How does hypnosis work?
No show, no swinging watch and no loss of control. Here’s a plain explanation of what happens in a session, and why it works.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis, or hypnotherapy, is a short, focused approach in which you enter a deeply relaxed and concentrated state. You already know that state: you’re in it when you’re completely absorbed in a book, or when you suddenly realize you’ve driven miles down the highway. That’s when your subconscious is open to new responses.
You don’t fall asleep. You decide what you share, and you can stop at any moment.
You learned to walk without thinking about it.
You do not remember learning to walk, yet you do it every day. That is how your subconscious works: it stores responses and runs them automatically. The same goes for fear, tension and habits. That is why you cannot change them with your rational mind alone.
Your critical mind stands like a gatekeeper between what you know and what you do. In hypnosis, that gate opens a little. That’s how we can work right where the pattern lives.
Ericksonian hypnosis: no script.
There are many forms of hypnosis. In many sessions, the hypnotherapist reads from a fixed script. I work differently. My approach is Ericksonian and conversational: the session grows out of our conversation. I listen to your words, your pace and what you need, and work from the connection between us.
I draw on a wide range of techniques and use them with purpose, for your goal, without being tied to a protocol. That’s what makes every session tailored. At the core: everyone already has inner resources. They’re just unconscious and hard to reach on your own. In hypnosis, you can reach them.
With mind and heart.
During a session, I consciously breathe from my heart. Through co-regulation, my calm helps your nervous system settle, so you relax faster and more deeply than with words alone. That creates a connection in which it feels safe to let go.
In three layers.
01
Nervous system. First, your body settles. A calm nervous system is the foundation for everything that follows.
02
Subconscious. In hypnosis, we work where your patterns live and give them a new response.
03
Integration. What shifts in a session carries into your daily life. That’s what makes it last.
A session, step by step.
Goal
We discuss what you want to achieve today.
Relaxation
I guide you with my voice into a deeply relaxed state.
Work
We get to the root of your pattern and replace the old response with a new one.
Return
You gently come out of hypnosis and we talk about what you noticed.
What it is not.
Not stage hypnosis
You never do anything you do not want to.
Not sleep
You stay present and in control.
Not years of sessions
Usually three or six sessions.
My approach.
In my sessions everything revolves around your goal, not a fixed protocol. I take the time to understand what is going on, provide structure where it helps and keep things practical. Between sessions you can reach me by WhatsApp or email.
Frequently asked questions.
Does hypnosis work if I am very down to earth?
Yes. Hypnosis is not a show and you never lose control. You are deeply relaxed and focused, but you don’t fall asleep. You decide what you share.
Can anyone be hypnotized?
Almost anyone who wants to be. It’s about relaxation and focus, and it gets easier with every session.
What can I expect from the first session?
We start with an intake. You tell me what you are facing and what you want to achieve, and I explain what will happen. So you know exactly what you are starting.
How many sessions do I need?
That depends on your question. For a specific fear or habit, three sessions are often enough. For stress, tension or persistent patterns I recommend six.
Can I have sessions online?
Yes. Most sessions are online, in English or Dutch. Prefer to meet in person? That can be arranged. For organizations, I also work on site.
Is what I share confidential?
Always. Even if your employer pays, I share nothing without your permission.
What if I don’t know exactly what’s going on?
That’s completely fine. You don’t need to have it all figured out, or even put it into words. I can work content free: in hypnosis, what you need comes to the surface. Often, things become clear after a session.
What if I take medication or am under treatment?
Before we start I send you a short questionnaire, including questions about medication. If there is something medically deeper going on, I ask for a referral letter from your GP. I am not a medical professional, so this way we make sure it is safe and responsible.
Does hypnosis replace a doctor or psychologist?
No. For medical or psychological complaints your doctor remains your first point of contact. Hypnosis can work well alongside that.
Where I can help.
Now that you know how hypnosis works, these are the areas I work with. Choose what fits you.
Hypno-Matters, personal
Still have questions? Just ask.
Book a complimentary 30 minute intro call and I’ll gladly answer them. Online, in English or Dutch.