What is Hypnotherapy & How Can it Help Me?
[ CATALYSTE HYPNOTHERAPY BLOG ]
You’ve probably heard of hypnotherapy before—but if you’re like most people, you might not be sure what it actually is or how it works.
When you think about Hypnotherapy maybe you picture the form of comedy entertainment called stage hypnosis, where someone clucks like a chicken. Or guided meditations that feel relaxing but don’t actually create change. Or maybe you’ve wondered: Does hypnosis really work? Or is it just another wellness trend?
I get these questions all the time. So let’s clear things up.
Hypnotherapy Isn’t What You Think—It’s So Much More
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses guided relaxation, focused attention, and positive suggestions to promote change in the subconscious mind. This process allows you to bypass conscious mental blocks and directly influence the patterns and beliefs stored at a deeper level.
Hypnotherapy isn’t about mind control or tricks. It’s about working with the part of your mind that runs everything beneath the surface—your habits, reactions, emotions, and even the way you sleep - your subconscious.
You already experience subconscious patterns every day. You don’t have to think about how to drive a car, brush your teeth, or even respond to stress—it just happens. That’s because your brain has learned automatic pathways that run without your conscious effort. In fact, some researchers suggest that adults over the age of 35 spend up to 95% of their daily lives running on subconscious autopilot. And so many of these patterns are beneficial to our lives! It’s great to be able to chat with a passenger while driving. But not all patterns your subconscious uses are helping you, and this is where hypnotherapy helps.
Hypnotherapy works by accessing this part of the mind and enabling you to change the patterns that aren’t serving you anymore. If you struggle with sleep, anxiety, habits, or self-doubt, chances are your subconscious is just running an outdated program.
And the good news? Those patterns can be rewritten. My clients choose the patterns that are automatic in their lives.
What Does Hypnotherapy Feel Like?
One of the biggest misconceptions about hypnotherapy is that you lose awareness or control. In reality, hypnosis is a completely natural state—one you experience every single day without even realizing it.
Have you ever:
Zoned out while driving and suddenly realized you don’t remember the last few miles?
Been enjoying a shower and suddenly solve a problem or thinking about something differently than before?
Gotten lost in a book or a movie, completely absorbed in the experience?
That’s what hypnosis feels like. You’re awake, aware, and in control—but your mind is focused in a way that allows deeper change to happen.
During a hypnotherapy session with me, you won’t be unconscious, or unaware of what’s happening. You’ll simply be in a relaxed, receptive state where we can bypass the mental chatter and work directly with your subconscious in whatever way works best for you.
How Does Hypnotherapy Actually Work?
During a session, I guide you into a state of deep relaxation—not asleep, not out of control, but a place where your mind is open to changes that you choose.
It’s similar to updating old software on a computer—except in this case, we’re updating the beliefs, habits, and responses that have been keeping you stuck.
Here’s why it works:
It changes patterns at the source. Instead of trying to force change or depend on willpower, we work with the part of your brain that’s actually in charge.
It’s effortless. You don’t have to try harder to sleep, relax, or feel confident—your mind naturally starts responding in new ways.
It’s fast and lasting. Many people notice shifts after just one session, and because we’re working at a subconscious level, those changes stick.
The Science Behind Hypnotherapy
If you’re skeptical about hypnotherapy, I completely understand. It’s not always something people hear about in traditional medicine or therapy.
But hypnotherapy is backed by research and has been used for decades to help with sleep, pain management, anxiety, and behavior change.
Studies have shown that hypnosis increases activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (the part of the brain involved in focus and learning) while decreasing activity in the default mode network (where overthinking and self-criticism happen). This makes it easier for new beliefs and behaviors to take root.
In sleep studies, hypnosis has been found to increase deep sleep by up to 80%, helping people achieve more restorative rest.
Clinical trials have shown hypnotherapy to be one of the most effective methods for breaking unwanted habits, such as smoking, nail-biting, or overeating.
Hypnotherapy is a non-invasive, natural approach that aligns your mind and body to support meaningful transformation. It helps you overcome challenges, unlock potential, and create lasting change. Whether you’re seeking relief, growth, or transformation, hypnotherapy offers a proven pathway forward.
Can Hypnotherapy Help Me?
What Can Hypnotherapy Help With?
Hypnotherapy is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of challenges and goals, including:
Improving Sleep: Hypnotherapy helps calm a busy mind, address underlying stress, and restore natural sleep rhythms.
Easing Anxiety: It’s a powerful tool for reducing tension, managing overwhelming emotions, and fostering inner peace.
Breaking Unwanted Habits: From nail-biting to emotional eating, hypnotherapy addresses the subconscious drivers of these behaviors.
Managing Pain: By altering how the brain processes pain signals, hypnotherapy can provide relief and improve quality of life.
Enhancing Performance: Whether in sports, work, or creative pursuits, hypnotherapy helps build confidence, focus, and resilience.
At Catalyste, I have developed a unique and highly effective system called Catalyste Flow, which integrates the subconscious work of hypnosis with the decision-making, planning, and action orientation of coaching. This combination helps clients not only uncover and address the root causes of challenges but also take clear, confident steps toward their goals. This method combines the latest insights from neuroscience with timeless techniques to create lasting results for my clients.
If you’ve ever thought:
I know what I need to do, but I just can’t seem to do it.
I’ve struggled with this issue for years—maybe this is just who I am.
I’ve tried everything, but nothing really sticks.
…then yes, hypnotherapy can help you.
I work with clients who feel stuck in cycles they can’t seem to break on their own—whether it’s sleepless nights, stress, fear, or behaviors that no longer serve them. And over and over again, I see how powerful it is when the right shift happens at the subconscious level.
Because when your mind stops fighting against you change becomes effortless.
What to Expect in a Hypnotherapy Session
A session with me is designed to be calm, collaborative, and tailored to your specific needs. Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Conversation: We’ll start by discussing your goals, challenges, and any questions you have about the process.
Guided Hypnosis: I’ll lead you into a deeply relaxed state where your subconscious mind becomes more receptive to your own positive suggestions.
Empowerment Tools: You’ll leave each session with practical tools or techniques you can use to reinforce your progress.
Each session empowers you by offering personalized tools and insights, fostering meaningful progress in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Common Questions About Hypnotherapy
What if I can’t be hypnotized?
You can. Everyone enters hypnotic states daily—when daydreaming, driving on autopilot, or getting lost in thought. Hypnotherapy simply guides you into this natural state with intention.
Will I lose control?
Absolutely not. You are aware and in control the entire time. Hypnosis is not sleep or mind control—it’s just a deep, relaxed focus where your mind is open to new possibilities.
Does it work if I’m skeptical?
Yes! Hypnotherapy isn’t about belief—it’s about how your brain works. As long as you’re open to the process, and willing to follow simple directions it can be incredibly effective, even if you’re unsure at first.
What’s Next?
If you’re ready to stop trying harder and start experiencing real, lasting change, I’d love to help.
You may have heard of hypnotherapy, but do you truly know how it works or the ways it can help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals? Hint: There are no swinging pocket watches anywhere to be found!
From managing stress and improving sleep to breaking unwanted habits and easing physical discomfort, hypnotherapy offers a safe, natural, and effective way to create meaningful change. But how does it work, and what can you expect?
If you’re curious about how hypnotherapy could help you, I invite you to explore what’s possible. With online sessions, you can experience the benefits of hypnotherapy from the comfort of your home. Change starts here, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.