You are in control

You are in control If you choose to see a hypnotherapist, your appointment will begin a lot like a regular therapy session. You'll go into an office, then sit down and talk with the therapist about what you'd like to achieve in the session. Whether you're looking to reduce pain or deal with stress and anxiety, you will communicate that to your therapist so they can figure out the best way to help you. Colin Chapman, a certified clinical hypnotherapist, said, "You, the client, are the one who is in control. As a hypnotherapist, my role is to serve as your tour guide. You decide where we go. My job is just to get you there."

The idea we have of hypnosis, is that someone is controlling our minds, while really the opposite is true. It's a vulnerable feeling to let someone else guide you through a less guarded realm of your consciousness. But in reality, your therapist will only go into subjects that you want to delve into. Chapman said a hypnotist will never try to get you to divulge secrets you want hidden, or have you run around the room like a chicken for their own amusement (though if you ever jump onstage with any kind of entertainment hypnotist, get ready to look stupid).

The therapist has the professional skills to allow your mind to relax, and reveal some of the deeper roots or meanings to our problems. Plus, according to Chapman, the hypnotist will perform some demonstrations to give you an idea of how the subconscious mind works, as well as how you can expect the rest of the session to go. No matter what happens, the patient is in the lead the whole time.