Can you mess with my head?

 Last week a client raised the concern that I would "mess" with his head. To clarify the concern the question is really about me (the therapist) making you (the client) do things you don't want to do or being able to change "stuff" (thought processes) inside your head.

Most of the concerns or myths about hypnosis and hypnotherapy are supported by Hollywood and stage hypnosis. I have already discussed the issue of control in a previous blog so I will only say here that if you do not want to be hypnotized - I cannot do it for you. Professional registered hypnotherapists work under a code of conduct that (if it were possible to 'mess' with your head) regulates our behaviour and the treatment or therapy we may suggest.

And then there is the matter of being able to change what is inside your head - the truth - not a therapist or any other person can change anything inside your head (excluding a surgeon or drugs) by just talking to you - awake, in trance or asleep! Only YOU can change what is inside your head - I am only a coach - you are the player - if you do no follow my suggestions and implement them - NOTHING will happen!

Let me give you an example:- If I said that you must do something while you are in trance that is against your beliefs or that you do not agree with - you would either open your eyes and ask me what I am doing - or reject it and tell me afterwards that you did not like whatever was suggested - because you are always in control. That is why we agree before the session starts what the outcomes should be and,  if not in detail,  what the suggestions would be as well.

There are more than 25 000 documented cases of hypnosis and there has not been any negative side effect recorded.

So - the only person who 'messes' with your head is YOU!  Needless to say - the client did do his first session of hypnosis and he said that he had enjoyed it!