You’re not alone. Everyone wonders these things – they’re just too embarrassed to ask out loud.
When people call about hypnosis, they usually have questions. Good questions. Important questions. But often, the questions they’re really thinking about don’t make it into the conversation.
Why? Because they sound awkward. Strange. Maybe even silly.
Here’s the truth: there are no silly questions about hypnosis. Only normal, understandable curiosity about something you’ve probably only seen in movies or stage shows.
So let’s answer the questions people actually want to ask – the ones you’ve been wondering about but weren’t sure how to bring up.
1. Can I Get Stuck in Hypnosis?
No. You cannot get stuck in hypnosis.
Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention, similar to being absorbed in a good book or movie. You go in and out of trance-like states multiple times every day without realizing it – like when you drive somewhere and don’t remember the route.
If a hypnosis session ended abruptly (say, a fire alarm went off), you’d simply open your eyes and respond normally. Your brain knows how to return to normal awareness on its own.
The only way you’d “stay” in hypnosis is if you were so relaxed you decided to take a nap – and that’s just sleep, not being stuck.
2. Will I Bark Like a Dog or Cluck Like a Chicken?
Only if you volunteer for a stage show where that’s the whole point.
Stage hypnosis and therapeutic hypnosis are completely different experiences. Stage hypnotists choose volunteers who want to perform and have fun. They’re looking for extroverts who enjoy being the center of attention.
In a therapeutic session, we’re working on your goals – weight loss, anxiety relief, better sleep, freedom from smoking.
No barking. No clucking. Just you, becoming more comfortable and capable in your own life.
3. Can You Make Me Do Things Against My Will?
No. Your values stay intact. Your boundaries remain.
Hypnosis doesn’t override your core beliefs or moral compass. If I suggested something that went against your values, you’d either ignore the suggestion, open your eyes, or just think “that’s weird” and disregard it.
Think of hypnosis as focused attention plus willingness. You’re an active participant, not a puppet. We’re working together toward goals you choose.
If you don’t want to quit smoking, hypnosis won’t force you to quit. If you don’t actually want to lose weight, I can’t make you. Your will is your own – always.
4. Will I Reveal My Deepest Secrets?
Only if you choose to share them.
Hypnosis is NOT a “truth serum” and people lie in hypnosis all the time.
You have complete control over what you say during hypnosis. Some people talk through the entire session, sharing thoughts and memories. Others remain quiet and do their processing internally.
Both are perfectly fine.
If something comes up that you’d rather not discuss out loud, you simply don’t say it. Your subconscious can work with that information privately – no need to voice everything.
And of course, everything you do share is confidential. What happens in a hypnosis session stays in a hypnosis session.
5. What If I Can’t Be Hypnotized?
You can. Everyone can.
If you’ve ever been absorbed in a movie, lost track of time while reading, or driven somewhere without remembering the route – you’ve been in hypnosis. It’s a natural state your brain enters multiple times daily.
Some people worry they’re “too analytical” or “too in control” to be hypnotized. Here’s the thing: hypnosis isn’t about losing control – it’s about focused attention. Your analytical mind can observe the whole process. That’s fine. It works anyway.
The only people who “can’t” be hypnotized are those who actively resist the process or don’t actually want to participate. And that’s not about ability – that’s about choice.
6. Is It Like Being Asleep?
No. You’re aware the entire time.
Hypnosis feels like deep relaxation – similar to that state right before you fall asleep (called the hypnagogic state). You’re calm, comfortable, deeply relaxed… but you’re aware.
You’ll hear my voice. You’ll know where you are. You can open your eyes anytime you want. Some people feel like they’re floating. Others feel grounded and heavy. Some notice time passing quickly; others feel like they’ve been in session for hours when it’s only been 30 minutes.
Everyone experiences hypnosis a bit differently. But you’re not asleep. You’re present.
7. Will I Remember What Happened?
Most people remember most of it – like remembering a dream.
You might recall every word I said, or you might remember the general themes but not exact phrasing. Some parts might feel vivid; others might feel hazy.
This is normal. Your subconscious mind is processing information on a deeper level than your conscious mind typically operates. So while you’re aware during the session, the work is happening beneath the surface.
Think of it like this: you might not remember every ingredient in a meal, but your body still digests and benefits from the nutrition. Hypnosis works the same way.
8. Is Hypnosis Safe?
Yes. Hypnosis is safe when practiced by a trained professional.
There are no documented cases of hypnosis causing harm when conducted by a qualified practitioner. It’s a natural, non-invasive process that simply helps you access your own inner resources.
That said, hypnosis isn’t appropriate for everyone in every situation. I don’t work with clients who have certain severe mental health conditions (like active psychosis) without their psychiatrist’s approval. And I always take a thorough health history before we begin.
When practiced ethically and professionally, hypnosis is one of the safest therapeutic approaches available.
9. What If I Like It Too Much?
Then you’ll probably want to learn self-hypnosis so you can use it anytime.
