Hypnotherapy: What It Is and How It Can Unlock Bad Habits, and the Bullshit Beliefs Holding You Back

Imagine being free of the habits that hold you back.

In today’s world, many of us feel trapped by our bad habits, emotions, thought patterns, or internal belief systems—what I like to call "bullshit systems"—which hold us back from achieving our full potential or accomplishing goals. Whether it's quitting smoking, vaping, losing weight, or building stronger relationships, the same barriers often seem to reappear no matter how hard we try. But what if there were a way to tap into the deeper layers of your mind, uncover the root causes of those obstacles, and release them for good?

That’s where hypnotherapy comes in. Hypnotherapy is not a magic wand, but it’s about as close as you can get. Unlike traditional talk therapy or self-guided meditation, hypnotherapy guides you into a deeply relaxed yet fully awake state. It works with your subconscious or unconscious mind—the part of you that’s driving behaviors you might not even be aware of—to create rapid and lasting change. With the right approach, hypnotherapy can help you let go of unhealthy habits, build stronger relationships, or even finally love yourself fully.

Let’s take a deeper look at the essence behind hypnotherapy, how it works, and why it’s so different from other healing methods. We’ll also clear up some common misconceptions, highlight the incredible benefits, and show you why this therapeutic approach might be just what you need to break free from what’s holding you back.

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses guided hypnosis to bring about positive changes in the subconscious or unconscious mind. It’s not the ‘mind control’ you see in movies—you remain fully awake and in control. In this focused state of relaxation—a deep state of "trance" is where the mind is more receptive to suggestions and new ways of thinking. While in this state, you’re not asleep; in fact, you’re highly aware, but incredibly relaxed—almost like meditation, but with more intentionality and focus. Your mind can explore and address deep-rooted behaviors, thoughts, emotional blockages, and feelings that might be holding you back.

Unlike traditional therapy, which tends to focus on conscious thoughts and behaviors, hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind—the part of you that often runs the show without you even realizing it. This can help you break through limitations and get to the core of your struggles.

Hypnotherapy vs. Traditional Therapy: What’s the Difference?

While both hypnotherapy and traditional therapy can be powerful tools for self-improvement, they approach healing from different angles. Traditional therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychotherapy, focuses primarily on conscious behaviors and thoughts. You spend time analyzing your emotions, discussing your past, and trying to figure out how your mind is working.

Hypnotherapy, on the other hand, goes much deeper. It’s not about talking things through or analyzing every detail—it’s about accessing the part of your mind that truly controls your habits and behaviors. Often, we can only reach so much with conscious thought, which is why hypnotherapy is so effective at tackling issues like smoking, weight loss, and even improving relationships. Hypnotherapy dives deeper into those layers—the subconscious or unconscious mind—helping you access the root causes and create real, lasting change.

And here’s the kicker: many people find they can resolve their issues in just a few sessions of hypnotherapy, versus months or even years of traditional talk therapy. We do recommend a minimum of five sessions to ensure long-lasting success, though the total number depends on your goals and what you want to achieve.

Hypnotherapy vs. Meditation: A Clarification

Now, let’s address another common question: how is hypnotherapy different from meditation?

Both hypnotherapy and meditation involve a relaxed state of mind, but they serve different purposes. Meditation typically aims to calm the mind, helping you become more present and detached from daily stressors. It’s a wonderful practice for maintaining general mental health, but it’s often passive.

Hypnotherapy, however, is an active process. While you are in a similar state of deep relaxation, you’re not just quieting your mind—you’re diving down (deep, right?) into the subconscious or unconscious layers, getting to the root of specific issues and making intentional, targeted changes. With hypnotherapy, we’re not just calming the mind; we’re working to reshape the thoughts and behaviors that are holding you back. It’s like getting behind the steering wheel of your subconscious and taking control, steering toward the outcomes you truly desire.

