If you’ve ever thought about trying hypnotherapy, you might have caught yourself wondering: “But what if I don’t believe in it? Will it still work?”
It’s a rather common question I get asked in my practice, and actually it is a very good one.

In terms of Hypnosis, this state of mind carries a lot of baggage from popular culture. Stage shows, films, and TV dramas often portray it as something mysterious, controlling, or even a little bit spooky and this makes people worry that they can be controlled or that what they see is not a real ‘thing’ or unless they “believe” in it, nothing will happen.

So let’s clear this up once and for all.

What Hypnosis Actually Is (and Isn’t)

At its heart, hypnosis is simply a natural state of focused attention and deep relaxation. You go into hypnotic states every single day without realising it for example when you’re completely absorbed in a book, when you lose track of time scrolling on your phone, or when you arrive at your destination without remembering the drive.

It’s not magic, mind control, or “falling asleep”. It’s a cooperative process where you and I will work together to quieten the noise of your conscious mind so that your subconscious, the part of you that runs habits, emotions, and automatic responses, is engaged. The key word here being cooperation.

Do You Need to Believe in Hypnosis?

Here’s the short answer: you don’t need blind belief, but you do need an open mind.

Think about when you go to the doctor, you might not understand how antibiotics work, but you take them because you’re open to the possibility that they’ll help. Hypnosis is similar, you don’t have to walk into the therapy room convinced it’s going to be life-changing, you just have to be willing to give it a fair chance.

Scepticism is very normal, even healthy. In fact, I welcome it. A thoughtful, questioning approach shows me that you’re engaged and invested in the process. What can get in the way, however, is resistance. If you sit in the chair with your arms folded, telling yourself “this is nonsense” the whole time, it’s a bit like going to the gym but refusing to pick up a single weight.

The Role of Expectation and Imagination

Our minds are powerful. Research shows that expectation plays a big role in how effective hypnosis can be. If you allow yourself to imagine, to follow suggestions, and to be curious rather than combative, your subconscious has the space to explore new patterns.

I’ve worked with clients who started out extremely doubtful—people who booked a session almost as a last resort. One gentleman came to me after years of smoking, saying, “I don’t think this will work, but I’ve tried everything else.” He was sceptical, but he was also tired of the habit. He wanted change more than he wanted to prove me wrong. After two sessions, he put down the cigarettes and never looked back.

So you see, it wasn’t blind faith that made hypnosis work for him. It was the willingness to participate and a genuine desire to achieve change.

The Science Behind It

Modern neuroscience is catching up with what hypnotherapists have observed for years. Brain imaging studies show that during hypnosis, the areas of the brain responsible for focus and imagination become more connected, while areas involved in critical judgment temporarily quieten down.

This doesn’t mean you lose control. On the contrary, it means you’re better able to guide your mind toward the outcomes you want, whether that’s reduced anxiety, freedom from smoking, or greater confidence.

Interestingly, even people who describe themselves as “non-believers” show measurable brain changes under hypnosis. The process works with natural brain functions, not against them.

Healthy Scepticism vs. Resistance

It’s important to distinguish between healthy scepticism and outright resistance.

• Healthy scepticism sounds like: “I’m not sure if this will work for me, but I’m willing to try.” This mindset allows us to explore and test together.

• Resistance sounds like: “I’m here to prove this is nonsense.” That mindset creates a wall, making it much harder to relax and engage.

If you’re sceptical, that’s okay. In fact, many people are. The turning point often comes during the session itself, when you realise you can feel calmer, lighter, more in control than you thought possible.

So, Will Hypnosis Work If You’re Sceptical?

Yes, if you’re open to the experience. You don’t need to believe in hypnosis like you’d believe in gravity. You simply need to be curious enough to allow yourself to go through the process.

Think of it like learning to swim. The first time you step into the pool, you might not be sure you can float. But as soon as you relax and let the water support you, you realise it works. Hypnosis is much the same.

Final Thoughts

Scepticism doesn’t stop hypnosis from working, but resistance does. If you’re open to the possibility of change, hypnosis can help you tap into the natural abilities of your own mind.

So if you’ve been considering hypnotherapy but find yourself thinking, “I don’t know if I believe in it,” that’s okay, you don’t have to believe in it; you just have to be willing to try. The rest, we’ll do together.

About the Author
I’m Dr. Iain Lightfoot, a hypnotherapist and coach based in the Heritage district of Southampton in one of the oldest building of Southampton. With a background in coaching, counselling, NLP, and hypnotherapy, I help people take back control of their lives, whether that’s overcoming anxiety, breaking free from habits like smoking, substances. gambling or drinking, or rediscovering a sense of purpose, my approach blends professional expertise with an intuitive understanding of each client’s unique journey.

If you’d like to explore how hypnotherapy could help you, feel free to contact me because I am here to help you and support you in creating the change you’re looking for.