What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis — simply explained
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a state of focused attention and increased receptivity to suggestions. You can imagine it as a deeply relaxed yet highly attentive state in which the conscious mind becomes calmer and the subconscious mind is more accessible. It is not sleep, but rather an altered state of awareness.
What happens during hypnosis?
During a hypnosis session, a person enters a state of deep relaxation and, at the same time, increased openness to inner processes. The hypnosis coach guides them through various techniques such as guided visualizations or concentration exercises. In this state, new perspectives can emerge, inner resources can be strengthened, and supportive behaviors can be encouraged.
Behavioral Change
Guidance and emotional support during times of stress or transition.
Mental Strength
Support to develop calmness and strengthen self-confidence
Support in stressful phases
Mental support during times of change.
Improved Sleep
For sleep disorders, hypnosis can help calm the mind and promote restful sleep.
Support in stressful phases
Mental support during times of change.
Improved Sleep
For sleep disorders, hypnosis can help calm the mind and promote restful sleep.
What is the subconscious mind?
The subconscious is a part of our mind that controls many things without us having to consciously think about them. It stores memories, experiences, beliefs, emotions, and habits. You can imagine it like a large hard drive where all of our past experiences are saved – even those we may have forgotten but that still influence us unconsciously.
How does hypnosis affect the subconscious mind?
During hypnosis, the conscious mind enters a relaxed and focused state in which the subconscious becomes particularly receptive to new impulses. The hypnotherapist can then provide targeted positive suggestions that are directly anchored in the subconscious. The goal is to replace old, negative, or limiting patterns with new, positive beliefs.
How can inner blockages be overcome?
Through hypnosis, old and burdensome memories can be revisited and experienced from a new perspective. The original experience remains stored in the subconscious, but the way it is perceived can change. Using inner imagery or guided inner journeys, it becomes possible to view past events with more distance and thereby create new, positive impulses for the present.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Hypnosis
Top 10 Myths About Hypnosis – and What’s Really True
Does hypnosis mean that I give up control and become powerless?
False:
Nobody can make you do anything you don’t want to. In therapeutic hypnosis, clients always remain in control. You listen, understand, and decide — you can even end the trance yourself.
Truth:
During hypnosis you are conscious, attentive, and willingly engaged in the process. Hypnosis is a cooperative process, not a loss of control.
Do I fall asleep during hypnosis?
False:
Hypnosis is not sleep, even though it may sometimes appear that way. The EEG pattern is clearly different from sleep. The body is relaxed, but the mind is highly focused.
Truth:
Hypnosis is more like a “daydream.” You are in a state of deep inner focus.
Will I remember what happened after hypnosis?
❌ False:
Viele Menschen glauben, Hypnose sei wie eine Amnesie. Das stimmt nur bei gezielter posthypnotischer Amnesie, die sehr selten bewusst eingesetzt wird.
✅ True:
Most clients remember everything that was said and experienced, either fully or for the most part.
Does hypnosis not work if I am too controlling in my mind?
False:
Intelligent, self-reflective people are especially well suited for hypnosis because they can focus well and actively participate.
Truth:
Hypnosis works best when you are open and willing to engage. Not when you feel “at the mercy” of it.
Can someone get stuck in hypnosis?
❌ False:
That is a movie cliché. No one ever gets “stuck in trance.” Even if the hypnotist were to leave the room, you would either wake up on your own or simply drift into normal sleep.
✅ True:
Hypnosis is a safe state. You can end it yourself at any time if you wish.
Does hypnosis only work on gullible people?
False:
Hypnosis has nothing to do with gullibility. It is a state of mental activation. People who can visualize, focus, and relax well have the best prerequisites.
Truth:
Hypnosis is a skill, not a belief. Every person can be hypnotized if the willingness is there.
Is hypnosis just hocus-pocus or esotericism?
False:
Hypnosis has been scientifically researched and successfully used in medicine, dentistry, and psychotherapy for decades.
✅ True:
Hypnosis has been scientifically researched and successfully applied in medicine, dentistry, and psychotherapy for decades.
Will I lose control over my body?
False:
You will not do anything in hypnosis that goes against your values. Your protective mechanism remains active.
Truth:
Therapeutic hypnosis respects your value system. You can always say no or respond at any time.
Does hypnosis work instantly and solve all problems in a single session?
❌ False:
Even though some issues can improve quickly, hypnosis is not a magic wand. Change sometimes requires time, integration, and repetition.
✅ True:
Hypnosis can accelerate change, but lasting results often require several sessions or complementary methods.
Is hypnosis just show and manipulation?
❌ False: Stage hypnosis is a performance created for entertainment. In contrast, hypnosis used in coaching and counseling is built on trust, consent, and respectful guidance.
Truth:
Therapeutic hypnosis is a respectful process that puts the person at the center, not the show.
Free Initial Consultation
This free and non-binding initial consultation gives you the opportunity to get to know me and my approach to hypnosis in Bonn.
You can:
discuss your personal topics (e.g. new habits, more calmness, personal development)
ask questions about my approach and methods
find out if my guidance is the right fit for you
The conversation lasts 15 minutes and can take place either in person in Bonn or online.
Sometimes just one conversation is enough to see whether working with hypnosis is the right path for you. Write to me or give me a call – together, we’ll take the first step toward your personal transformation.
