What Does Hypnosis Feel Like?…
Hypnosis feels different for each individual – it is a personal journey. Many people describe it as deeply relaxing. It can feel like taking a recliner chair out into the garden on a warm, sunny day… closing your eyes, putting your feet up, and simply enjoying the moment.
While in hypnosis you may notice:
- Slower breathing
- A feeling of heaviness or lightness in the body
- Reduced mental chatter
- Heightened imagination or visualisation
- A sense that time feels slightly different
You experience a balanced, calm state of being – relaxed yet aware. You are not “out of it.” You are not unconscious. You are not controlled. In fact, you remain aware the entire time.
People who have experienced hypnosis often choose to return because it is such a serene and peaceful experience. It also becomes a valuable opportunity to honour time for yourself – something many of us rarely allow.
Hypnosis does not cause unconscious or unwanted behaviours. You remain aware and in control of your actions and choices at all times.
If at any point you feel uncomfortable, we simply pause. You are always in control of the process.
You can open your eyes, speak, adjust your position or communicate whenever you wish. Many people say it feels similar to that gentle space between being awake and asleep – relaxed, but still fully present.
Hypnosis does not override your morals or personality. It works with you – not on you. If anything, hypnotherapy increases self-awareness and strengthens your sense of agency.
Research using brain imaging shows that during hypnosis, areas linked to focused attention become more active while self-critical processing reduces.
Is Hypnosis in Hypnotherapy the Same as Stage Hypnosis?…
No.
Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis in a therapeutic way to support positive changes in habits, behaviours, beliefs, emotions and stress-related patterns. Stage hypnosis, as portrayed in the media, is designed for entertainment. It often selects highly responsive volunteers and exaggerates the experience for dramatic effect.
A common question is, “You’re not going to make me do silly things like they do on TV, are you?”
The answer is no.
In hypnotherapy, you are never made to act against your values or wishes. The focus is always on creating positive, respectful and meaningful change – not entertainment. Hypnosis is not about losing control. It is about gaining focused access to a calmer, more receptive state of mind.
Hypnosis is not something done to you – it is something we work with, together.
The change comes from you. My role is to guide, support and provide the tools that help unlock it.
Tension in Shoulder
“After 6 years of playing the viola, I have finally started looking closely at my technique. My teacher pointed out that I tense my muscles a lot when playing, especially my right shoulder. As I was unable to recognise when I was tensing my shoulder I decided to give hypnotherapy a try. Michelle did an excellent job at helping me to identify the feeling of a relaxed shoulder. I am now able to notice if my shoulder tenses up. Since my session with Michelle I have progressed on my instrument a lot, as I have been able to relax when playing, which has also helped with shoulder pain after playing from a long period of time. I would highly recommend Michelle to anyone trying to break a bad habit.
I give permission to Michelle to use this testimonial so that others can benefit from Michelle’s wonderful therapeutic approach to hypnotherapy.Many thanks!”
RT Great Barr