Three Keys That Help Hypnosis Work for You
Some years ago I shared an article by Thomas Yarnell, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist, explaining how and why hypnosis works. His “three keys” still match what I see with clients every week, so here is my own take on them.
First, what’s actually happening in hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a natural state of focused, absorbed attention. You’ve experienced versions of it many times: being so engrossed in a book that you don’t hear your name, or arriving home with little memory of the familiar drive. In hypnotherapy we use that absorbed state on purpose. Many people find that new ideas and mental rehearsal “land” more easily when they’re relaxed and focused rather than busy and self-critical.
It’s worth saying what hypnosis isn’t. You aren’t asleep, you aren’t under anyone’s control, and you won’t act against your values. That’s why the three keys below matter so much: hypnosis amplifies what you bring to it.
Key 1: The motivation comes from you
Dr. Yarnell noticed that people who came to him because a spouse or physician wanted them to change didn’t respond as well as those who truly wanted it for themselves. I see the same thing. Wanting to stop smoking because your partner nags you is very different from wanting to stop because you’re looking forward to running with your kids.
Before we start, I’ll ask you to get clear on your own reasons. A short, heartfelt list is more powerful than a long list of “shoulds.”
Key 2: Repetition builds the new pattern
Habits and emotional reactions are well practiced. It’s unrealistic to expect them to vanish after one suggestion, just as you wouldn’t expect to learn a language in one lesson. Change usually comes from repeating the new pattern until it becomes the default. That’s why I often give clients a recording or a short self-hypnosis routine to use daily between sessions, and why I encourage you to notice and celebrate small wins along the way.
Key 3: Suggestions need to be believable
Your mind has to accept a suggestion as possible. Telling a devoted chocolate lover that chocolate will now taste disgusting is likely to bounce off. Dr. Yarnell described a gentler suggestion: that each time you eat it, it might not taste quite as good as the time before. Small, believable steps tend to stick, and they add up.
In my Ericksonian approach, I build suggestions from your own words, values and experiences, so they feel like yours rather than something imposed.
Putting it together
- Clarify why the change matters to you.
- Commit to a little daily practice, even five minutes.
- Start with changes that feel realistic, then build.
People use hypnotherapy for confidence, habits, fears, stress, performance and more. It isn’t a magic switch, but combined with genuine motivation and practice it can be a powerful ally.
If you’d like to find out whether this approach is a good fit for you, I offer a free, no-pressure consultation. Get in touch here and we can talk it through.
