Have you ever caught yourself wondering, “What if hypnotherapy doesn’t work for me?”
Well, you are not alone. Many people feel this way before they sign up and before their first session. It’s a natural fear. You want to change. You want to feel better. But part of you worries about getting your hopes up, and some people will worry about the fact that most hypnotherapists have private practices, and there will be a financial cost.
This is where it’s important to be honest. Hypnotherapy isn’t magic. It’s a powerful tool that helps you tap into your own mind to create change. However, just like going to the gym, it works best when you know what to expect and actively participate in the process.
I’ve worked with people who thought it wouldn’t work for them. They came in anxious, sceptical, and tired of trying other things. I have found that this is more common among people who are stressed or anxious, as they often think they can’t relax. Yet with the right support and realistic expectations, many experienced real, lasting change.
In this blog, we’ll explore what might make hypnotherapy seem like it isn’t working, what’s really happening beneath the surface, and how to give yourself the best chance of success. This is your journey. And you have more power than you may think.
What is hypnosis?
According to the American Psychological Society, hypnosis is
a conscious state involving focused attention, reduced periphial awareness, and an enhanced capacity to respond to suggestions.
Hypnosis is a tool that is used with therapy to help people make changes to physical and psychological issues. Hypnotherapists, psychologists and doctors use it.
Hypnotherapy shouldn’t be confused with stage hypnosis and those things that you see in movies, which use hypnosis as a tool for entertainment.
Who is most suitable for hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is most suitable for adults and young people who can focus, have no psychosis and can understand the hypnotist. Adults who are fit and well and want to be hypnotised usually can be.
However, some people may be highly hypnotisable, many have an average level of hypnotisability, and a few people are more difficult to hypnotise.
Hypnotherapy can also be used with some children who can speak and listen. Generally, children are easier to hypnotise as they have great imaginations.
I always offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation to assess your suitability and allow you to ask me any questions you may have.
What hypnotherapy can and cannot do
It can help with a wide range of psychological, emotional and physical conditions. For example, it helps with stress, anxiety, worries, anger, blushing, some forms of high blood pressure, warts, and some skin conditions.
It can help alleviate fears and phobias, as well as address habits and performance issues. For example, fears of spiders, driving on motorways, nail biting, quitting smoking, and stage fright.
Some people use hypnotherapy to enhance their sports performance.
We don’t claim to cure people, but amazing things do happen.
Can you guarantee the results?
No, I do not guarantee results, but I do guarantee excellent service. Just like going to a doctor with a problem, they can’t guarantee that the medication or treatment will work.
I work ethically, and I am knowledgeable and experienced. Please compare my qualifications, experience, and the information I provide with those of other hypnotherapists in my area.
Why hypnotherapy might not work straight away
Fears of hypnosis, hidden resistance, a lack of trust and rapport with the hypnotherapist, and being unclear about what you want are contributing factors as to why you might not get the results you wish straight away.
Additionally, some changes may seem unusual at first. For example, if you have not previously addressed a problem, it may take some time to feel comfortable with different ways of living your life.
Case study
I remember a client who had OCD, and this resulted in her checking spreadsheets at work over and over again. She had seen a psychologist who helped with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), but the problem persisted for a few years.
After four sessions of hypnotherapy, she stopped checking. This seemed so unusual to her that she found she had lots of spare time at work. She didn’t know what to do with herself, so we discussed this, and she decided to change the layout of her office. She also requested relaxation sessions with me every few months as she was scared to stop seeing me for hypnotherapy.
My role in making hypnotherapy work
I believe it is essential to be open and honest about hypnotherapy and how I work. I need you to tell me about the problem, your feelings about hypnotherapy, and any concerns you may have so that I can make an accurate assessment. I would appreciate it if you could discuss this with me as early as possible.
During the sessions, I listen and try to understand everything about the problem.
I make a lot of effort to build your trust and develop a rapport with you.
I will maintain confidentiality unless I believe there is a severe risk to you or someone else. In some cases, such as terrorism, I have a duty to report.
I keep up to date with regular studying, attending courses, and study days.
As required by my professional bodies, I have supervision where I discuss anonymised examples. The aim is to increase learning and maintain standards.
Here is a tip to make your first session easier. Write a bullet point list of the questions you have before we start.
Adjusting the plan: Hypnotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Different hypnotherapists are trained in various approaches and have different ideas about how hypnotherapy can be used. For example, some practitioners use regression therapy, while others never employ that technique. Some hypnotherapists do past life regression, while others, like me, do not.
Some hypnotherapists use a classic approach when they use a direct induction to hypnosis, and others use a conversational style.
