What is Hypnosis and will I lose control?

A lot of people I talk to have worries when it comes to hypnosis, especially the idea of losing control. In this blog post, I'm going to dive deep into some of these concerns. I'll try to help by giving you some useful information and put your mind at ease!

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What is Hypnosis and will I lose control?

Let's get started with a fundamental question... What is Hypnosis?

What is hypnosis?

Ok, so this is a simple question but unfortunately, does not have a simple answer! The reason for this is that if you were to do an online search for the definition, you may come back with ten different answers (or more!).

What is a 'trance' state?

A hypnotic trance is a natural state of deep relaxation and focused attention that allows your subconscious mind to be more receptive to positive suggestions for change.

I find the easiest way to think about Hypnosis and trance is like this...

When was the last time you got lost in a great film? Maybe you were busy eating your popcorn, and then you realised that you'd become fixated on the film for ten minutes straight, without touching another piece?!

Or, you arrived by car somewhere without remembering the drive there?! You'd taken all of those turns and made all of those decisions while your conscious mind was elsewhere. You still got there safely, but you were in this trance-like state.

Your subconscious mind was safely and automatically handling the learned task of driving, while your conscious mind was deeply focused on something else. This experience perfectly demonstrates that in a trance, you are still aware, still in control, and your mind is simply highly focused, just in a different way.

This phenomenon of becoming so engrossed and focused on something initiates this trance-like feeling - many refer to this as the 'everyday trance'.

In a therapeutic setting, I will guide you into this state of deep physical and mental relaxation. In this trance, your conscious mind (the part of you that overthinks, analyses, and worries) becomes calmer, allowing your subconscious mind (the part of you that holds your habits, beliefs, and imagination) to become more open and receptive to positive and beneficial suggestions.

You remain fully aware and in complete control throughout the entire process. The trance is simply the state we use to have a direct, quiet conversation with your subconscious mind to help you make lasting, positive changes.

If you want to take a deeper dive into learning more about what hypnosis is (and isn't!), check out this blog by clicking here.

It is common to have questions and concerns regarding hypnosis.

Will I lose control?

Ok, so we've had a look at what hypnosis is... the next big question I get asked a lot is "Will I lose control?". Many people come to me after watching Derren Brown or a stage hypnotist in University. They'll ask things like "Will I end up clucking like a chicken?!".

So, in response to the question, "What is Hypnosis and will I lose control?", the answer is NO! You won't end up clucking like a chicken! But let's address this concern of control... So, during hypnosis YOU ARE ALWAYS IN CONTROL! I wanted to capitalise that to emphasise how important it is to understand. That's because this image of losing control puts a lot of people off trying Hypnotherapy, when it could really benefit them to do it!

Why do so many people think you lose control during Hypnosis?

Well, this one may seem obvious to many people, and that's because it's how it looks when we watch a stage hypnotist at work. It looks like the hypnotised subject has no control over what they're doing... the truth is that they do. I'm sure a lot of stage hypnotists will be unhappy with me telling you this (!), but the truth is that the subject doesn't have to do anything they're being asked to do. So, if that person doesn't want to cluck like a chicken, they could just not do it!

Ok, makes sense, but why don't people just not do it then?

So, now, you're probably thinking... that's all well and good, but why do they actually do those things then, such as clucking like a chicken! The reason is because there are so many other factors at play... factors such as knowing they're in a stage show and feeling compelled to make it a good show! The people that go up on stage are often willing to put on a good show and make it fun for everyone watching. Also, the stage hypnotist is not going to choose anyone who doesn't look fun and good to work with. They also make sure that the person is 'hypnotisable' or 'suggestible', which means that they are more likely to go along with the suggestions offered than other people would be.

If you want to take a deeper dive into learning more about what happens during hypnosis, check out this blog by clicking here.

Can I get stuck in hypnosis?

This is a quick and easy one... No, you can't get stuck in hypnosis. For example, let's say you're having an online session and you have a power cut. The video call disconnects and you're in the middle of a hypnotherapy session. What would happen? You'd remain deeply relaxed and, before long, you could open your eyes and come back to full awareness. As you are in complete control, you are able to open your eyes at any point!

If you want to take a deeper dive into more common Hypnotherapy Myths and Misconceptions, check out this blog by clicking here.

Is hypnosis safe?

Yes, hypnosis is safe when performed by a qualified, professional hypnotherapist. Most people report feeling a deep sense of calm and relaxation, which are part of the intended outcomes, alongside the therapeutic aims we're working on.

Negative side effects are very rare and mild... personally, the only things I have ever seen (very rarely) in my practice are a slight dizziness and confusion. Other mild side effects which have been reported elsewhere include:

• Dizziness or light-headedness: This can sometimes happen after a deep state of relaxation, similar to the feeling of waking up from a deep sleep.

  
  

• A mild headache: This is often a result of deep relaxation of muscle groups, particularly in the neck and shoulders.

  
  

• Drowsiness or fatigue: You may feel so relaxed that you want to rest or even have a short nap afterward.

  
  

• Slight anxiety or confusion: In very rare cases, some people may feel a little disoriented for a few moments, especially if they are already feeling a bit anxious before the session begins.

If you want to take a deeper dive into the safety of hypnosis, check out this blog by clicking here.

What's the difference between hypnotherapy and hypnosis?

Hypnosis is the state, and hypnotherapy is the therapeutic application of that state.

So, basically, within a hypnotherapy session, we're using hypnosis as a tool. Not for the whole session, but it makes up a considerable portion of it.

Stage hypnosis uses the same state (hypnosis) but for a different reason... we're using it therapeutically to achieve your desired results, and they're using it for entertainment of the audience.

It's important to know that hypnosis is not something that one person 'does' to another, it's a collaborative process that both people must engage fully in. Therefore, someone cannot be hypnotised against their will.

If you want to take a deeper dive into where hypnosis and hypnotherapy originated, check out this blog by clicking here.

Is hypnotherapy scary?

No, hypnosis is not scary. Again, some people have this misconception because of how it looks on the stage. But hypnosis itself is not scary at all.

When you enter a trance state within hypnosis or some other way, you’ll often notice that you become deeply relaxed.

You’ll probably feel the tension draining out of your muscles.

Time may feel distorted – a half hour session may feel like 5 minutes.

You’ll often feel a sense of peace and your breathing will relax and feel more fluid.

Your awareness will turn inward, and you’ll focus less on external stimuli such as noises and your surroundings.

Many people also feel a nice sense of floating and weightlessness.

So, as you can see, none of these things are scary. They're quite the opposite... very relaxing and enjoyable!

If you want to take a deeper dive into what hypnosis feels like, check out this blog by clicking here.

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