t do anything they wouldn’t normally be willing to do. Instead, they are more focused, making it easier to tap into their subconscious mind. Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses the power of guided relaxation and focused attention to help you make desirable changes in your life.
Here is How it Works: A therapist helps you enter a relaxed state as if you are deeply absorbed in a good book or a movie—you are aware of everything around you, but you are also focused on what’s happening within you. In this state, your mind becomes more open to suggestions that can help you make changes you want, like breaking a habit, easing anxiety, or finding more confidence.
Let’s take two examples to understand hypnotherapy better
Let us assume that you have a fear of public speaking. During hypnotherapy, the therapist might guide you to imagine standing on a stage, but instead of feeling terrified, you visualize yourself calm, and confident, and delivering your message smoothly. Your mind starts to associate speaking with positive feelings instead of fear.
Similarly, it works when you want to change or eliminate harmful habits as well. If you want to quit smoking, the therapist might use visualization techniques while you are in a relaxed state—like imagining your lungs getting cleaner with each breath or picturing yourself enjoying a smoke-free life. Your brain begins to embrace the idea of quitting without the usual resistance.
What Hypnotherapy Is:
- A State of Focused Relaxation: Hypnotherapy guides you into a state of deep relaxation and concentration. In this state, you are more open to positive suggestions and are able to explore thoughts and feelings in a calm and focused way without distractions and resistance.
- A Tool for Positive Change: It is used to help people overcome challenges like anxiety, phobias, stress, unwanted habits (like smoking), and even chronic pain. Accessing the subconscious mind—the part that holds deep-rooted behaviours and beliefs—encourages positive change from within.
- A Collaborative Process: In hypnotherapy, you work together with a trained therapist who guides you through the process. The therapist does not control your mind; instead, they help you access the tools you already have to make the changes you want.
- A Complement to Other Therapies: Hypnotherapy is often used alongside traditional therapies, like counselling or cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), to enhance their effectiveness. It is not a replacement but an additional tool in the healing toolkit.
What Hypnotherapy Isn’t:
- Mind Control or Brainwashing: Hypnotherapy doesn’t give the therapist power over you. You cannot be made to do anything against your will or reveal secrets. You are fully aware, and you maintain control over what happens during the session.
- A Magic Fix: Hypnotherapy isn’t a quick or magical solution to problems. It’s a process that requires your active participation and willingness to change. It’s not an instant cure but a step-by-step way to work through challenges.
- A Coma-Like State: You don’t “fall asleep” or lose consciousness. People often think of hypnosis as some trance where you’re unaware of what’s happening, but you are actually in a heightened state of awareness. You’re awake, able to hear everything, and can choose to stop the session at any time
- Entertainment: Stage hypnosis, where people are made to do silly or embarrassing things for entertainment, is very different from therapeutic hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is a professional and respectful practice focused on personal growth and well-being, not for show.
Many people find that hypnotherapy can support emotional healing, helping them overcome past trauma, release fears or boost self-confidence. Since hypnotherapy deals with the subconscious mind, it can gently uncover and address emotional blocks where talk therapy might have limited effect. Some people think of hypnotherapy as “pseudoscience” because it’s often associated with the unknown or mystical. While early uses of hypnosis were less scientific, modern hypnotherapy is backed by a growing body of research showing its effectiveness for a range of issues, from managing pain to reducing anxiety and treating phobias. It is now recognised by reputable organisations like the American Psychological Association as a legitimate therapeutic approach.
While hypnotherapy has a history of being misunderstood, its true value lies in its ability to help people make real and meaningful changes and while hypnotherapy might not be for everyone, having an open mind about its effectiveness for certain people can overcome its complicated reputation.