Why Do People Say Hypnosis is "Bad"
Does Hypnosis go Against God?
Am I Being Deceived by Darkness?
Is Hypnosis Against God?
If you're reading this, you're probably asking yourself the same question I've been wrestling with for years:
Is hypnosis against God? Am I opening myself up to deception or darkness?
This isn't a casual question.
If you're spiritually aware—whether you follow a faith tradition, seek spiritual guidance, or simply want to ensure you're not being led astray—this concern is valid and important.
The last thing any of us wants is to unknowingly step into something that could cause spiritual harm.
Here's Where I'm Coming From
I've been a hypnotherapist for 19 years, and I also have my own spiritual practice.
I've helped hundreds of people find freedom from anxiety, trauma, phobias, and limiting beliefs through hypnosis.
And yet, I still find myself returning to this question: Is this work in alignment spiritually?
I don't have all the answers. I'm actively working through this myself.
But what I can offer you is what I've learned from research, from my practice, and from my own discernment process.
This page isn't here to convince you.
It's here to give you information so you can make your own decision.
My hope is that by examining what spiritual texts actually say—and what hypnosis actually is —you'll have what you need to find peace with your decision, whatever that may be.
Common Spiritual Concerns
"But doesn't the Bible warn against this?"
If you've been researching hypnosis from a spiritual perspective, you've probably come across several Bible verses that seem concerning.
Let's look at the most commonly cited ones and what they actually address.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
"Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead."
What this warns against: Contacting spirits, communicating with the dead, using supernatural powers from questionable sources, and occult practices meant to gain hidden knowledge or manipulate spiritual forces.
Why clinical hypnosis is different: Hypnosis doesn't involve contacting spirits, the dead, or any entities. It's focused attention on your own subconscious mind—the part of you that holds memories, beliefs, and patterns. There's no attempt to gain supernatural knowledge or manipulate spiritual forces. You're working with your own mind and, if you choose, your own spiritual support.
Leviticus 19:31 & 20:6
"Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them."
What this warns against: Seeking guidance or power from spirits or entities.
Why clinical hypnosis is different: In my practice, there are no spirit guides, no channeling, no entities. I work within my own spiritual framework, and I respect whatever faith tradition you come from. You remain fully in control, fully aware, and can connect with your own spiritual support in whatever way feels right to you throughout the session.
Galatians 5:19-21
"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft..."
What this warns against: The Greek word here is "pharmakeia," which referred to drug-induced sorcery, magic potions, and occult practices used to manipulate or harm others.
Why clinical hypnosis is different: There are no substances, no spells, no attempts to manipulate or control. Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention—similar to being deeply absorbed in meditation, contemplation, or focused thought. Everything in a session requires your consent, and you can stop at any time.
The Real Concerns: Control, Influence, and Safety
These spiritual warnings are primarily about:
- Seeking power or knowledge from questionable sources
- Being controlled or manipulated by external forces
- Opening yourself to deception
These are valid concerns.
And here's what's important to understand:
In clinical hypnosis (especially the way I practice):
- You remain fully aware and in control the entire time
- You can open your eyes and leave whenever you choose
- Everything requires your consent —I never ask you to do anything against your will
- There are no spirits, guides, or entities involved
- You're invited to connect with your own spiritual support in whatever way feels right to you
- The work happens through your own will and intention , not through me doing something TO you
You're not emptying your mind or making yourself vulnerable to outside forces. You're in focused attention, actively working on releasing trauma, limiting beliefs, and aligning your subconscious with your conscious desires—all with full awareness and control.
Spiritual Support for Inner Work
What if this kind of work aligns with how we're designed?
While spiritual texts warn against occult practices, they also show us that our minds—both conscious and subconscious—are designed for deep, transformative inner work.
Ephesians 6:12
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
This verse reminds us that our real battles aren't just physical or surface-level.
Anxiety, trauma, phobias, limiting beliefs—these often have roots that go deeper than what we can see or consciously understand. They're stored in our subconscious mind, affecting how we feel, think, and act.
If our struggles have deeper roots, doesn't it make sense that healing would need to reach that level too?
Hypnosis allows us to access those deeper places where trauma and false beliefs are stored, so we can release them and align our whole mind—conscious and subconscious—with what we truly want.
Romans 12:2
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
We're called to renew our minds.
But how do we renew beliefs and patterns we're not even consciously aware of?
The subconscious mind holds programming from childhood, trauma, and past experiences—beliefs like "I'm not safe," "I'm not worthy," or "I have to perform to be loved."
Hypnosis is a tool for accessing and renewing those subconscious beliefs. It's about addressing the roots, not just the symptoms.
Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
This is focused attention. Intentional visualization. Directing your mind toward what is good and true.
That's exactly what happens in hypnosis —you're in a state of focused attention, visualizing healing, releasing what no longer serves you, and aligning your beliefs with what you truly desire.
Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God."
Stillness. Contemplation. Deep meditation.
Throughout spiritual traditions, we see people encountering deeper truth in quiet, meditative, deeply focused states.
Hypnosis is simply a state of deep focus and relaxation —not unlike contemplative prayer or meditative practice.
