Understanding Hypnosis: More Familiar Than You Might Think

One of the questions I hear most often is, “What exactly is hypnosis?”

For many people, their only exposure to hypnosis has been through movies or stage performances where volunteers bark like dogs or forget their names. Because of this, hypnosis is often misunderstood.

My training is in QHHT® (Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique), developed by Dolores Cannon. Before becoming a QHHT Practitioner in 2023, my background was in energy healing as an Integrated Energy Therapy® Master Instructor, Reiki Master Teacher, and relationship coach.

What drew me to hypnosis was observing something many of us have experienced: people can intellectually understand their challenges and still find themselves repeating the same patterns, beliefs, or emotional responses. I became interested in the possibility that there may be insights available beyond our normal conscious awareness and that exploring those insights might help individuals better understand themselves.

One thing I appreciate about hypnosis is that it doesn’t require someone to “believe” in it.

In fact, most people experience natural hypnotic states every day.

Have you ever become so absorbed in a book that you lost track of time?

Have you ever watched a movie and become emotionally invested in the story?

Have you ever driven a familiar route and realized you don’t remember part of the trip because your mind was elsewhere?

These are all examples of naturally occurring altered states of awareness.

The Hypnagogic State

The hypnotic state used in QHHT® is often compared to the hypnagogic state—the natural transition between wakefulness and sleep.

It’s the relaxed, dreamlike state many people experience just before drifting off at night or immediately upon waking in the morning.

Contrary to popular belief, clients are not unconscious during hypnosis.

They remain aware of my voice, can communicate throughout the session, and are active participants in the process.

What Is a Somnambulistic Trance?

In hypnosis training, the deeper state often sought in QHHT® is referred to as a somnambulistic trance.

Pronounced:
som-nam-byoo-LIS-tik (because I still need that!)

Despite the name, this does not mean the client is asleep.

Rather, it refers to a deeply relaxed and focused state where the analytical mind becomes quieter, allowing greater access to memories, emotions, imagery, personal insights, and subconscious material.

Many hypnosis practitioners consider this state ideal for self-exploration because it often allows individuals to access perspectives that may not be as readily available during ordinary waking consciousness.

How Is This Different From Stage Hypnosis?

Stage hypnosis is designed for entertainment.

The goal is laughter, audience engagement, and performance.

QHHT® and other forms of exploratory hypnosis are entirely different.

The focus is not on entertainment but on self-discovery, insight, reflection, and personal exploration.

Clients are never surrendering control or being made to do things against their will.

Instead, they are participating in a guided process designed to help them better understand themselves and their experiences.

Curiosity and Skepticism Can Coexist

I understand why many people are skeptical of hypnosis.

Healthy curiosity and healthy skepticism can absolutely coexist.

My approach is to view hypnosis as a tool for self-exploration and insight rather than a replacement for medical care, mental health treatment, or professional counseling.

In fact, many of my clients are already participating in therapy, coaching, personal growth

work, or other wellness practices.

At its heart, hypnosis is simply another way of exploring the human experience and the stories we carry about ourselves.

Sometimes the answers we’re looking for aren’t hidden.

They simply require a quieter state of mind to hear them.

I offer in-person QHHT® sessions in Noblesville, Indiana. Individuals often travel from Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Westfield, and surrounding areas seeking a deeper understanding of themselves through guided hypnosis and self-exploration.