What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic use of hypnosis—a natural, deeply relaxed state of focused awareness. When many people think of hypnosis, they often imagine a trance-like experience with a mysterious figure swinging pocket watch and telling you to sleep. Hypnotherapy is quite the opposite. It’s a calm, intentional process that helps individuals tap into their subconscious mind to encourage positive change and healing.  

How Does Hypnotherapy Work?

Hypnotherapy works by guiding a person into a relaxed state, known as a trance, which allows access to their subconscious mind. While psychotherapy often relies on the conscious brain to process events and reframe thoughts, hypnotherapy uses a different part of the brain - the subconscious.  The subconscious mind is where our habits, automatic responses, and deeply held beliefs reside. Through suggestions, visualizations, and tailored scripts, new ideas and perspectives that encourage behaviours, improved emotional regulation, and a deeper sense of self-awareness can be introduced. This is often what is called a “bypass” as hypnotherapy creates a detour from our conscious brain to engage the subconscious brain. This way our surface-level emotions, motivations and intrusive thoughts in our conscious brains do not interrupt the change taking place.

We often engage our subconsciousness unknowingly throughout the day.  Have you ever mindlessly done a task like brushing your teeth or driving to work without really thinking about what you are doing? Can you play a song on an instrument without the musical notes in front of you? Can you taste the sourness in your cheeks when you think of licking the juice of a cold yellow lemon? All of this is your subconscious brain in action and hypnotherapy is harnessing this power.

Common Myths About Hypnotherapy

1. Loss of Control: One common misconception is that the client is under the therapist’s control during hypnosis. During a hypnotherapy session, clients are fully aware and in control, despite the deeply relaxed state they enter. They can respond to questions, remember the session afterward, and come out of hypnosis at any time if needed.

2. Unconscious Mind Control: Hypnosis does not force you to think or feel things you don’t want to. Instead, it opens up pathways in the mind for positive change by reframing negative thought patterns or behaviours. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis; if you do not want to do something you will not.

3. Instant Cure: While hypnotherapy can produce quick results in some cases, it is not a one-size-fits-all or instant solution. It often requires multiple sessions to address deeply ingrained habits or issues. The subconscious is always listening. So any mindful work you do will be contributing to the change you wish to see.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help

Hypnotherapy can be applied to a wide range of physical, emotional, and psychological issues. Some of the most common uses include:

Managing Anxiety and Stress: Hypnotherapy helps reduce anxiety by calming the mind and body, giving individuals tools to manage stressful situations.

Overcoming Phobias: By addressing the root cause of fears at a subconscious level, clients can learn to let go of debilitating phobias.

Pain Management: Hypnotherapy has been used successfully for pain relief, particularly in chronic pain conditions. Hypnotherapy can also be used for other health ailments such as allergies, menstrual cramps, and migraines.

Behavioural Changes: From smoking cessation to changing how we interact with food (ARFID included), hypnotherapy can help reprogram behaviours by targeting the behaviours stored in the subconscious.

Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem: By shifting negative self-perceptions, hypnotherapy can increase confidence, improve self-compassion, and help individuals develop a more positive relationship with themselves.

What to Expect in a Session With Me

Our first step is getting to know your goals and challenges in getting to that goal. This involves creating a curious space where we map these out together. Building your map is an ongoing process throughout our work together as self-exploration and discovery are unending. This step also allows me to create a personalized approach to interacting with your subconscious using your own words and characteristics.

We then touch base with your subconscious by using different techniques of focused breathing or visualizations. Once you're in this relaxed state, we then use your personalized positive suggestions and imagery to reframe any limiting beliefs or harmful patterns. The session concludes with a gentle return to full awareness, often leaving clients feeling calm, relaxed, and refreshed. The curious space is created again and we can then reflect on your hypnosis experience together.

The Benefits of Hypnotherapy

1. Gentle but Powerful: Hypnotherapy works without the need for invasive procedures or medications, making it a gentle yet powerful tool for change.

2. Personalized: Each session is tailored to your specific needs and concerns, allowing for personalized healing.

3. Holistic: Hypnotherapy doesn’t just address symptoms but aims to uncover the root cause of issues, encouraging deep and lasting change.

4. Safe: When done by a trained professional, hypnotherapy is a safe and effective method of treatment with few, if any, side effects.

Is Hypnotherapy Right for You?

If you’re seeking a gentle, introspective approach to self-improvement, emotional healing, or behavioural change, hypnotherapy may be a great fit. It’s especially beneficial for those who feel stuck in repetitive habits or negative thought patterns and are looking for a way to reframe their inner dialogue. Whether you’re looking to manage stress, overcome a phobia, or develop a greater sense of self-compassion, hypnotherapy offers a unique path toward transformation.