It’s another one of the most common questions I hear when someone first picks up the phone or walks into my practice, “ do you think that I can actually be hypnotised?”

It’s a fair question to ask because for many, hypnosis feels mysterious, and almost magical, and perhaps all they have ever seen is that on the TV or at a show and ‘getting hypnotised’ seems out of reach. You might imagine swinging pocket watches, people clucking like chickens on stage, or some kind of mind control but the truth is much simpler, and far more reassuring.

What Hypnosis Really Is

Hypnosis isn’t about losing control or being forced into doing things you don’t want to do. It’s not a trick, and it’s not sleep either. In fact, you enter a trance like state of focus and relaxation every single day without realising it.

Have you ever driven home and not remembered every turn, because your mind drifted elsewhere, yet you still arrived safely? Or found yourself so lost in a good book or film that you forgot the world around you for a while? That’s hypnosis which is a natural state where your conscious mind steps back a little, and your subconscious becomes more open to suggestion.

So, when someone asks me “Can I be hypnotised?” my answer is usually: You already are, all the time but you do not know it as hypnosis.

Who Can Be Hypnotised?

Most people can be hypnotised, as long as they’re willing. That’s the key word: willing. Hypnosis isn’t something I “do” to you. It’s something we create together.
If you come in thinking, “I’ll give this a go, let’s see what happens,” that’s perfect. You don’t need to be deeply spiritual, super relaxed, or even completely convinced it will work. A little scepticism is fine (in fact, I wrote a whole blog about that recently!). All you need is an open mind and a genuine desire to make a change.

The people who struggle the most are usually those who fight against the process, trying to prove it “won’t work” or refusing to engage. Hypnosis is like learning to float in water: the more you thrash about, the harder it feels. The more you allow yourself to relax, the easier it becomes. I would like at this point to offer reassurance, I do not take control of your mind! 

What It Feels Like

Many people expect fireworks, flashing lights, or to “go under” like in the movies. But hypnosis often feels very ordinary, sometimes like daydreaming, sometimes like that moment before you drift off to sleep. You’re still aware of where you are. You can hear every word I say. If you wanted to, you could open your eyes and walk out at any time.

Clients often tell me afterwards, “I wasn’t sure I was hypnotised because I could hear you the whole time!” That’s exactly right. Hypnosis isn’t about being unconscious, it’s about being deeply focused, comfortable, and open to positive suggestions.

Do Some People Go Deeper Than Others?

Yes, some people find themeselves in a deeper state of hypnosis than others and that’s completely normal. Just as some people are naturally more athletic, musical, or artistic, some people slip into trance more quickly or deeply than others. That doesn’t mean one person will have “better” results than another. Hypnotherapy is about creating change, not about how “deep” you go.

What really matters is your commitment to change. If you’re ready to let go of an old habit, reduce your anxiety, or build confidence, hypnosis can give you the focus and tools to make it happen.

Busting the Myths

Let’s clear up a few myths I hear all the time:

• “What if I don’t wake up?”
  Impossible. You’re not asleep, so there’s nothing to “wake up” from. At worst, you might drift into a light nap, and then you’ll wake up naturally.

• “Will you control my mind?”
  No. You’re always in control. I can’t make you do or say anything you don’t want to. If I suggested something silly, your mind would simply reject it.

• “Do I need to believe 100% for it to work?”
  Not at all. You just need to want the change. Even if you’re unsure, the process can still work because we’re working with the part of your mind that runs your habits, emotions, and behaviours. (See my previous blog).

So, Can You Be Hypnotised?

If you can daydream, if you can focus on a story, if you can imagine yourself somewhere else for a moment then yes, you can be hypnotised. It’s not about being gullible or weak-willed. In fact, hypnosis works best for people who have good focus and imagination, qualities most of us use every day without thinking and yes, ADHD clients also have great results!

If you’re ready to make a change, then hypnosis can help you do it more effectively, more quickly, and with less struggle.

Final Thoughts

The real question isn’t “Can I be hypnotised?” but rather “Am I ready to change?”
Once you’ve decided that you want to move forward, whether it’s breaking free from smoking, letting go of anxiety, building confidence, or overcoming a habit, hypnosis is simply a powerful tool to help you get there.

So, if you’ve ever wondered whether it’s for you, the answer is simple: give it a try. You may just discover that the ability to be hypnotised has been within you all along.