Myth #1: “Hypnotherapy Takes Away Your Control”
- Debunk: A widespread misconception is that hypnotherapy leaves you completely under someone else’s control, vulnerable to any suggestion they might make. This image comes largely from stage hypnotists, who use hypnosis for entertainment, and they create an illusion of control over participants for the show.
- Truth: Hypnotherapy doesn’t remove control; rather, it helps people access a deeply relaxed state that makes it easier to tap into the subconscious mind.
- This relaxed state, sometimes called “trance,” is actually similar to when you’re so absorbed in a movie or a book that you tune out the world around you, but you’re still aware and capable of snapping out of it if you want to.
- Example: During a hypnotherapy session, if you were told to do something you’re uncomfortable with, you could simply refuse or stop the session.
- The process relies on cooperation, and you’re always an active participant. The suggestions made in hypnotherapy align with goals you set before the session. So, if your goal is to reduce stress, suggestions may include visualizing peaceful scenes or creating a personal “calm place.” There’s no “loss” of control; rather, hypnotherapy empowers you to take control of your mental state.
Myth #2: “Hypnotherapy is Magic or Mind Control”
- Debunk: Because hypnotherapy can achieve impressive results, some believe it works like magic or is a form of mind control. This myth, again, stems from sensationalized depictions in movies or books.
- Truth: Hypnotherapy is actually grounded in science. Hypnosis uses guided relaxation techniques to help people reach a highly focused mental state, often called a trance. In this state, the subconscious mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions that align with the person’s own goals. It’s not about manipulation or control; rather, it’s a collaborative process that works only when the client wants to make changes.
- Scientific Insight: Studies have shown that hypnosis can create real brain changes, affecting areas responsible for focus, awareness, and memory. This heightened focus enables people to examine their own thought patterns and reframe them more easily. Hypnotherapy, therefore, is a tool to help you harness your own mind’s abilities—no magic or “control” involved.
Myth #3: “Only Weak-minded People Can Be Hypnotized”
- Debunk: Another prevalent myth is that only people who are “weak-minded” or easily influenced can be hypnotized, implying that those with strong willpower or intelligence would resist it.
- Truth: Hypnotherapy has nothing to do with mental “strength” or “weakness.” In fact, many hypnotherapists report that people who are imaginative, open minded, or intelligent can often experience hypnotherapy very effectively because they’re better able to visualize and engage in the process. Willingness and openness to the process are more important than any notion of mental strength.
- Example: Think about elite athletes or high, performing professionals who use visualization and mental training techniques to enhance their performance. Hypnosis is a similar process—anyone can experience it if they are open to relaxing and engaging in guided focus. People who embrace the process and let themselves relax often experience profound benefits.
Myth #4: “Hypnotherapy Can Make You Do Things Against Your Will”
- Debunk: This myth persists because of how hypnosis is portrayed in media. We often see characters being “hypnotized” into doing outlandish or morally questionable acts against their will, leading to the idea that hypnosis can force people into unwanted actions..
- Truth: In a therapeutic setting, hypnotherapy is all about working with your own goals and values.
- As your hypnotherapist I’m here to support your self improvement journey, not to impose anything you don’t want.
- You’re aware of every suggestion made, and your mind will automatically reject any suggestion that conflicts with your beliefs, morals, or values.
- Scientific Insight: Studies show that the human mind has a natural safeguard that prevents people from acting against their moral compass, even in a state of trance. Hypnotherapy merely allows you to access the subconscious in a relaxed and focused way, but you’re fully aware and capable of rejecting anything that feels “off” or uncomfortable.
Myth #5: “You’re Asleep or Unconscious During Hypnotherapy”
- Debunk: Many people think hypnosis is like being asleep. While hypnotherapy involves deep relaxation, you’re not asleep or unconscious.
- Truth: In hypnotherapy, the “hypnotic trance” is actually a state of heightened awareness and concentration, where you’re deeply relaxed but highly focused. You’ll hear everything the therapist says and can respond or even get up and leave if you choose. It’s a bit like the deeply relaxed feeling just before you fall asleep, but you’re still awake and aware of your surroundings.
- Example: Many people compare the experience to “zoning out” while driving on a familiar route, you’re technically on autopilot but can still react and respond as needed. Hypnotherapy works by guiding you into a state where you can focus on positive suggestions while being fully aware.