Benefits of Hypnotherapy

One of the greatest benefits of hypnotherapy is its versatility. It can help you break free from a wide variety of challenges and limitations:

• Quit Smoking or Vaping: If you’ve been smoking for years and tried to quit more times than you can count, hypnotherapy can help you get to the bottom of why you’re holding onto that habit. By rewiring your subconscious mind, you can finally break free from nicotine addiction, just like many of our clients. In fact, one client said, “I had been smoking since I was a teenager and tried everything to quit. But it wasn’t until Kristine introduced me to hypnotherapy that I finally let go of the habit. It’s been two years, and I’m still smoke-free!”

• Weight Loss: Often, weight gain or unhealthy eating patterns are rooted in more than just poor habits—they can be tied to emotional struggles, self-doubt, or deep-seated beliefs about food. Hypnotherapy helps address these hidden factors, allowing you to release the mental blocks and finally achieve your health and weight goals.

• Better Relationships: Whether it’s with a partner, a family member, or even yourself, hypnotherapy can help you understand the unconscious patterns that are affecting your relationships. You might be stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts or poor communication. Hypnotherapy helps break through those patterns, allowing you to create more loving and supportive connections with those around you.

• Stress and Anxiety Relief: Hypnotherapy offers a deeper solution to stress and anxiety than traditional methods. By tapping into the subconscious, we can discover the root causes of your stress, enabling you to reframe your mind and emotions for long-lasting relief.

In addition to these, hypnotherapy can also address a wide range of other issues, such as chronic pain management, phobias, insomnia, boosting confidence and self-esteem, and even helping with trauma recovery. Whether it’s dealing with depression, overcoming addiction, or managing PTSD, hypnotherapy taps into the power of the subconscious mind to create positive, lasting change.

The Process: How Hypnotherapy Works

Imagine peeling back the layers of your mind, uncovering what’s driving your unwanted habits and emotions. Hypnotherapy does just that—it goes to those unconscious levels and reveals what’s beneath the surface. It’s here where you’ll discover the root cause of your struggles, and with the help of your therapist, work toward rewriting those limiting beliefs or behaviors.

In a typical session, I guide you into a calm, highly focused state where you are receptive to new suggestions. The goal is to replace your current negative or unhelpful patterns with new, positive ones. For many clients, profound breakthroughs can happen in just a few sessions—though it’s important to remember that true transformation happens over time. Though the exact number depends on your personal goals and journey.

The Science Behind Hypnotherapy: Stats You Can’t Ignore

1. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, smoking cessation success rates with hypnotherapy range between 60%-90%—far higher than traditional quit methods.

2. A meta-analysis conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that hypnosis was more effective than other treatments for weight loss, leading to an average loss of nearly 9 pounds over time compared to 5.5 pounds in those not using hypnosis.

3. A 2019 study reported that 76% of participants using hypnotherapy for anxiety reported reduced symptoms after just a few sessions.

These statistics show that when it comes to breaking through limitations, hypnotherapy delivers!

Statistics & Success Stories

Research shows that hypnotherapy is highly effective. For example, a study published by the American Psychological Association found that hypnosis was more effective than nicotine replacement therapy for quitting smoking. Furthermore, hypnosis has been shown to have a 93% success rate in fewer sessions compared to traditional therapy, making it one of the most efficient and impactful healing methods available.

A client of mine shared their experience: “I had been smoking for most of my life, starting as a teenager, and tried to quit countless times without success. My smoking habit even affected my dating life—many women were turned off by it, but I just couldn’t seem to stop. After working with Kristine through hypnotherapy, I’ve been smoke-free for almost two years now. I’m finally free from a habit that controlled my life for so long.”

Closing: Get to the Bottom of What’s Holding You Back

So, who’s really in control of your life? Are you ready to find out? Hypnotherapy offers the key to unlocking the parts of your mind that are running on autopilot, keeping you from living the life you want. If you’re ready to uncover the root causes of your struggles, whether it’s breaking a habit, improving your health, or building better relationships, hypnotherapy could be the solution you’ve been waiting for.

Who’s ready to let go and get out of their own way?

Disclaimer: I am a certified hypnotherapist and success coach, not a licensed medical professional, psychologist. Hypnotherapy is a complementary approach to personal development and is not intended to replace professional medical or psychological advice. If you are dealing with a serious mental health issue or medical condition, please consult with a licensed healthcare provider.