Hypnotherapy: What It Really Is (and Isn’t)

Mention hypnotherapy, and many people immediately picture stage hypnosis - acting out on command, losing control, or having someone else take over your mind. Some worry it might conflict with their beliefs, or they’re simply scared of the unknown. I understand, I’ve heard it all before, and I want to address those fears head-on.

My Journey

I didn’t take the decision to train as a hypnotherapist lightly. I considered psychology and psychotherapy, but at that point in my life, hypnotherapy felt most aligned with my own experiences, my client base and my belief in the mind’s natural capacity to heal. As someone who loves to study and continually evolve my knowledge base and thinking, I have embraced trauma-informed training, learning to understand the conscious, subconscious and unconscious mind - how we’re programmed, and how we can safely reprogram ourselves. Hypnotherapy is complex work, requiring care, understanding and respect for the mind and body.

 

The Mind is Easily Influenced

I see time and again how much our minds are influenced by the words and stories we absorb. One client, for example, had a naturopath, a doctor, a pharmacist, peers and friends - plus everything she read online. Each time she came to see me, she was overloaded with fears, even before we started working together. Her nervous system was overloaded, and she was giving her healing power away. It wasn’t about anyone being wrong, it was about the way repeated suggestions and stories can flood the mind and body.

 

The Power of Words

This is where hypnotherapy is different. It’s not about control or performance. It’s about you regaining control of your own mind. Words matter and, as a hypnotherpist, I’ve been trained to use them carefully - to guide, empower and help you heal. When we work together, my focus is on helping you overcome limiting beliefs, rewire unhelpful thought patterns and move forward safely from trauma or other challenges.

 

A Personal Example

My social media feeds are full of posts warning me of every possible symptom of menopause. The more I read, the more I notice myself reflecting those fears before any real symptoms even appear. That’s the mind at work. Hypnotherapy helps people notice what’s actually happening, rather than what others tell them should be happening, so they can respond rather than react.

 

Conclusion

Hypnotherapy isn’t about losing control, being brainwashed or acting out on stage. It’s a guided, thoughtful and deeply personal process. My role is to help you feel safe, regain your power and discover your mind’s natural capacity to heal.

If you’ve been curious but hesitant, I want to reassure you: it’s a safe, respectful process and it starts with your own willingness to explore. You remain in control at every step - I’m not a magician, merely a facilitator, and your conscious mind is fully aware of the changes happening.

If you’d like to explore how hypnotherapy could support you, I offer a 15-minute complimentary consultation to answer questions and discuss your goals.