What Is Hypnosis? (And What It's Really Like)

Let me guess...

You're curious about hypnosis, but you're also a little skeptical. Maybe even a little nervous.

You've seen the stage shows. The guy clucking like a chicken. The woman who can't remember her own name.

And you're wondering: Is that real? Could that happen to me?

Here's the truth: Stage hypnosis and clinical hypnosis are completely different animals.

And if you've been struggling with anxiety, trauma, phobias, unwanted habits, or limiting beliefs that keep you stuck—clinical hypnosis might be exactly what you've been looking for.

I've been doing this for 19 years. I've helped hundreds of people break free from things they thought they'd be dealing with forever.

And I'm going to pull back the curtain and show you exactly what hypnosis is, what it isn't, and what it's really like when you experience it.


First, Let's Kill Some Myths

Myth #1: "I'll be unconscious and won't remember anything"

Wrong.

You're fully aware the entire time. You hear everything. You remember everything.

You're not "under" anything—you're in focused attention, like being deeply absorbed in a good book or movie. You know what's happening around you, but you're so focused on what's in front of you that everything else fades into the background.

Myth #2: "The hypnotist will control my mind"

Nope.

I can't make you do anything you don't want to do. You remain in complete control throughout the entire session.

Everything requires your consent. If I suggest something that doesn't align with your values or what you want, your mind will simply reject it. You can open your eyes and leave at any time.

You're not giving up control—you're actually gaining MORE control over the subconscious patterns that have been running your life without your permission.

Myth #3: "Only weak-minded people can be hypnotized"

Actually, it's the opposite.

The better you are at focusing, visualizing, and following instructions, the better hypnosis works for you. Smart, creative, strong-willed people often make the best hypnosis clients because they can direct their focus powerfully.

If you've ever gotten lost in a movie, driven somewhere on autopilot, or been so absorbed in a task you lost track of time—you've already experienced a hypnotic state.

Myth #4: "Hypnosis is some kind of magic or supernatural power"

It's not magic. It's psychology.

Hypnosis is simply a natural state of focused attention combined with relaxation. It allows you to access your subconscious mind—the part of you that holds your memories, beliefs, emotions, and automatic patterns.

There's nothing mystical about it. It's just a tool for working with your mind at a deeper level than normal conversation or willpower can reach.


So What IS Hypnosis, Really?

Hypnosis is a state of focused attention and deep relaxation where your conscious mind (the critical, analytical part) takes a back seat, and your subconscious mind (where your beliefs, memories, and patterns live) becomes more accessible.

Think of it like this:

Your conscious mind is like the captain of a ship. It makes decisions, analyzes information, and tries to steer your life in the right direction.

Your subconscious mind is like the crew below deck. It's running all the automatic systems—your habits, emotional reactions, beliefs about yourself, stored memories, and patterns you learned years ago.

Here's the problem: The crew below deck is actually running the show most of the time.

You can consciously decide "I'm going to stop being anxious" or "I'm going to feel confident"—but if your subconscious has been programmed with beliefs like "I'm not safe" or "I'm not good enough," your subconscious wins every time.

That's why willpower alone doesn't work for deep-rooted issues.

Hypnosis gives you direct access to the crew below deck so you can update the programming, release stored trauma, and align your subconscious beliefs with what you consciously want.


What Happens in a Hypnosis Session?

Here's what a typical session with me looks like:

Step 1: We Talk

Before we do any hypnosis, we talk about what you're struggling with and what you want to achieve.

  • What's been holding you back?
  • When did this pattern start?
  • What would your life look like if this issue was resolved?

This helps me understand what's going on at a deeper level and how to structure the session for maximum impact.

Step 2: Relaxation (Induction)

I'll guide you into a deeply relaxed state using my voice, visualization, and breathing techniques.

You'll feel calm, peaceful, and focused—kind of like that feeling right before you fall asleep, but you're still fully aware.

Your body relaxes. Your mind quiets down. And your subconscious becomes more open to positive suggestions and new perspectives.

Step 3: The Work

This is where the real transformation happens.

Depending on what you're working on, we might:

  • Release stored trauma or painful memories that have been affecting you for years
  • Identify and update limiting beliefs like "I'm not worthy" or "I have to be perfect"
  • Reprogram unwanted habits like smoking, emotional eating, or nail-biting
  • Install new empowering beliefs that align with who you want to be
  • Desensitize phobias or fears so they no longer control you
  • Access inner resources like confidence, calm, or clarity that you already have but haven't been able to tap into

You're actively participating the whole time. This isn't something I do TO you—we work together , and the changes happen through your own will and intention.

Step 4: Coming Back

I'll gently guide you back to full waking awareness. You'll feel refreshed, clear, and often lighter—like a weight has been lifted.

Most people say things like:

  • "That was amazing. I feel so calm."
  • "I can't believe how different I feel already."
  • "That wasn't what I expected at all—in a good way."

What Can Hypnosis Help With?

