What Hypnotherapy Really Is… and Isn’t

Do a search for hypnosis and you'll find all sorts of images, such as a swinging watch, most of which are misleading and put people off of trying hypnotherapy. Hypnosis has come a long way from swinging pocket watches and dramatic stage shows. But thanks to media and myths, many people are still unsure what hypnotherapy actually involves—and whether it could help them.

So let’s clear things up.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is hypnosis mind control?” or “Would I even be able to go under?”—this article is for you.

Let’s bust the top five myths about hypnosis so you can explore it with clarity and confidence.

Myth 1: You Lose Control During Hypnosis

Truth: You’re always in control.

This is probably the biggest misconception. Many people imagine that under hypnosis, they’ll be "out of it," unable to speak or move, or vulnerable to manipulation. In reality, hypnotherapy is a collaborative process where you remain fully aware and in charge at all times.

In fact, it’s not about giving up control—it’s about gaining access to deeper layers of your mind so you can make positive changes with greater ease.

You can reject any suggestion at any time. You can even open your eyes and stop the session if you choose. You’re the one in the driver’s seat—hypnosis just helps clear the fog from the windscreen.

Myth 2: Hypnosis Is the Same as Sleep

Truth: It’s a unique state of deep focus and relaxation.

Although your body might appear deeply relaxed—breathing slowly, muscles softening—your mind is actually awake and alert. In fact, brain scans have shown that during hypnosis, areas of the brain linked to attention and responsiveness are highly active. And you don't even need to be relaxed to experience hypnosis!

Think of it like being engrossed in a film or book—you’re fully focused, yet blocking out the outside world. That’s the ideal mindset for working with the areas of your brain where habits, beliefs, and emotional responses are formed.

Myth 3: Hypnotherapy Is the Same as Stage Hypnosis

Truth: One is for laughs. The other is for healing.

Stage hypnosis is designed to entertain. It relies on peer pressure, extroverted volunteers, and carefully chosen scenarios to create an amusing spectacle.

Clinical hypnotherapy is a professional, therapeutic process that draws on neuroscience, psychology, and suggestion to help people resolve real-life issues like:

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Fears and phobias

• Low confidence

• Sleep issues

• IBS and chronic pain

• Habits like smoking or overeating

There’s no clucking, no dancing, and certainly no embarrassment. Just calm, guided work to help your mind find better ways to cope.

Myth 4: Only “Highly Suggestible” People Can Be Hypnotised

Truth: Most people can be hypnotised—if they’re open to it.

Some people believe they can’t be hypnotised because they’re “too strong-minded” or “too anxious.” But hypnosis isn’t about being weak-willed. It’s about focus, openness, and a willingness to engage.

Most people enter hypnotic states all the time without realising—like when zoning out during a movie, or when playing a sport or computer game, or daydreaming. Hypnotherapy simply uses this natural state of focused attention with intention.

If you’re capable of relaxing and following guided suggestions, you can benefit from hypnotherapy.

Myth 5: Hypnotherapy Isn’t Backed by Science

Truth: Hypnotherapy is evidence-based and NHS-recognised.

Hypnotherapy has been studied extensively in clinical settings. It is recommended by the NHS and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for conditions like IBS, and supported by research for managing chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and even cancer-related symptoms.

A few examples:

• A 2015 meta-analysis found hypnosis significantly reduced anxiety across multiple studies.

• A Harvard study showed that hypnosis changed brain activity in areas related to emotional control and self-awareness.

• Hypnotherapy is used in hospitals to support anaesthesia, pain management, and recovery.

It’s not “woo”—it’s real.

What Hypnosis Is:

• A focused, guided process where you are more receptive to visual imagery or verbal suggestion

• A safe and natural mindset that you’ve experienced many times before

• A way to gently shift thought patterns, habits, or emotional responses

• A collaboration between client and therapist—not something done to you, but with you

Still Curious? Let’s Talk.

Hypnotherapy isn’t magic—but it can feel magical when you finally find relief from something that’s been weighing you down for years.

I offer free 30-minute consultations so you can ask questions, explore whether it’s right for you, and feel fully informed before booking any sessions with me.

Book your free call here

Or explore more about how hypnotherapy could support you at www.annalisekirk.co.uk