Hypnosis is one of the most misunderstood tools I use, and it is easy to see why. Most of what people have seen comes from stage shows and films, where hypnosis is played for entertainment. In my experience those myths put a lot of people off something that could genuinely help them. So let me clear up a few of the most common ones.

“You will be asleep or unconscious”

Not at all. In hypnosis you are awake, aware and in control the whole time. You can hear everything, you know exactly where you are, and you could open your eyes and stop whenever you wished. Most people are simply so comfortable that they would rather stay as they are. Hypnosis is a state of focused relaxation, not sleep.

“Someone can control your mind”

No one can make you do anything against your will in hypnosis. You cannot be made to act against your values, or to do something you would not normally agree to. I am not putting thoughts into your head. I am helping you reach your own resources and your own wish to change. You are always the one in charge.

“Only weak-minded people can be hypnotised”

If anything, the opposite is true. Hypnosis works best for people who can focus and use their imagination well, and that takes a capable mind. Almost everyone can experience hypnosis when they are willing and comfortable. It is a natural state we all drift in and out of every day, whenever we daydream or become absorbed in a good book.

“You might get stuck in hypnosis”

You cannot get stuck. Hypnosis is simply a relaxed state of mind, and you can come out of it at any moment, just as you can rouse yourself from a daydream. At the end of a session I bring you back gently, and you carry on with your day feeling calm and refreshed.

“You will blurt out your secrets”

Hypnosis is not a truth serum. You stay in control of what you say and what you choose to share, exactly as you would in an ordinary conversation. My work is completely confidential, and you only ever tell me what you are comfortable telling me.

The reality

Hypnotherapy is a safe, gentle and surprisingly ordinary experience. It simply helps your subconscious mind become more open to the positive changes you already want to make. After more than 38 years of doing this work, I still find it remarkable how much people can achieve once the myths are out of the way.

If you have been curious but a little unsure, I would be happy to answer your questions. A free initial consultation is a relaxed way to find out whether hypnotherapy is right for you.