By Camille McCormack, LPC
People are often fascinated when they learn that clinical hypnotherapy is a core part of my practice. There is always curiosity, as well as a little hesitation.
Because of how it is portrayed in movies and entertainment, hypnotherapy carries a lot of misunderstanding. Let’s clear the air on what a session actually looks like.
What It Isn’t
- It is not mind-control.
- You are not asleep or “out of it.”
- You cannot be made to do anything against your will.
- It’s not a test to see if you “can” be hypnotized. (You can).
What It Is: Hypnosis is simply a state of highly focused awareness. It is an evidence-based way to bring your mind’s deeper subconscious patterns to the forefront so we can better understand and potentially rewrite them.
During a session, you remain fully aware and in complete control. It often feels like deep relaxation, a guided meditation, or being completely absorbed in a great book. You aren’t disconnected; your brain is just highly focused.
Because of this focus, we are able to work with your mind in a targeted, thoughtful way. It is incredibly effective for addressing issues that feel “stuck”.
What About Control? One of the biggest concerns people have is losing control. In reality, the exact opposite happens. Hypnosis gives you access to the part of your mind that already knows how to shift, but just hasn’t quite been able to do it on its own. It is a tool to regain control over your thoughts and physiological responses.
What If It Doesn’t Work? The worst-case scenario? You leave the office feeling deeply rested and relaxed. The best-case scenario? Things begin to shift, often much more naturally than you expected. Many clients notice distinct changes in their behavior, habits, and internal dialogue in the days and weeks following a session.
The Truth About Change: A hypnosis session isn’t the place you come to see if you might want to change. It’s the place you come when you already know you are ready, but you need the right tool to make it happen.
Clinical hypnosis isn’t something to fear; it’s something to understand. When approached with intention, it is a profoundly powerful way to move forward.
