Hypnotherapy for Skeptics

As a born skeptic, I approached hypnotherapy for the first time with reluctance. I was in constant physical pain, following a serious accident, so when a friend suggested I see a hypnotherapist, I thought ‘why not?’ It seemed like a great idea until I rang the doorbell of a modest brick house in Edmonds, Washington, and a grim-looking woman ushered me into her living room. We talked briefly, then she invited me to sit back in a big recliner and relax. By this time I has serious misgivings about hypnotherapy—and her—but mentally shrugged, closed my eyes, and followed her suggestions anyway. Before long, I had drifted into a state of deep calm and, when she brought me back to full awareness, my pain was significantly reduced. I went back for more sessions, each time walking away feeling better than I had the time before. Today I’m even healthier than I was before the accident happened. 

Another hypnotherapist in Seattle helped me to give up cigarettes. What did she say that did the trick? Who knows, but an hour or so later I walked out her front door a non-smoker and, to this day, haven’t smoked another cigarette. These days, assisting people to quit tobacco in one session is one of my favorite things to do.

As with any therapy, the desire to change is the precursor to success. Sure, change requires work, but work can be exciting and enjoyable, or at least it has been for the people I’ve assisted over time. It’s thrilling to me that, working together, many, many clients have achieved goals they thought they never would. 

A person can be a skeptic and still enjoy the benefits of hypnotherapy—in fact, in my opinion, a certain amount of skepticism is healthy. But what’s even more healthy is the willingness to make the changes that can positively affect a person’s outlook, wellbeing, and state of mind. It’s never too early—or too late—to fall in love with what the poet Mary Oliver called ‘your wild and precious life.’ If you’re not in love with yours yet, isn’t it about time?