What is Hypnosis?

There are so many different descriptions of what hypnosis is. Many of them are myths or misinformation. Hypnosis in itself is not a state of being as many would suggest, as it is possible to be in any state while in hypnosis.

The simplest way to describe hypnosis is as a pure state of focus that resembles a state of mind similar to R.E.M sleep. R.E.M or Rapid Eye Movement sleep is a cycle of sleep that happens roughly every 90 minutes when sleeping and allow powerful metaphorical dreams that help to discharge emotions from the previous day. Hypnosis is a process of gaining conscious access to the R.E.M state where metaphor is extremely powerful and can bring about lasting change.

Hypnotising someone is the process of guiding them into a place of focussed attention and into this trance-like R.E.M state, that allows specific communication with the unconscious mind for the purpose of creating changes in the way they think, feel, act and relate to the world.

James Cole is a certified Hypnotist and combines it with Advanced Matrix Therapies®, Mindscaping, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), and other techniques to deliver Empowered Meditation Therapy™ as a powerful set of tools to help clients embrace their own power and free them of emotional attachments.

Hypnosis can be used for:

  • Clearing phobias and fears
  • Pain relief & management
  • Overcoming sleep disorders
  • Removing habits
  • Managing addiction
  • Reducing Stress & Anxiety
  • Help stop smoking
  • Manage weight loss
  • Reducing the effects of allergies
  • Hypno-Birthing
  • Integrate emotional trauma
  • Dealing with depression
  • Overcome OCD
  • There are also many alternative uses for hypnosis

Frequently Asked Questions

Hypnosis is not a magic pill. Hypnosis does not DO the work for you. It is a process that can assist with what you already want to achieve.

For hypnosis to be effective and make real and lasting change, a client needs to be in a state we call “threshold”. Threshold is the point in a persons life when they can look at their situation and know that;

  • Something has to change
  • It has to be them to make the change
  • and the change has to be now


When a person is at threshold, a talented hypnotist will be able to guide them in the right direction to make changes in their unconscious mind happen relatively easily. When these changes are made, the unconscious mind is what then influences the conscious mind to do what needs to be done.

If a person has not accepted full responsibility for where they are and is still blaming other people or events, they are not at threshold and no amount of hypnosis or other therapy will create the change they are hoping for.

Yes absolutely. The so-called “dangers” of hypnosis all stem from movies and books. You are always in control. No one can make you do anything you don’t want to and you can always return to full consciousness at any time you choose.

Anyone who wants to be hypnotised can be hypnotised. The only skill required is the ability to pay attention and follow the instructions of the hypnotist.

Of course you can’t. The good news is, once you make the decision that you can be hypnotized then you will be able to be hypnotized.

If you think you can’t be hypnotised it is actually that you’re are choosing not to be. Everyone goes in and out of trance all the time. When you are driving home and suddenly realise you have arrived without remembering the trip, it is because you are in trance. If you’ve ever been so deeply into watching a movie that you didn’t notice someone talking to you, it is because you were in trance. Or the most common one these days is people logging on to social media and before you know it, hours have passed in the blink of an eye.

Hypnosis is exactly the same as these states, only you are choosing to go there for the benefit of your own personal growth and empowerment. If you are willing to be hypnotized and can follow the instructions of the hypnotherapist, you will be hypnotised.

If you are choosing not to allow yourself to be hypnotised because of fear of a lack of understanding of the process, I am happy to talk with you and address any issues you may be having. It may be that a different therapy such as Mindscaping will be better suited to you. Mindscaping is more like a guided meditation.

Hypnotherapy works by using the process of hypnosis to interact with and give suggestions to the unconscious mind. It is the repetition of these suggestions that allows your brain to change your neural-network which in turn changes the way you feel and act to specific circumstances.

The best qualities for the best results from hypnosis are the desire to be hypnotised, the ability to focus and concentrate, the willingness to follow the instructions of the hypnotherapist and a general trust in the process.

Absolutely not. This is a myth constructed for good storytelling in books and movies. You will always have complete control. If at any time in the hypnotic process you want or need to be fully awake, you can simply open your eyes and return to normal consciousness.

Absolutely not. A person needs to consciously and willingly follow instructions from a hypnotherapist to be able to be hypnotised.

No, it is not possible. You do not lose control while undergoing hypnosis. If at any time you wish to be fully awake, simply open your eyes and return to full alert consciousness.

First and foremost, make sure that the hypnotherapist is qualified in Hypnosis and knows what they are doing. Beyond that, Hypnosis is about the relationship and quality communication between the hypnotherapist and the client. Call them up and discuss your needs. You want to find a hypnotherapist that you find warm and friendly and you would be comfortable opening up to.

Make sure that you can understand them well as much of the process is about the language we use.

Lastly, you are going to be listening to the hypnotherapist’s voice a lot, both in sessions and probably on recorded CD’s or MP3’s, make sure they have a voice that doesn’t irritate you or make you uncomfortable in any way.

Most good hypnotherapists will give you a free call or assessment first. Use this to assess if they are right for you and be mindful that a good hypnotherapist will also be assessing you as a potential client to make sure that you are also a good fit for them.

To book a 10-minute call with me, click on the button at the bottom of this page.

Self-hypnosis is a great skill to learn and a powerful way to create change within oneself while on a personal development journey. Self-hypnosis, like meditation, when practised regularly can have enormous benefits in your everyday life. Like everything, the more you practice the better you become. Any good hypnotherapist will be able to teach you self-hypnosis in their sessions.

The short answer is no… Stage hypnosis is different from therapeutic hypnosis in its context. Stage hypnotists run their audience through a number of tests and carefully selects those who will give the best performance. The people they choose will perform all manner of crazy stuff because deep down they love the idea of performing and entertaining in an extroverted manner.

Hypnosis can not control you or make you do anything against your will.

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