“I would like to try hypnosis, but I don’t think it would work on me. My mind never stops.”

Perhaps that is your concern. You can follow a conversation while planning dinner, remembering a deadline and noticing that you are thinking too much. The idea of sitting quietly while someone asks you to relax might sound like another thing you could fail at.

Before you rule yourself out, it helps to look at what hypnosis actually involves and what you would be asked to do.

You do not have to pass a blank-mind test

The US National Institutes of Health describes hypnosis in terms of focused attention and suggestions. It is not mind control, and people differ in how they respond.

An empty mind is not the starting requirement for the way I work. We begin with a conversation. You can tell me that your thoughts move quickly, that quiet makes you uncomfortable, or that previous relaxation exercises have frustrated you. Those details help us discuss how to proceed.

A busy mind, on its own, does not tell us how you will respond. Nor can I promise that hypnosis will suit everyone who feels distracted. Suitability is something we consider together.

Attention is something we can explore

Think about an ordinary moment when you become interested in a story. You may still notice other thoughts or sounds, while part of your attention stays with what you are hearing.

That example is an illustration of attention, rather than proof that you are already in hypnosis. It offers a less demanding starting point than trying to achieve complete mental silence.

During guided work, I may invite you to notice a sound, an image, a word or an experience you choose to focus on. If an instruction does not make sense, you can say so. If your attention wanders, you can tell me. We are working together, rather than measuring how perfectly you follow.

“What if I keep analysing everything?”

You are welcome to ask how the process works before we begin. You do not have to pretend to understand or agree with something to be cooperative.

It may be helpful to discuss what you find yourself analysing. Are you checking whether you are doing it correctly? Wondering whether you will lose control? Trying to understand every instruction before responding?

Each concern gives us something specific to address. We can talk through expectations and choose a manageable way to start. You can also decide you would prefer a different kind of support.

You remain an active participant

In my sessions, you are free to speak, move, open your eyes, ask a question or stop. Before any exercise, we discuss what we are doing and why. Your agreement matters throughout.

You do not need to tell me that something feels helpful when it does not. Honest feedback is useful. “I am still thinking about work” is information we can work with, not a confession that you have spoiled the session.

I am interested in helping you access more of your own resources and choices. That requires room for your experience, including the parts that do not match an imagined perfect session.

An optional way to notice your attention

For a short, ordinary experiment, choose something nearby: a plant, a picture, a sound outside. Notice one detail, then another. When a thought about something else appears, simply acknowledge that your attention moved.

There is no need to close your eyes, slow your breathing or make anything special happen. You can stop whenever you wish. This is not a hypnotisability test and does not predict a treatment outcome. It is just a chance to observe attention without grading yourself.

What did you notice about the expectations you brought to it? Were you trying to do it perfectly? That may be a useful thing to mention if we speak.

Preparing for a first session

Bring your questions about control, awareness and what the process might feel like.
Describe what you want help with in everyday terms.
Mention relevant health conditions, current treatment and previous experiences of therapy or hypnosis.
Tell me what helps you feel comfortable and what you would prefer to avoid.

There is no requirement to practise being hypnotised beforehand. The Your First Hypnosis Session page explains more about how we begin.

The goal is meaningful change in your life

An unusual sensation in the chair is not the whole purpose of the work. We would talk about what you want to be different outside the session: perhaps less time caught in overthinking, more choice in a difficult situation, or greater confidence taking a next step.

We would also discuss how to review progress and whether other support is needed. Hypnosis is not a guaranteed solution, and individual medical or psychological care remains important where appropriate.

For a fuller explanation, explore How Hypnosis Works or the Overthinking page.

A conversation can be a beginning

You can bring your busy mind to the conversation. A free 15-minute call gives you space to ask questions and consider whether this approach feels right for you.

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Can I Be Hypnotised If My Mind Won’t Stop Thinking?