Can Hypnosis Really Reduce Anxiety? Myths vs. Facts
If you're struggling with anxiety, you might have tried everything—meditation, therapy, even medication—but still feel like you're stuck in an endless cycle of worry. Maybe someone has mentioned hypnosis, but you're unsure if it actually works. I get it. There are so many myths surrounding hypnosis that it can be hard to know what’s real and what’s just Hollywood fiction. Since I work with clients here in Brandon, MB and online, I want to clear up the confusion and show you how hypnosis can truly help with anxiety relief. Myths vs Facts...
Myth #1: Hypnosis is Mind Control
Fact: Hypnosis Cannot Make You Do Anything Against Your Will
One of the biggest fears people have about hypnosis is that they'll lose control—that I, as a hypnotist, could make them cluck like a chicken or reveal their deepest secrets. Let me assure you: you are always in control. Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation and focus, but you remain fully aware and conscious. You won’t do anything you don’t want to do. What hypnosis does is help you access your subconscious mind, where deep-rooted thought patterns are stored. This makes it easier to shift negative thinking and replace anxious reactions with calm, confident responses. Hypnosis is a heightening of awareness rather than a loss of control. Myths vs Facts
Myth #2: Hypnosis is Just a Party Trick
Fact: Hypnosis is Backed by Science
I understand why people associate hypnosis with stage performances—it’s entertaining! But clinical hypnosis is very different from what you see at a comedy show. In fact, hypnosis is supported by science and used by medical and mental health professionals worldwide. Research, including studies from Stanford University, has shown that hypnosis affects the brain in measurable ways, influencing perception, memory, and emotional regulation. Functional MRI (fMRI) scans reveal that hypnosis can calm overactive brain activity, which is often heightened in people with anxiety. If you've been feeling stuck in fight-or-flight mode, hypnosis can help regulate your nervous system and bring lasting relief. Myths vs Facts
Myth #3: Only Weak-Minded People Can Be Hypnotized
Fact: Hypnosis Works Best for Those Who Are Open to It
Have you ever heard someone say, "I can't be hypnotized!"? The truth is, anyone who is willing and open to the process can benefit from hypnosis. In fact, those with strong focus and imagination tend to respond best. It has nothing to do with being weak-minded—hypnosis is a skill, like meditation or mindfulness, that improves with practice. If you're open to it, hypnosis can be a powerful tool for retraining your brain to respond to stress in healthier ways. Myths vs Facts
Myth #4: Hypnosis Puts You to Sleep
Fact: Hypnosis is a State of Focused Awareness
A lot of people think hypnosis is just like falling asleep, but that’s not quite right. Have you ever been so absorbed in a book or a movie that you tuned out everything around you? That’s similar to how hypnosis works—your body is deeply relaxed, but your mind is alert and focused. You’re in an enhanced state of awareness, which makes it easier to shift negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive, empowering ones.
How Hypnosis Helps with Anxiety
So, how does hypnosis actually help with anxiety? When I work with clients in Brandon, MB and online, we focus on three key areas:
1️⃣ Relaxing the Nervous System – Anxiety keeps you in a constant state of fight-or-flight. Hypnosis signals to your body and mind that you are safe, reducing stress hormones and bringing a sense of calm.
2️⃣ Reframing Negative Thought Patterns – If your mind automatically jumps to the worst-case scenario, hypnosis helps retrain it to respond with calm and confidence instead.
3️⃣ Creating Positive Associations – Your subconscious is powerful, and hypnosis helps it replace anxious triggers with feelings of peace. Over time, these new responses become second nature.
Ready to Give Hypnosis a Try?
If you’ve been struggling with anxiety and feel like nothing has worked, hypnosis might be exactly what you need. I’ve seen firsthand how it helps people break free from anxious thought loops and regain control over their minds. I’d love to help you experience the benefits of hypnosis for yourself.
You don’t have to let anxiety control your life. Why not try something new? Let’s work together to create a calmer, more confident you. 😊