Some people worry they’ll become “dependent” on hypnosis. Here’s what actually happens: you feel calmer, more capable, more in control of your choices. And yes, that feels good.
But it’s not an addictive “high” – it’s simply your nervous system learning to regulate itself better. It’s like worrying you’ll become “addicted” to feeling rested after a good night’s sleep.
Many clients learn self-hypnosis techniques so they can access that calm, focused state whenever they need it. That’s not dependence – that’s empowerment.
10. Can You Hypnotize Someone to Fall in Love With You?
No. Hypnosis can’t create feelings that aren’t there.
This question usually comes up when someone’s hoping hypnosis can make an ex come back or convince someone new to feel attraction. I understand the hope behind that question – heartbreak and unrequited feelings are painful.
But hypnosis works by accessing what’s already present in someone’s subconscious mind and helping them align their behaviors with their true desires. It can’t manufacture emotions, override free will, or force someone to feel something they don’t genuinely feel.
What hypnosis can do is help you process heartbreak, build your own confidence, and become the most authentic version of yourself – which naturally makes you more attractive to the right people.
11. Will It Mess With My Brain?
No. Hypnosis doesn’t damage your brain or alter your personality.
Hypnosis is a natural state. Your brain produces the same types of brainwaves during hypnosis (primarily alpha and theta waves) that it produces during meditation, daydreaming, or light sleep.
What hypnosis does is help your brain create new neural pathways – healthier patterns of thinking and responding. It’s like upgrading your mental software, not messing with your hardware.
You’re still you. Just a calmer, more capable version of you.
12. What If I Say Something Stupid?
You won’t. And even if you think you did, your hypnotist likely won’t think it’s stupid – at all.
Sometimes people worry they’ll blurt out something embarrassing or nonsensical while in hypnosis. Here’s what actually happens: you might share thoughts, memories, or feelings that arise during the session. Those aren’t “stupid” – they’re your mind’s way of processing.
I’ve been doing this work for years. Nothing surprises me. Nothing shocks me. I’ve heard it all, and my only job is to hold space for your experience with compassion and professionalism.
Here’s something fascinating: many times when clients apologize for saying something “weird,” it turns out to be exactly what was needed to help set them free. You see, the conscious mind discounts anything it thinks is strange or illogical. But often, that “weird” thing is precisely the key to your solution.
Your subconscious knows what it needs to share for healing to happen. Trust that process – even when it sounds unusual to your logical mind.
13. Is Hypnosis Against My Religion?
That depends on your specific beliefs, but most religious traditions have no issue with therapeutic hypnosis.
Hypnosis is simply focused attention and guided relaxation. It’s not a spiritual practice, religious ritual, or belief system. It’s a tool – like therapy or meditation – that helps you access your own inner resources.
Many Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and people of other faiths use hypnosis without any conflict with their religious beliefs. Some even find it deepens their spiritual practice by helping them access states of peace and connection.
If you have concerns, I encourage you to speak with your religious leader. I’m also happy to discuss how we can structure sessions in a way that feels aligned with your values.
14. Can It Make Me Forget Things I Want to Remember?
No. Hypnosis doesn’t erase memories you want to keep.
Occasionally, we use hypnosis to help people distance themselves from traumatic memories – not to forget them entirely, but to reduce their emotional intensity so they’re less triggering. That’s called “memory reconsolidation,” and it’s only done with your full consent and for therapeutic purposes.
Your cherished memories – happy moments, important people, skills you’ve learned – remain intact. Hypnosis doesn’t delete anything your mind wants to preserve.
And hypnosis is used to help people find lost items! For example, I’ve helped a woman find her wedding ring, and another her keys! Both were unique circumstances where we helped the mind relax, and simply remember.
15. What Happens If There’s an Emergency During Hypnosis?
You’d respond immediately and appropriately.
If a fire alarm went off, you’d open your eyes, orient yourself, and respond just like you would if you’d been napping or deeply focused on work. Your survival instincts don’t turn off during hypnosis.
Your subconscious mind is always monitoring your environment for genuine threats. If something truly urgent happened, your brain would pull you out of trance instantly.
Has this ever happened in my practice? No. But if it did, you’d be fine.
16. Does Online Hypnosis Actually Work?
Yes. Online hypnosis works just as well as in-person sessions for most people.
The quality of hypnosis depends on the relationship, the practitioner’s skill, and your willingness to engage – not whether we’re in the same room. I’ve worked with clients via video for years with excellent results.
In fact, some people find online sessions more comfortable. You’re in your own space, which can help you relax more deeply. No commute, no waiting room anxiety, just you in a familiar environment doing meaningful work.
The only situations where in-person might be preferable are if you have significant hearing difficulties or if you’re easily distracted by technology. Otherwise, online hypnosis is highly effective.
Still Have Questions?
Good. That means you’re taking this seriously.
Hypnosis is a powerful tool for change, and it’s completely natural to want to understand it before you try it. These questions aren’t awkward. They’re smart.
If you’re ready to explore whether hypnosis is right for you, let’s talk.