Biblical Examples of Altered States
- Peter's vision (Acts 10:10) - He fell into a trance and received revelation
- Paul's vision (Acts 22:17) - He was in a trance when he received guidance
- John's revelation (Revelation 1:10) - "I was in the Spirit" when he received visions
- Joseph, Daniel, and many prophets received messages through dreams
These texts show that altered states of consciousness can be pathways to truth and healing.
Hypnosis is simply a natural, focused state of attention —not so different from these examples.
Your Subconscious Mind is Part of Your Design
Your subconscious mind isn't separate from you or from how you're designed.
It's part of you.
It stores your memories, beliefs, emotions, and patterns. It's where trauma gets lodged and where limiting beliefs take root.
If your subconscious mind is part of your design, and if transformation involves renewing your mind, why wouldn't there be ways to access and heal those deeper places?
Matthew 7:16-20
"You will recognize them by their fruits. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Thus, by their fruits you will recognize them."
This passage gives us a practical test: look at the fruit.
If something is beneficial, it will produce good fruit. If it's harmful, the fruit will reveal that too.
So what are the fruits of hypnosis done with integrity?
- Peace instead of anxiety
- Freedom from trauma that's kept people stuck for years
- Breaking free from destructive habits like smoking or emotional eating
- Feeling lighter, calmer, more aligned with who they truly are
- Being able to love themselves and others better
- Renewed hope and clarity
- Deeper connection with their spiritual life as limiting beliefs are released
When people leave sessions feeling more peaceful, more free, more able to connect with what matters most without the noise of fear and trauma—those are good fruits.
If hypnosis were harmful, you'd expect to see the opposite: more confusion, more bondage, spiritual disconnection, increased distress.
But that's not what happens when it's done with clear boundaries and integrity.
The fruit matters. And the fruit can help you discern.
My Spiritual Approach & Boundaries
How I maintain integrity in my practice
I've been a hypnotherapist for 19 years, and I have my own spiritual practice that shapes how I work.
I take spiritual safety seriously—both mine and yours.
Here's what that looks like in practice:
Clear Boundaries
- NO spirit guides - I don't call on or work with guides, entities, or spirits
- NO invoking multiple gods/goddesses/deities - I work within my own spiritual framework
- NO channeling - Nothing comes "through" me from another source
- NO Reiki or energy sending - I don't send energy or do energy work on you
- NO witchcraft or occult practices - No spells, rituals, or manipulation of spiritual forces
Your Control and Awareness
You remain fully aware and in control throughout the entire session.
You're not unconscious, you're not "under" anything—you're in focused attention, like being absorbed in deep thought or meditation.
Everything requires your consent. I will never ask you to do anything against your will or your values. You can open your eyes and leave at any time.
Respecting Your Faith
I respect all faith traditions.
Whether you connect with God, Jesus, a higher power, the universe, or another spiritual framework—I adapt my language to honor your beliefs.
You're welcome to bring your own spiritual support into the session with you if that feels right to you. You're not alone in this process. Many clients find it deeply comforting to connect with their spiritual resources as we work through releasing trauma and renewing beliefs.
You Do the Work
This is important: I don't do anything TO you.
I guide and facilitate, but you do the work through your own will and intention.
We work together to help you release stored trauma, limiting beliefs, and subconscious programming—but it's your healing, your process, your choice.
Your Discernment
Making your own decision
I can't tell you whether hypnosis is right for you spiritually.
That's between you and God.
What I can tell you is this: I've wrestled with this question myself for years, and I'm still seeking clarity. I don't claim to have all the answers.
But I do believe that God gave us minds to think, hearts to discern, and the Holy Spirit to guide us into truth.
The Bible encourages us to "test the spirits" (1 John 4:1)—not to live in fear, but to use wisdom and discernment. This applies to any practice, teacher, or tool we encounter.
Here are some questions to pray through as you discern:
- When you think about hypnosis, do you feel peace or unease?
- Have you invited God into this decision and asked for His guidance?
- Does the fruit of hypnosis (freedom, peace, healing) align with God's character?
- Do you feel drawn to this for the right reasons—healing and growth, not manipulation or control?
- Are you willing to bring God/Jesus into the session with you?
- Have you experienced or witnessed good fruit from this kind of inner healing work before?
Trust your discernment.
If something doesn't feel right in your spirit, honor that. And if you feel peace about moving forward, trust that too.
You're not alone in this question. Many spiritually-aware people have walked this path before you and found that hypnosis, done with clear boundaries and spiritual integrity, became a tool for deep healing and transformation.
Next Steps
If you feel at peace moving forward...
If you've considered the information and feel comfortable exploring hypnosis, I'd be honored to work with you.
Here's what happens next:
- Book a free consultation - We'll talk about what you're struggling with, what you hope to achieve, and whether hypnosis feels like the right fit
- Ask any questions - This is your chance to ask anything about the process, my approach, or any concerns you have
- Your first session - If we both feel it's a good fit, we'll schedule your first session where you'll experience what hypnosis actually feels like
Remember: You remain in control. You can connect with your own spiritual support in whatever way feels right to you. And you can stop at any time if something doesn't feel right.
And if you're still unsure...
That's okay too.
Take your time.
There's no pressure, and no judgment. Your comfort and peace of mind matter more than any appointment.
If you'd like to learn more about what hypnosis actually is (beyond the spiritual question), visit our [Hypnosis page].