Hypnotherapy: Separating Myths from the Truth for Adults and Children
Hypnotherapy has been used for centuries, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood therapeutic approaches. Many people, particularly busy professionals, still associate hypnosis with stage shows, swinging watches, or the fear of losing control. Parents may also feel unsure about whether hypnotherapy is safe or appropriate for their child.
In reality, modern hypnotherapy is very different from these outdated portrayals.
It is a safe, evidence-based, and highly effective therapeutic tool that can support adults and children with anxiety, habits, confidence, emotional wellbeing, and behavioural change.
This blog explores the most common myths about hypnotherapy and explains what it truly is. So you can make an informed decision for yourself or your child.
What Is Hypnotherapy Really?
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic process that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to help access the subconscious mind. This is the part of the mind responsible for habits, emotional responses, beliefs, and automatic patterns of behaviour.
Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not something that is “done” to you. It is a collaborative process in which you remain aware, present, and in control at all times. A hypnotherapist simply guides you into a calm, focused state where positive change can occur more easily.
For adults, this state often feels similar to being deeply absorbed in a book or film. For children, it can feel like imaginative focus or daydreaming. This is something they naturally do very well.
Myth 1: You Lose Control Under Hypnosis
One of the biggest concerns people have is the fear of losing control. Many professionals worry they might say or do something they wouldn’t normally choose to do. Parents often worry about the same for their child.
The truth: You are always in control during hypnotherapy.
You cannot be made to do anything against your will, and you can come out of hypnosis at any time. Hypnotherapy works with your mind, not against it.
Myth 2: Hypnosis Is a Form of Sleep
The word “trance” can sound mysterious, leading many people to believe hypnosis involves being asleep or unconscious.
The truth: Hypnosis is not sleep.
It is a state of deep relaxation combined with heightened awareness. Your mind is focused, calm, and receptive. This is why hypnotherapy can be so effective for reducing anxiety, improving sleep, breaking habits, and building confidence.
Children often enter this state very naturally through imagination and storytelling, which is why hypnotherapy can be particularly gentle and effective for them.
In my sessions, children can doodle, draw, or play with a fidget toy whilst I read the “sleep story” to them at the end of each sessions. This part is where they will process the things we have spoken about during the majority of the session, and focus on finding solutions for whatever it is they are aiming for.
Myth 3: Hypnotherapy Makes You Reveal Secrets
Another common concern is the fear of revealing personal information or memories you are not ready to share.
The truth: A hypnotherapist cannot read your mind or force disclosure.
Whether you are an adult or a child, nothing is revealed without consent. Hypnotherapy is about empowerment, not exposure.
Myth 4: Hypnotherapy Is a Magical Cure-All
Some people dismiss hypnotherapy as unrealistic or “too good to be true,” while others expect it to instantly fix everything.
The truth: Hypnotherapy is a powerful therapeutic tool — not magic.
It is highly effective for many issues, including anxiety, stress, phobias, habits, confidence, emotional regulation, and sleep difficulties. However, like any therapeutic approach, it works best when there is willingness to engage in the process.
Hypnotherapy complements but does not replace medical or psychological care when those are needed.
Myth 5: Only Certain People Can Be Hypnotised
There is a persistent belief that only “weak-minded” or overly suggestible people can be hypnotised.
The truth: Most people can experience hypnosis.
Hypnotisability has nothing to do with intelligence or strength of character. In fact, many highly driven professionals respond very well to hypnotherapy because they can focus deeply. Children, too, are often excellent candidates due to their natural imagination and openness.
Is Hypnotherapy Evidence-Based?
Yes. Research continues to show positive outcomes for hypnotherapy in areas such as stress reduction, habit change, pain management, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, and emotional wellbeing.
The effectiveness of hypnotherapy lies in the mind–body connection. When the mind is relaxed and focused, the subconscious becomes more accessible, allowing unhelpful patterns to be gently reshaped and healthier responses to take root.
Hypnotherapy for Adults and Children: An Empowering Approach
At its core, hypnotherapy is about empowerment. It helps adults regain a sense of control, clarity, and emotional balance, and it can help children feel calmer, more confident, and better equipped to manage their emotions.
Whether you are seeking support for yourself or considering hypnotherapy for your child, it offers a respectful, natural, and supportive way to create positive change without force or pressure.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Myths
Hypnotherapy is not mind control
It is not sleep
And it is not magic
It is a safe, professional, and effective therapeutic approach that uses the natural abilities of your own mind — or your child’s — to support meaningful, lasting change.
If you have been curious about hypnotherapy but hesitant because of common myths, I encourage you to set those aside and explore what hypnotherapy truly offers.
It really could be life-changing for you. A free initial consultation will provide you with the opportunity to ask as many questions as you like.
And discover how hypnotherapy could be right for you.
FAQ’s
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Yes. Hypnotherapy is a safe and well-established therapeutic approach when delivered by a qualified professional. Adults remain fully aware and in control throughout the process, and sessions for children are adapted to be gentle, age-appropriate, and supportive. Hypnotherapy works with the mind, not against it.
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No. You cannot lose control during hypnotherapy. You are always aware of what is happening and cannot be made to say or do anything against your will. The same applies to children, whereby hypnotherapy is a collaborative and respectful process that prioritises safety and consent.
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For adults, hypnosis often feels like deep relaxation combined with focused attention similar to being absorbed in a book, a song or film. For children, it may feel like imaginative focus or daydreaming. It is not sleep, and you can hear and respond throughout the session.
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Hypnotherapy can support a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, phobias, negatives habits, sleep difficulties, low confidence, emotional regulation, and behavioural challenges.
If you suffer from IBS, chronic pain, migraines, insomnia, procrastination, fear of public speaking, exam or interview anxiety, fear of flying, emetophobia, claustrophobia, teeth grinding, nail biting, skin picking, hair pulling, or are neurodivergent, solution focused hypnotherapy can help you understand your emotional difficulties, and bring relief.
It can be helpful for both adults managing professional or personal pressures and children experiencing anxiety, fears, or low confidence.
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Yes. There is growing scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of hypnotherapy for stress reduction, habit change, pain management, anxiety, and certain medical conditions. It works by helping access the subconscious mind, where many emotional and behavioural patterns are formed.
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The number of sessions varies depending on the individual and the issue being addressed. Some people notice improvements quickly, while others benefit from a short course of sessions. This applies to both adults and children, and progress is always reviewed collaboratively.
Ask me about fee packages, which offer the best value for a course of hypnotherapy.