Cognitive hypnosis is a therapeutic approach that combines principles of cognitive therapy with hypnosis. It aims to help individuals modify their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours by accessing a more relaxed, focused mental state through hypnosis. During this state, people are more open to suggestions, which can help them challenge and change unhealthy thought patterns.

Here’s a breakdown of the two key elements:

1. Cognitive Therapy: A form of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and modify distorted or unhelpful thinking patterns. The focus is on how thoughts influence emotions and behaviours.
2. Hypnosis: A trance-like state of heightened focus and relaxation. In this state, individuals are more receptive to positive suggestions, which can help with behaviour change or symptom relief.

In cognitive hypnosis, a therapist may guide the patient into a hypnotic state and then use techniques from cognitive therapy to help reframe negative thoughts, address fears, or break bad habits. It’s used to treat various conditions like anxiety, stress, phobias, and chronic pain. The goal is to empower individuals to manage their thoughts and behaviours more effectively.

• Voluntary Process: Hypnosis is a cooperative interaction between the therapist and the individual. A person cannot be forced into hypnosis or made to do things against their will during the session.
• No Mind Control: Contrary to myths, hypnosis doesn’t involve giving up control of your mind. People in a hypnotic state are often more focused and relaxed but still fully aware of their surroundings.

Only if they allow it. You cannot be hypnotised if you don’t allow it.

That is not possible, everyone always wakes up.

Yes, hypnosis is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed professional. It is a therapeutic tool used in many contexts, such as for reducing stress, managing pain, and helping with certain psychological conditions. However, like any treatment, there are important considerations to keep in mind:

Safety Factors

• Trained Professional: The key to safe hypnosis is ensuring it is done by a trained and certified professional, such as a licensed therapist or medical professional who specialises in hypnosis (often referred to as a hypnotherapist).
• Voluntary Process: Hypnosis is a cooperative interaction between the therapist and the individual. A person cannot be forced into hypnosis or made to do things against their will during the session.
• No Mind Control: Contrary to myths, hypnosis doesn’t involve giving up control of your mind. People in a hypnotic state are often more focused and relaxed but still fully aware of their surroundings.
• Temporary Side Effects: Some people might experience mild side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or headaches, but these are typically short-lived. It's rare for hypnosis to cause any serious adverse effects.
• Pre-existing Conditions: People with certain mental health conditions, such as psychosis or severe dissociative disorders, may not be ideal candidates for hypnosis, as it could potentially trigger more intense symptoms.

There are many myths and misconceptions about hypnosis, often fueled by its portrayal in movies, books, and stage performances. Here are some of the most common myths about hypnosis and the truths behind them:

1. Myth: Hypnosis is mind control or brainwashing

• The Truth: Hypnosis does not involve controlling someone’s mind. In a hypnotic state, people are more open to suggestions, but they remain fully aware of what’s happening and cannot be made to do anything against their will. Hypnosis requires cooperation between the hypnotist and the person being hypnotized.

2. Myth: You can get "stuck" in hypnosis

• The Truth: It’s impossible to get "stuck" in hypnosis. Hypnosis is a natural state, and people can come out of it at any time, either on their own or when guided by the hypnotist. If the hypnotist stopped speaking, the person would eventually either return to full awareness or drift into a natural sleep.

3. Myth: Only weak-minded people can be hypnotized

• The Truth: Hypnosis has nothing to do with intelligence or mental strength. In fact, people who are imaginative and can focus well are often more responsive to hypnosis. Everyone has different levels of susceptibility, but it doesn’t reflect weakness or lack of willpower.

4. Myth: Hypnosis makes you reveal secrets or lose control

• The Truth: While under hypnosis, you remain in control of your actions and speech. You will not say or do anything you don’t want to. Hypnosis cannot make you reveal personal information or "truths" unless you choose to share them.

5. Myth: Hypnosis can make you do embarrassing or dangerous things

• The Truth: Stage hypnosis may give the impression that people can be made to do silly or embarrassing things. In therapeutic settings, though, the hypnotized person will not engage in behaviours that are against their values or safety. They maintain their sense of morality and self-protection.

6. Myth: You are unconscious or asleep during hypnosis

• The Truth: Hypnosis is not sleep. While in hypnosis, people are in a deeply relaxed state, but they are fully conscious and aware of their surroundings. They can hear and respond to the hypnotist and can snap out of the hypnotic state at any time.

7. Myth: Hypnosis works instantly like magic

• The Truth: Hypnosis is not a quick fix or magical cure. It’s a therapeutic tool that often requires multiple sessions, combined with other forms of therapy, to achieve the desired outcome. The effects are usually gradual and depend on the individual’s willingness to change.

8. Myth: Hypnosis is dangerous

• The Truth: Hypnosis is generally safe when done by a trained and licensed professional. It is not dangerous and doesn’t cause harm when used properly. However, people with certain psychological conditions (like severe mental disorders) may not be suitable candidates for hypnosis.

9. Myth: Hypnosis can make you forget what happened during the session

• The Truth: While some people may not remember every detail of their session (similar to daydreaming or losing track of time), most people remember what occurred during hypnosis. Amnesia during hypnosis is rare and typically only happens if it is specifically suggested for therapeutic reasons.

10. Myth: Hypnosis is a supernatural or mystical practice

• The Truth: Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention and relaxation. It’s a legitimate therapeutic technique that has been studied and validated by scientific research. There’s nothing mystical or paranormal about it.