A pic of a swinging pocket watch to illustrate the concept of hypnosis

Is Hypnosis Safe?

December 26, 20243 min read

IS HYPNOSIS SAFE?

So, is hypnosis safe? You'll notice an underlying theme if you read all these blog posts. How Hollywood is responsible for a slew of misconceptions regarding hypnosis. (A slew of misconceptions in lots of fields, actually.)

One of the biggies is about hypnosis being a form of mind control or something mystical. So, is hypnosis safe? The truth is that it is not only safe but also a powerful, natural method for achieving positive changes in your life.

Understanding Hypnosis: A Natural State

Again, if you've read some of the other blog posts, you've already read that hypnosis is a natural state of focused relaxation that we all experience in our daily lives.

For instance, when you’ve been deeply engrossed in a book, lost in a daydream, or fully absorbed in a movie, you’ve experienced a form of hypnosis.. When doing any of those, your mind is highly focused, and you're less aware of your surroundings. This is very similar to the state you enter during a hypnosis session.

Now imagine something happened while absorbed in your book or caught up in your movie. Of course, you'd hear it and react accordingly.

During hypnosis, you remain fully aware of your surroundings and in control of your actions. You cannot be forced to do anything against your will.

Hypnosis is a collaborative process where the hypnotist guides you into a state of deep relaxation, but you are always the one in control. You can choose to accept or reject any suggestions made during the session.

The Safety of Hypnosis

An image used to illustrate someone in hypnosis

Again, if you've read my other posts, you've read this. Hypnosis is recognized as a safe and effective therapeutic tool by major medical and psychological organizations. This includes the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association. It is widely used to help people manage various issues, such as stress, anxiety, chronic pain, smoking cessation, weight loss, and phobias.

 One reason hypnosis is considered safe is that it is non-invasive and drug-free. Unlike medications, which can have side effects or interact with other treatments, hypnosis works with your mind and body’s natural processes. It doesn't involve any external substances or physical interventions. This makes it a gentle and holistic approach to healing and personal development.

The Role Of The Hypnotist

The safety of hypnosis also depends on working with a trained and qualified hypnotist. A professional hypnotist is well-versed in guiding you through the process safely and ethically. They will take the time to understand your goals, explain the process, and ensure you feel comfortable before you begin the session. Ethical hypnotists follow strict guidelines to prioritize your well-being and respect your autonomy.

 

Obviously, it’s important to choose a hypnotist with proper credentials and experience. In some places, hypnotists are unlicensed, and you can end up with someone who's watched YouTube videos or taken a weekend course. Do your homework.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hypnosis is a safe, natural, and effective way to achieve positive change in your life. Whether you’re looking to overcome a bad habit, manage stress, or improve your overall well-being, hypnosis offers a gentle and empowering approach. By working with a trained professional, you can feel confident in the process's safety and efficacy. 

Nick Hughes Hypnotist

Nick Hughes is a certified professional hypnotist and the owner of Hypnotic Shift situated in the Lake Norman area of North Carolina.

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