Many people wonder whether hypnosis will work for them personally. Some people insist that they can never by hypnotized because they are strong-willed. In my experience, most people can experience hypnosis, but everyone experiences it differently. Hypnotizability is not about being weak, intelligent, or gullible. It is more about the ability to focus and use imagination, an ability to follow guidance, and openness to the process. But even more than that, it is about one’s sense of trust and the willingness to participate in the process.

What Can Affect the Experience?

Depending on the person, entering into a hypnotic state can take a bit of practice (or conditioning). Most people find it easier to go in and out of hypnosis after a few sessions. Even people who believe they “can’t be hypnotized” often enter a hypnotic state without realizing it.

Several factors influence how hypnosis feels and how quickly change occurs. These factors are the motivation and readiness of the client, client’s trust in, and comfort with, the hypnotherapist, the expectations set for the experience, and the ability of the client to set aside conscious judgment and “go with the flow” of the experience.

Depth Isn’t Everything

There is a common myth that hypnosis must be deep to be effective. In reality, depth varies from session to session and does not determine success. Change can happen in light or medium states of hypnosis. In a light state, a person shifts to alpha brainwaves (8-12 Hz) and experiences light relaxation. In medium hypnosis, a person shifts to theta brainwaves (4-7.5 Hz), entering a state of deeper relaxation, while still remaining awake and aware. Many people think hypnosis did not work because they felt aware the entire time. However, awareness does not block hypnosis. It is a sign that the client did not fall asleep into unconsciousness. It is normal and shows healthy engagement.

Hypnosis is a natural mental state. With the right guidance and openness, most people can enter a hypnotic state and benefit from hypnotherapy — even when the experience feels subtle.

By Natalie Candela, PhD

Certified Hypnotherapist and Transformation Coach

Awakened Hypnosis (https://awakenedhypnosis.com)