Do You Lose Control During Hypnosis? The Truth About Hypnotherapy

When most people hear the word “hypnosis,” they imagine a swinging pocket watch, someone clucking like a chicken, or perhaps even a stage hypnotist making someone reveal their deepest secrets. This image often leads to a common question: "Do you lose control during hypnosis?"

The short answer is no—hypnosis is far from mind control or manipulation. Instead, it’s a state of focused relaxation, designed to empower you, not take away your control.

What Actually Happens During Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural state of heightened focus and suggestibility, often compared to the feeling of being deeply engrossed in a book or movie. You’re aware of what’s happening, but your attention is so focused that the outside world fades into the background.

During a hypnotherapy session, you are always in control. A hypnotherapist acts as a guide, helping you tap into your subconscious to make positive changes. For a deeper dive into what hypnosis entails, you might find our article "What is Hypnosis: Recognise Hypnotic States and Learn How It Works" insightful.

Hypnotic Trance and the Importance of Trust

The key is to find someone who you trust, so that you’re able to feel fully comfortable in your hypnotherapy sessions. That trust is necessary if you want to truly let go, bypass the noise of your conscious mind, and open yourself to suggestions that can begin to change your life for the better.

The key to relaxing into trance is working with a therapist that you can build a good rapport with. It is important that you feel it is your person. Someone you feel relaxed and comfortable with and, most importantly, who makes you feel heard.

A good rapport is the key to any effective communication, and when it comes to therapy, it is essential. If you have doubts, before you see your hypnotherapist feel free to make a call to them first and have a chat. Discuss what it is you want to work on and ask about their process. You can usually find an option for a free consultation call.

This way, your first session will not be meeting a complete stranger. A lot of the time, I see clients going deeper into trance in our second session, once they get familiar with the process and are allowing themselves to fully relax into it and enjoy their experience of transformation.

Why Does the Myth of Losing Control During Hypnosis Persist?

One of the biggest misconceptions about hypnosis is that it makes you do things against your will. This myth has been perpetuated by movies and stage performances, but it couldn’t be further from the truth.

Scientific research supports this. For instance, a study from Stanford Medicine identified specific brain areas that are altered during hypnosis, showing that you’re in a state of focused attention, not mindlessness.

In therapeutic hypnosis, you’re fully aware of your surroundings and have the power to accept or reject suggestions. Hypnosis is about collaboration, not control.

How Hypnotherapy Can Empower You

Hypnotherapy is a tool that can help you overcome anxiety, fears, or limiting beliefs by accessing the subconscious mind. Unlike popular misconceptions, it doesn’t leave you feeling vulnerable. Instead, it equips you with tools to regain control of your life.

Discover how hypnotherapy can be a path to calm and confidence in our blog "Hypnotherapy for Anxiety: A Path to Calm and Confidence".

Exploring the Benefits of Hypnosis

Hypnosis can help with a wide range of issues, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving sleep and breaking unhealthy habits. The Mayo Clinic explains that hypnosis can help you gain control over behaviours you'd like to change and cope better with anxiety or pain (Mayo Clinic).

To explore the various services I offer, visit my Hypnotherapy Services page. Whether it’s anxiety relief, weight loss, or building confidence, hypnosis is a versatile and effective tool for personal transformation.

Final Thoughts

Hypnosis is not about losing control—it’s about gaining it in ways that empower you. By helping you connect with your subconscious mind, hypnotherapy can guide you toward lasting change and personal growth.

If you’ve been curious about trying hypnotherapy but have lingering doubts, feel free to explore our Hypnotherapy FAQs or book a Hypnotherapy consultation. The journey to transformation starts with a single step.