CivilPsych Services

A method I use

Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis is not sleep and it is not mind control. It is focused attention, and focused attention is a good place to rehearse a new way of thinking.

Written by Dr. Heath, Ph.D. Neuropsychology, Ph.D. Forensic Psychology. 40+ years of cognitive behavioral work. Reviewed November 2026.

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What's really going on

What people say"Can you hypnotize me so I stop?" Hypnosis does not reach in and switch a habit off.
What's usually happeningIn hypnosis your attention narrows and outside distractions fade. You stay aware and in charge the whole time. That focus makes it easier to picture a hard situation and practice the thought you want to have in it. The change still comes from what you think, not from the trance.

Where it can help

  • As one part of therapy for worry, stress and tension.
  • Practicing calm, clear thinking before a situation you dread.
  • Habits that run on autopilot before you have decided anything.
  • Slowing your thinking down long enough to choose it.

How a session works

Hypnosis is added to the regular work, never used in place of it.

  1. Agree on the targetOne specific situation and the thought you want to bring to it.
  2. Settle and focusI talk you into a relaxed, focused state. You can stop at any time.
  3. RehearseYou picture the situation and practice the new thought in it.
  4. Use it at homeYou learn a short version you can do on your own.

Questions

Will I lose control or say things I don't want to?

No. You hear everything, remember it and can stop whenever you choose.

Can hypnosis recover lost memories?

No. Memories recalled under hypnosis are not more accurate, and they can be bent by the questions asked. I don't use it for that.

Does it work for everyone?

No. Some people respond more than others. It works best as one tool inside therapy, not as a cure on its own.

Next

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