I teach and use all approaches depending on the presenting issue from the client. I am flexible in my approach.
Case study
I remember one client who told me that he couldn’t be hypnotised. Although I was surprised that he came to see me if he had that belief, he was adamant that he needed to stop smoking, so I carried on talking with him and used hypnotic language to help him drift into hypnosis. At the end, he laughed and said, ‘I was wrong!’ He got the result that he wanted and stopped smoking.
Signs that hypnotherapy is working (even if you haven’t noticed it yet)
Sometimes, people experience a dramatic change and realise that hypnotherapy is working.
Other times, the results are subtle. For example, someone who wants help with anxiety might start sleeping better, feeling calmer in situations when they previously felt stressed.
Case study
I remember one client who came to see me with stress and anxiety related to her work.
The first time I met her, she spoke so fast that I struggled to understand everything she was saying. She made me feel exhausted!
I knew that anxious people don’t breathe deeply. So I mentioned to her that she spoke very quickly, and she said that many people had commented on her fast speaking at work. She believed that it contributed to her difficulties at work. After two sessions of CBT and hypnotherapy, she was calmer and slowed down her speech. This gave her time to reflect on her work and make more informed decisions. Other people also noticed. After four sessions of hypnotherapy, she was happier, calmer and looking to the future. She had the results she wanted.
When to explore other options or combine treatments
If you want hypnotherapy and are suitable, that is what you will get from me.
However, as I like my clients to understand things and to work on changing themselves, I sometimes use CBT, coaching, EMDR and other forms of counselling and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT or sometimes called tapping). Everything is geared to what is needed and what the client wants.
I may also suggest that you visit your doctor for a check-up.
Case study
Once, I helped a large lady lose weight. I asked her if she had seen her doctor for a health check, as she had mentioned needing to lose about 10 stones. She didn’t want to speak to her doctor as she felt he didn’t understand her weight issues and had told her previously to go on a reducing diet or join a slimming club. It seemed that she had little confidence in her doctor.
I don’t weigh clients as a hypnotherapist, as I believe that is what the client should do and be honest with me. This lady couldn’t use ordinary scales as she was too heavy. We needed to have a starting point, or she could struggle to know that she was losing weight with hypnotherapy.
After the third session, with gentle persuasion from me, she agreed to consult her doctor. I was concerned about her blood pressure and the risks of having diabetes. I knew this as I am a retired nurse.
The following week, she did see her doctor. She told me how much she weighed as her doctor had bariatric scales, and she found out that she had diabetes and high blood sugar. He started treatment, booked her to see a weight loss coach and referred her to the hospital to have bariatric surgery.
Over the next six months, she lost six stones with hypnotherapy, and she was delighted. Her doctor was also pleased because she was better suited for surgery, being a bit lighter. She stopped coming to see me as she wanted the bariatric surgery, but at least I knew hypnotherapy had helped her.
How to choose a qualified hypnotherapist that you trust
Hypnotherapists hold various qualifications, ranging from a certificate level to a master’s degree and associated PhDs.
The most common qualification in the UK is the Higher Professional Diploma (HPD).
Some hypnotherapists may have fewer qualifications but are highly experienced and skilled in their profession, while others possess higher qualifications but have limited experience.
Always look for a balance between qualifications and experience.
Some hypnotherapists work part-time, so they may not see as many clients as someone who works full-time.
Look for the hypnotherapist on directory sites and lists with professional bodies. Choose an accredited professional body. In the UK, there are several organisations that you can check the credentials of hypnotherapists with, including the National Hypnotherapy Society, the General Hypnotherapy Register, and the National Council of Hypnotherapists.
Find testimonials or reviews, as this gives you social proof.
Do your research. Sometimes a hypnotherapist is recommended. On my website, www.awakenthechange.com, you will find lots of information about me.
Final thoughts: hypnotherapy is a journey, not a quick fix
Hypnotherapy is fast. It is faster than counselling, but it isn’t a magic wand that fixes everything immediately.
If you are considering hypnotherapy, with enough information, I hope you will take the next step and book a discovery call.
Hi, I’m Linda from Awaken the Change.
I am a retired nurse. I have been working as a hypnotherapist and counsellor since 2007.
I am highly qualified. I have an MSc in Hypnosis, an MSc in Psychology, and an MA in Interprofessional Health.
I specialise in helping with all aspects of stress and anxiety, bereavement, and loss.
I work full-time and am passionate about helping people to feel better. Sometimes, it’s the little things that bother people, and other times, it’s significant issues. Whatever it is, you deserve a better life if you are not happy.
Book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with me to learn more about how I can assist you.
