What Is Hypnosis, Really? Clearing Up the Myths and Understanding the Power of Trance
Let’s talk about a word that fascinates some, scares others, and is wildly misunderstood: hypnosis.
If the first thing that comes to mind is someone waving a pocket watch or turning you into a robot with no control, let’s pause right there. Because the truth is: hypnosis is not mind control. It’s actually the opposite.
What Is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is simply a natural, focused state of attention. It feels a lot like that dreamy space you enter just before falling asleep, or when you’re so engrossed in a movie or book that you lose track of time. In this state, your brain is more relaxed, your body is calm, and your subconscious mind becomes more open to suggestion.
The goal of hypnotherapy is to access this deeply receptive state to help you shift long-held beliefs, patterns, or emotional blocks that are stuck in the subconscious. It’s not about changing who you are. It’s about helping you return to who you truly are, underneath the fear, anxiety, self-doubt, or old stories.
What Is a Trance State?
"Trance" might sound mystical or out-there, but it's actually a completely normal brain state. You enter light trance states every day: driving on autopilot, zoning out during a task, or meditating. In hypnosis, we intentionally guide you into a similar state—but with a purpose.
When you're in trance:
Your brain waves slow down (moving from beta to alpha or theta)
Your nervous system relaxes
Your inner critic quiets down
Your subconscious becomes more available for healing and reprogramming
You're not asleep. You're not unconscious. You're aware the entire time.
Can You Be Hypnotised?
Yes. If you have a functioning brain and the ability to focus, you can be hypnotised. In fact, the more active and strong your mind is, the better you usually are at it. People often think hypnosis only works on those who are "weak-minded." That couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, it takes a strong mind and a willingness to relax and let go to access deeper states of awareness. Hypnosis isn’t about giving up control. It’s about creating a space where your mind can work with you, instead of against you.
And no—no one can make you cluck like a chicken or spill your secrets. Unless, of course, you want to (no judgment!).
Myths About Hypnosis (That We Can Finally Let Go Of)
"The hypnotherapist controls your mind."
Not true. You're fully aware and in control during hypnosis. You can reject any suggestion that doesn’t feel right to you."I might not wake up."
You’re not asleep. You can open your eyes and end the session at any point. Hypnosis is simply a relaxed mental state."Only certain people can be hypnotised."
Almost everyone can be hypnotised if they are open, willing, and feel safe."It only works for anxiety or smoking."
Hypnotherapy can help with a wide range of issues, from confidence and public speaking to healing childhood wounds, burnout, body image, self-sabotage, and more."I don’t want someone else putting thoughts into my head."
Hypnotherapy isn’t brainwashing. It’s a collaborative process. You decide what beliefs you want to reinforce and what you want to let go of.
Why Hypnosis Works So Well
Unlike traditional talk therapy that primarily works with the conscious mind, hypnotherapy dives into the subconscious— where your core beliefs, habits, memories, and emotional patterns live. That’s why it can create shifts that feel faster and more lasting.
When you change the root belief, the behaviours that come from it naturally shift too. You don’t need to keep forcing yourself to feel confident, worthy, or safe. You start being it.
Celebrities Who Use Hypnotherapy
You might be surprised how many high performers, athletes, and creatives use hypnotherapy:
Adele used it to overcome stage fright.
Gwen Stefani has spoken about using it for emotional healing.
Tiger Woods used hypnosis for focus and performance.
Matt Damon credited hypnotherapy for quitting smoking.
What do they all have in common? A desire to master their inner world, not just their outer results.
A Simple Practice to Try Now
Try this mini self-hypnosis grounding practice:
Sit quietly, close your eyes.
Take 3 slow breaths and say to yourself, “I am safe. I am calm. I am open to change.”
Visualise yourself confident, calm, and free.
Let the image sink in. Let it feel real.
Stay here for 2-3 minutes, then open your eyes.
That’s a taste of what subconscious work feels like—gentle, focused, and deeply empowering.
Ready to Experience It for Yourself?
If you’re curious about what it would feel like to work with your subconscious mind in a safe, personalised way, I invite you to book a session with me. I see clients every Tuesday at Beattie Clinic in Sydney and also offer online sessions.
Because your mind is powerful. And it’s time to start using it for you, not against you.
Natalia Yusenis Beattie Street health Studio
