Hypnotherapy is often surrounded by mystery, misconceptions, and intrigue. Many people approach it with curiosity but also a hint of skepticism. So, what does it really feel like to be hypnotized? Let’s dive into the experience to demystify this fascinating (and completely natural) state of consciousness. Schaumburg, IL trauma therapist services can help guide you through this process safely, using hypnotherapy as a tool to support healing and long-term emotional resilience.
Understanding Hypnotherapy
At its core, hypnotherapy is a focused state of attention, often accompanied by deep relaxation. It’s not about losing control or being put to sleep; rather, it’s about entering a heightened state of awareness where your mind becomes more open to suggestion. This altered state allows individuals to tap into the subconscious, making it easier to explore thoughts, memories, and feelings that may be hidden or buried beneath the surface.
Prior to Your Journey
Before your journey begins, your clinician will explain what to expect, discuss the mutual goals of the session and answer any questions you have.
It is often advised to work on one single issue per session -unless discussed previously with your clinician. Get clear about your intent and goal for the session before you begin.
Whether you are coming in for an in-person session or joining virtually, it’s important to get comfortable and take a moment to ritualize your space – what is it that will make you feel relaxed and present? Comfortable and lose clothing, a warm blanket, soft lighting, calming scents?
Make sure any distractions are away and electronics are on silent. I love pets more than anyone but I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve watched our loving support animals start randomly climbing on their human’s face during virtual sessions!
The Journey Inward
When you first enter a hypnotherapy session, you might be guided through a series of relaxation techniques. You may start by focusing on your breath or envisioning a peaceful scene. As you breathe deeply, your body begins to relax, and you may notice a sense of heaviness/lightness in your limbs or a gentle drift of your mind. This initial phase is often characterized by a feeling of calm and tranquility.
Once you are in this relaxed state, you might feel a sense of floating, as if you are suspended between two worlds—aware of your surroundings yet deeply engrossed in your inner landscape. Thoughts may drift in and out, and it’s common for people to experience vivid imagery or sensations that seem to arise spontaneously.
Sensations and Insights
During hypnotherapy sessions, feelings of deep relaxation are paired with heightened focus. Some individuals report feeling as if they are observing their thoughts from a distance, almost like a distant observer in their own mind. This can lead to profound insights, as you may uncover underlying beliefs or patterns that influence your behavior.
The experience may manifest as a deep sense of peace and emotional release. Hypnotherapy can bring to light unresolved issues, allowing for healing, integration and transformation. As you delve into these feelings, it’s not uncommon to experience a sense of clarity or understanding that you may not have had before.
Time shifts
Many people find that their perception of time shifts during hypnotherapy. What feels like ten or fifteen minutes might actually be forty-five. This is a hallmark of the hypnotic state and is related to the same mechanism that causes time to “fly” when you’re completely absorbed in something enjoyable.
Common Misconceptions
One of the most significant misconceptions about hypnotherapy is the idea that you lose control. In reality, you remain aware and in control throughout the process. You cannot be made to say, do, or believe anything that conflicts with your values or your wishes. If something makes you uncomfortable during a session, you can speak up, adjust your position, or open your eyes and come back to full awareness immediately. Hypnotherapy is not something that is done to you — it is something you do with your therapist. Your participation, your trust, and your willingness are what make it work.
Another common myth is that hypnotherapy is a magical fix for all problems. While it can be incredibly beneficial for issues like anxiety, phobias, and chronic pain, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The effectiveness of hypnotherapy often depends on the person’s willingness to engage in the process and their openness to change.
Coming back to the Present
Coming out of hypnotherapy is gentle and gradual. Your therapist will guide you back to full waking awareness, and most people feel calm, refreshed, and sometimes a little surprised by how relaxed they feel. Some people feel a pleasant grogginess that fades quickly. Others feel mentally clearer than they have in a while. The experience is different for everyone — and it often deepens and becomes more familiar with each subsequent session. Over the hours, days, and weeks following a hypnotherapy session, you may receive more insights (especially be open to symbols and metaphors), integration through dream states, and continual shifts.
Embracing the Experience
Understanding what it feels like to be hypnotized can help alleviate fear and skepticism surrounding this powerful therapeutic tool. By embracing the experience, you open yourself to a world of possibilities for personal growth and healing.
If you’re curious about how hypnotherapy can benefit your life, consider exploring it further. Whether you seek to overcome limiting beliefs, manage stress, or enhance your performance, hypnotherapy could be the key to unlocking your full potential. With the right guidance, you may discover that the journey inward is one of the most transformative experiences you can undertake.
Learn more about hypnotherapy here.
Ready to transform your life? Join us for a personalized hypnotherapy session! Overcome stress, break negative habits, and unlock your potential. Take the first step toward a happier you — Contact Lotus Wellness Center today!
About the Author:
Liana Gerdov, CHT, LCPC, PsyD
As a Clinical Psychologist, Clinical/Spiritual Hypnotherapist, Shamanic Practitioner, and Reiki Master, Liana guides individuals through their most vulnerable moments, illuminating hidden aspects for profound healing and transformation. Her practice integrates traditional psychotherapy with holistic modalities, utilizing narrative, metaphor, ritual, and creative expression to map clients’ inner landscapes. She specializes in helping individuals navigate anxiety, dark night of the soul of the soul, inner child healing and greater integration, trauma, grief, life transitions, and so much more…fostering a deeper connection between mind, body, and soul.
