In response to that question; if you would like me to… Yes, I can, but do you really want to cluck like a chicken?

When I meet someone for the first time, I know I’m going to be asked that inevitable question “so, what do you do?” This is where I quickly decide if I’m going to answer Hypnotherapist. Sometimes I just say counsellor or therapist and leave it at that and most people are usually happy to talk about themselves from that point. However, if I mention the H word their eyebrows suddenly lift in wonder or confusion and I’m waiting for the inevitable 3 clichés that follow or a story about a TV show where the hypnotist made an audience member lose control and do all this crazy stuff!

Hypnotherapists take control of your mind

First, let me tell you a little about the people chosen for these hypnotist stage shows, the individuals chosen are very susceptible to suggestion. Let me elaborate a little more; we all know that friend who has one beer on a night out, then you joke “hey you should get naked and dance on the bar” and they think it’s a splendid idea and proceed to remove clothing! These are the people the hypnotist will easily identify for their performance.
I have no control over your mind. Your subconscious mind with either accept or reject a suggestion based on your core values and beliefs. So, if your subconscious mind believes it safe and a great idea, yes please go ahead and dance on the bar or cluck like a chicken.

Hypnotherapists can read your mind

Wow, how awesome would it be if I could read someone’s mind. I would love if I had this super power! Imagine the possibilities…. It would save me so much time. I can tell you with certainty that the last thing I would be advertising myself as would be a hypnotherapist! I also cannot predict your future, that would be a clairvoyant, somehow people also assume I can do that too. When a client comes for a session I always start with counselling, not mind reading. What I can do however is read body language and facial expressions well, so I can tell if what your telling me is not the entire truth, or if you are having a strong emotional/physical response to an event or issue. I also trust my gut instinct. Although I can’t read your mind or predict your future I can get you to imagine a different reality, ultimately the choices you make are totally up to you.

I don’t believe in hypnosis, it’s just a load of rubbish!

Ok, so how do you know it doesn’t work. People (sometimes people I’m meeting for the first time) will declare “it’s all rubbish” despite not actually being able to tell me why. Occasionally someone will mention “I had it once, it didn’t work.” Wow that’s like saying I was on a diet for a whole day (and night) and didn’t shed 10kgs. Or I went to the gym yesterday and don’t understand how I haven’t got that washboard stomach yet, it must be rubbish! I even had a troll online stating hypnotherapy was a scam!
Ok I will let you in on a secret, I’m a science nerd, my husband often turns to me when having a conversation with friends and declares “you are such a nerd” yes, it’s true and I don’t mind this label one little bit, in fact I’m a proud nerd. I have a university degree in science with a major in disability and psychology, then realised the potential of hypnotherapy so studied that too. I love reading research material including looking at MRI’s of a subject’s brain when in hypnosis, my own nerdy brain starts screaming Yes! Yes! Yes! I love it so much I was recently a subject myself, yep I donated my brain for the afternoon and had images taken when offered suggestions both in and out of hypnosis. When in hypnosis certain parts of the brain will light up particularly those used in perception, emotion and pain. There’s an abundance of scientific evidence and studies you can google if you’re keen to do so. We also now know our brain can change, you may have heard the term neuroplasticity. Hypnotherapy can change the way you think and ultimately behave for the better, no clucking required.