I've worked with hundreds of people over 19 years, and here are some of the most common issues hypnosis can help with:

  • Anxiety and stress - Calm your nervous system and release the root causes of chronic worry
  • Trauma and PTSD - Process and release traumatic memories without having to relive them in detail
  • Phobias - Overcome irrational fears (flying, public speaking, spiders, needles, etc.)
  • Unwanted habits - Stop smoking, emotional eating, nail-biting, or other compulsive behaviors
  • Limiting beliefs - Release subconscious programming like "I'm not good enough" or "I don't deserve success"
  • Confidence and self-esteem - Build genuine confidence from the inside out
  • Sleep issues - Retrain your mind and body to fall asleep easily and stay asleep
  • Pain management - Reduce chronic pain by changing how your brain processes pain signals
  • Performance enhancement - Improve focus, motivation, and performance in sports, business, or creative pursuits

Why Does Hypnosis Work When Other Things Don't?

Because it addresses the root, not just the symptoms.

Most traditional approaches work at the conscious level:

  • Talk therapy helps you understand your problems
  • Medication manages symptoms
  • Willpower tries to force change

But if the real issue is stored in your subconscious—in beliefs you formed as a child, trauma that's lodged in your nervous system, or patterns you learned before you could even think critically —then conscious-level solutions will only get you so far.

Hypnosis goes straight to the source.

It allows you to access and update the subconscious programming that's been running your life on autopilot.

And when you change things at that level, the changes stick because you're not fighting against yourself anymore. Your conscious and subconscious minds are finally working together.


What It Actually Feels Like

People always ask: "What does hypnosis feel like?"

Here's what clients typically report:

  • Deeply relaxed - Like your body is heavy and comfortable, but your mind is clear and focused
  • Calm and peaceful - Like all the mental noise and anxiety has quieted down
  • Focused - Like you're absorbed in what's happening, similar to watching a great movie
  • Aware - You hear everything, you're in control, and you can open your eyes anytime
  • Lighter afterward - Like a weight has been lifted or a burden has been released

Some people experience vivid visualizations. Others just feel relaxed and focused. Everyone's experience is a little different, and that's completely normal.

The important thing is: it works. Even if you're not sure what's happening during the session, your subconscious is doing the work—and you'll notice the results afterward.


Is Hypnosis Safe?

Yes, when done by a trained professional.

You can't get "stuck" in hypnosis. You can't be made to do anything against your will. And there are no harmful side effects.

The worst thing that can happen? You don't go as deep as you'd like, or you don't experience dramatic results in one session. That's it.

Here's what I do to ensure your safety and comfort:

  • You remain in control - You can open your eyes and stop at any time
  • Everything requires your consent - I never ask you to do anything you're not comfortable with
  • Clear boundaries - No spirit guides, no channeling, no energy work, no occult practices
  • Respect for your values - I adapt my language and approach to honor your beliefs and comfort level
  • Professional training - 19 years of experience helping people just like you

Who Is Hypnosis Right For?

Hypnosis works best for people who:

  • Are open-minded and willing to try something different
  • Want to address the root cause, not just manage symptoms
  • Are tired of struggling with the same issues over and over
  • Are willing to actively participate in their own healing
  • Can focus and follow instructions

Hypnosis might NOT be right for you if:

  • You're looking for a magic fix with zero effort on your part
  • You have severe mental illness that requires medical treatment (hypnosis can complement treatment, but it's not a replacement)
  • You're not willing to let go of the problem (some people are attached to their issues for secondary gain)
  • You're expecting to be "knocked out" or have no memory of the session

What Makes My Approach Different?

I've been doing this for 19 years, and here's what sets my practice apart:

  1. I respect your autonomy
    You're not giving up control—you're gaining MORE control over the patterns that have been running your life.
  2. Clear boundaries
    No woo-woo stuff unless you want it. No spirit guides, no channeling, no energy work. Just clean, effective hypnosis.
  3. Customized approach
    Every session is tailored to you—your beliefs, your values, your goals, your comfort level.
  4. Real results
    I focus on what works. If something isn't helping you, we adjust. The goal is transformation, not just a nice relaxing experience.
  5. You do the work
    I guide and facilitate, but the changes happen through YOUR will and intention. This is your healing, your process, your choice.

Ready to Experience It for Yourself?

Here's what happens next:

Step 1: Book a Free Consultation

We'll talk about what you're struggling with, what you hope to achieve, and whether hypnosis is the right fit for you.

No pressure. No sales pitch. Just an honest conversation about whether I can help you.

Step 2: Ask Any Questions

This is your chance to ask anything about the process, my approach, or any concerns you have.

Step 3: 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 stop at any time. And you'll know pretty quickly whether this is something that can help you.


Still Have Questions?

That's completely normal.

Most people are curious but cautious when they first learn about hypnosis.

If you have specific concerns—especially spiritual concerns about whether hypnosis is safe or aligned with your beliefs—visit our [Is Hypnosis Against God?] page where I address those questions in depth.

Or just reach out. I'm happy to answer any questions you have before you decide whether this is right for you.

You don't have to keep struggling with the same patterns, fears, and limitations.

There's a way to access the deeper part of your mind where real change happens.

And it's been waiting for you all along.

When I think of hypnosis, I don't necessarily think of business. But hypnosis is crucial in business. It doesn't mean positive thinking or visualization exercises. It doesn't mean to fake it until you make it. It doesn't mean to pretend your business is doing well if it's not.

Hypnosis is all about accessing the blocks in your subconscious and releasing them.

This can be old beliefs or fears you have about yourself buried deep in your subconscious mind. Patterns or habits operating below your conscious awareness that keep your business from thriving.

If you've had past failures or your family had business failures, these can become subconscious blocks that will affect your business—even if you consciously know better.

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