Myth #6: “Hypnotherapy is a Quick Fix for Any Problem”
- Debunk: Some people come to hypnotherapy expecting instant solutions for complex issues. While hypnotherapy can often lead to faster results than other methods for certain issues, it’s not a one size, fits all or magic cure.
- Truth: Hypnotherapy is most effective when viewed as part of a longer,term journey of change. For issues like quitting smoking or alleviating certain phobias, people may experience quick results, but lasting change usually requires a few sessions, as well as commitment from the client. Hypnotherapy works with your own mind, helping you reach goals gradually. Some habits or thoughts may take time to change, just like with any form of therapy.
- Example: Consider someone using hypnotherapy for weight management. Hypnotherapy can help uncover subconscious beliefs around food and eating, but lasting change also involves adopting new habits and behaviors outside of the sessions. In this way, hypnotherapy provides valuable support for the process but isn’t an instant fix.
Myth #7: “Hypnotherapy is Just for Quitting Smoking or Losing Weight”
- Debunk: While hypnotherapy is well-known for helping people quit smoking or manage weight, it’s actually effective for a much wider range of issues.
- Truth: Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety, building confidence, overcoming fears, and even reducing physical pain. Some people use it to help with exam performance, while others might turn to it for improving sleep or dealing with emotional trauma. The subconscious mind plays a role in nearly every area of life, so hypnotherapy’s versatility can support mental and emotional wellness in many ways.
- Example: Hypnotherapy is often used in medical settings to help patients manage pain and stress before surgery or during chronic illness. Athletes and performers also use it to enhance focus and reduce anxiety. By working with the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy provides tools to address numerous mental and physical challenges.
I approached Joanna to help with my anxiety prior to starting a new job, I had lost confidence, suffered conflicting thoughts and was unable to stand up for myself. Joanna was so supportive and friendly throughout the process. I really appreciated the follow-up calls that took place every week for a month as part of the process as I could discuss any issues or concerns, while working on letting go of the old beliefs.She has helped me to become more aware of subconscious negative thoughts and focus on new, positive beliefs and feelings. I highly recommend Jo as the techniques she applies are very helpful in improving your way of thinking and having better outcomes in life! – Diana P, London
Joanna has been incredible in helping me with letting go of old beliefs that were no longer serving me, in fact they were holding me back. She was supportive and encouraging through the entire process and has been wonderful to work with. Di G, London
Having worked with Joanna to overcome phobias about driving over heights and down steep slopes using hypnotherapy I can highly recommend her. She is reassuring and considerate both pre and post hypnotherapy and the follow-ups have been excellent. You do need to put in some post hypnotherapy work yourself and if you are prepared to work at this then you will see a difference. Thank you Joanna. – Gill G, London
It’s such a relief to find a way of letting go of my chronic anxiety, those negative, critical thoughts playing in my head all day which were dragging me down and actually depressing me. It’s so good to know that I can change my thinking by understanding more about how I developed my old beliefs. I did not think it was possible. Thanks Joanna. – Julian, Derby
I hadn’t really realised that for all my life, I’d let other people decide how I feel. Until the session, I didn’t connect that my fears and anxiety, driven by my desire to be liked by other people, was what was holding me back. I can see this now, it is so clear to me. I thought at first people would not like the change in me, and instead I find that I get more respect now and this feels great. Thank you so much Joanna – Danny, London,
Joanna helped me to identify my negative thoughts, she showed me how my view of myself could be seen from a different perspective, this was a game changer. I’ve always thought and been told that I am a very negative person, I knew this but I didn’t know how to be any different, now I have left all that unpleasantness and difficulty behind me. I feel free, I feel wonderful – thank you! – Nat, Bromley
Joanna is just so lovely and is helping me with anxiety and a negative event that made it worse, her recording is amazing and she has such a gentle, calm voice. I wish I’d found her sooner! Highly recommend her. – Larysa, London
I’ve always believed that I was not calm and confident about anything. Ever sine I can remember my inside world felt chaotic, total chaos, as if something was missing. It was just a horrible feeling. Thanks to the session and all the follow up support I’ve turned this feeling around. I will never go back there. Amazing, thank you Joanna.– Marta, London
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Look after yourself, Joanna x