Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Strategic Hypnotherapy
Not sure if hypnotherapy is for you? Here are some of the most common questions people ask before starting.
How is Strategic Hypnotherapy different from traditional hypnosis?
Traditional hypnosis often focuses on calming imagery—such as forests, beaches, or floating experiences—that help you relax but only ease the symptoms.
Strategic Hypnotherapy goes further. It works on the filters and thought patterns that create the problem in the first place. For example:
If you’re feeling overly alert and tense, we help you ground yourself with reality checks.
If you tend to overanalyse, we explore which thoughts are genuinely helpful and which are not.
This makes Strategic Hypnotherapy an active and practical approach—helping you create lasting change, not just temporary relief.
Can everyone go into hypnosis?
Yes. The old idea that some people can’t be hypnotised comes from outdated, directive styles of hypnosis where the practitioner “told” people what to do.
Modern hypnosis is collaborative and flexible. You’re never forced—you’re simply offered new ways of thinking, and you choose what feels right. Because there’s no resistance, hypnosis becomes accessible to everyone.
Is hypnosis the same as meditation?
They may look similar on the surface, but they are not the same. Meditation is designed to calm the mind and promote focus. Hypnosis, however, brings you into a unique mental state—a blend of deep relaxation and alert awareness.
This state is similar to meditation but is used with purpose: to reshape thinking patterns, release unhelpful habits, and strengthen new skills. Far from being a “trance,” it is a natural and scientifically recognised process that helps you use your own mind more effectively.
Can hypnosis make me do something against my will?
No. This is one of the most common myths, fuelled by stage shows and films. In reality:
Hypnosis is always self-hypnosis—you remain in charge.
You will not accept suggestions that go against your personal values.
Clinical research shows that hypnosis cannot override your morals or beliefs.
Rather than taking away control, hypnotherapy helps you gain more control over your choices, reactions, and wellbeing.
What issues can hypnotherapy help with?
Hypnotherapy is a versatile tool that can be applied to many areas, including:
Emotional wellbeing: anxiety, depression, grief, mood swings, insomnia, panic attacks, stress, confidence.
Habits & behaviours: quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, binge eating, gambling, procrastination, nail biting.
Performance: study recall, exam nerves, public speaking, sports performance.
Other uses: phobias, compulsions, relationship difficulties.
It is important to note that hypnotherapy is a complementary therapy, not a substitute for medical care. Success depends on your commitment and willingness to change.
What happens in a hypnotherapy session?
During hypnosis, you enter a state of deep relaxation and focused awareness. The critical, busy part of the mind quiets, giving you access to the subconscious—the place where habits, emotions, and beliefs are stored.
Each person experiences hypnosis differently:
Some feel heightened focus.
Others drift into a daydream-like calm.
You always remain aware and in control, able to stop at any time.
This state allows positive suggestions and new perspectives to take root, making change easier and more natural.
Is hypnosis safe?
Yes. Hypnosis is a completely natural state of mind and is drug-free. There are no known harmful effects when practised professionally.
In fact, hypnotherapy is considered safer than many of the coping strategies people turn to—such as alcohol, overeating, or gambling. Used wisely, it can help people manage stress, recover from trauma, and build healthier habits.
What does hypnosis feel like?
Most people describe it as being very relaxed yet mentally clear. It may feel like:
The drifting moments before sleep.
The calm focus of daydreaming.
A gentle lightness in the body combined with a quiet mind.
As Dr Milton Erickson described it: hypnosis is “a free period in which individuality can flourish.”
At HNHC, hypnosis is always used to help you reconnect with your strengths, uncover hidden resources, and create lasting change.
Strategic Hypnotherapy at HNHC is not about losing control—it’s about finding your centre, building resilience, and stepping into a stronger, calmer version of yourself.