Why All Hypnosis Is Self-Hypnosis: The Truth Behind Control

If there's one myth that stubbornly sticks to hypnosis, it's the fear of losing control. The image of someone being "put under", made to cluck like a chicken (yes, I hear this weekly), or compelled to reveal their deepest secrets has been kept alive by movies, stage shows, and pop culture. But here's the truth - one that's both empowering and surprisingly refreshing:

All hypnosis is self-hypnosis.

That means you never lose control during hypnotherapy. In fact you gain it!

When I searched for a photo for this blog, this was the first image that popped up — someone lying down with a pocket watch dangling over them. Completely wrong.

You do not want your client lying down, and there is no need for a pocket watch.

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The Misunderstood Magic of Hypnosis

When people picture hypnosis, they imagine a hypnotist with a pendulum, swinging it slowly while chanting something mystical (as above). But real hypnotherapy is nothing like that. There's no mind control, no secret powers - just guided focus.

A trained hypnotherapist isn't taking over your mind. They simply offer suggestions, like a skilled tour guide and YOU decide what paths to explore.

• You cannot be hypnotised to do something you don't want to do.

• Your mind is always listening, always protecting you and always choosing.

If you want to know more about what actually happens in a session, you can read about how hypnotherapy works on my site.

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Self-Hypnosis: The Power You Didn't Know You Already Have

Every time you get lost in a movie, drift off while driving a familiar route, or find yourself in a deep daydream....you've entered a light hypnotic state. Naturally. Easily. Without anyone guiding you.

Hypnosis in a therapeutic setting works the same way.

You allow yourself to relax, focus inward, and become open to new perspectives - and you do this yourself. The therapist simply helps you get there more easily, safely and with purpose.

Think of hypnotherapy as:

• You, shifting into a calm receptive state.

• You, choosing which suggestions resonate

• You, creating change at a subconscious level

In other words, hypnosis doesn't take control away. It hands control back to you - to the part of your mind that's creative, powerful, problem-solving, intuitive and ready for change.

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A More Empowering Reframe for Hypnosis

Instead of:

"Hypnosis makes me lose control."

Try:

"Hypnosis helps me access the part of myself that is in control."

This shift changes everything. Hypnotherapy becomes less about being "put under" and more about "tuning in" to you own inner wisdom.

You're not surrendering power - you are rediscovering it!

If you'd like to understand how this links with other tools, you can read more about NLP techniques and how they combine with hypnosis.

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Why This matters

When people understand that hypnosis is collaborative, safe, and self-driven, they can approach it with curiosity instead of fear.

That's where the real transformation begins.

Hypnotherapy is simply a tool — a gentle, effective one — that helps you unlock what's already within you.

If you’d like to explore hypnotherapy in a safe, grounded way, you can book a hypnotherapy session with me anytime.

The real hypnotist is you.

The therapist is just the guide who hands you the keys.