Dispelling the Myths About Hypnosis
If you are considering hypnotherapy to overcome anxiety, stop smoking, or break a bad habit, it is entirely normal to have questions about the process. Many people only know about hypnosis from stage shows or films, which create a lot of fears and misconceptions.
As a certified, neurodivergent-friendly hypnotherapist, I (Christophe Courtin) want to assure you that hypnotherapy is a safe, relaxing, and highly effective therapeutic tool. Below are the answers to the most common questions my clients ask before booking their first session.
Common Questions & Misconceptions
Q: Will I fall asleep during hypnotherapy?
- A: No, hypnosis is not sleep. You will be awake and aware of everything that is going on. It is common for people new to hypnotherapy to think it is ‘not working’ because they are still consciously aware. Many techniques we explore make use of your imagination and focus. While some people feel very relaxed (which is a nice bonus when treating stress and anxiety), you will not be asleep.
Q: Will I forget what happens while I am hypnotised?
- A: No. Modern hypnotherapy is conducted while you are in a light trance state. Most people know exactly what is going on and will remember every part of the hypnotherapy process afterwards. In the highly unlikely event that I said something you were not comfortable with, you would be fully capable of objecting to it immediately.
Q: Will I lose control or be forced to do something against my will?
- A: No. I do not have the power to make you do anything against your will. My role is simply to guide you through the therapeutic process towards a positive outcome. You participate in every step, and you are always in control of whether you want to stop or continue.
Q: Will you make me cluck like a chicken?
- A: No—well, not unless you really want to! Stage hypnotists only appear to have this power because they select extremely suggestible people (usually extroverts) who actively want to go along with the show. At no point will clucking like a chicken be beneficial to your clinical therapy, so we will avoid it.
Q: Will I reveal my darkest secrets under hypnosis?
- A: No. Your secrets will remain secret. Any information you choose to share with me will be totally of your own free will, and it will remain strictly confidential. Unless a secret is specifically beneficial to your therapy, I don’t really need to know it!
Q: Is it true that only gullible people can be hypnotised?
- A: Wrong! There is a big difference between gullibility and suggestibility. All hypnosis is essentially self-hypnosis. I am simply guiding you to relax and asking you to follow instructions. Actually, highly intelligent people who are willing to try new ideas and are open to experiences usually see the best results.
Q: Can I get stuck in hypnosis?
- A: Absolutely not. Just as you cannot get ‘stuck’ reading a fascinating book, you cannot get stuck in a trance. Being in hypnosis is a very pleasant state, so you may choose to linger in it for a few moments, but you can open your eyes and return to normal awareness whenever you choose.
Q: What if I am someone who can’t be hypnotised?
- A: You can be. Hypnosis is a natural ability we all possess. If you have ever become completely absorbed in a good book or film, or lost yourself while staring out the window of a train, you have experienced a hypnotic trance. It is simply a state where you are focused, thinking clearly, and allowing beneficial ideas easier access to your inner mind.
Ready to Experience Hypnotherapy for Yourself?
If you have any other questions, or if you are ready to see how hypnotherapy can help you regain control, I am here to help. I offer face-to-face sessions at my clinic in Folkestone, Kent, as well as secure online sessions via Zoom.