Oklahoma City Elite Hypnosis Blog

a man in Dayton in his 40s with a skeptical demeanor highly doubtful hypnotherapy will work for him

Does Hypnotherapy Work or Is It Just BS?

The Straight Truth from a Hypnotherapist in Oklahoma City

Let’s cut the fluff — if you’ve ever wondered whether hypnotherapy is legit or just a bunch of woo-woo nonsense, you’re not alone. At least once a week, someone asks me, “Be honest — does this actually work or is it total BS?” And honestly? It’s a fair question.

Because let’s face it — between stage hypnosis shows, Hollywood movies, and weird YouTube videos, the whole idea of being hypnotized can seem a little… suspicious.

So today, I’m going to break it down — what hypnotherapy really is, what it isn’t, and whether it can actually help you make meaningful changes in your life — especially if you live here in the Oklahoma City area and you’re dealing with stress, addiction, chronic pain, or emotional blocks.

professional woman in oklahoma city with a skeptical look on her face crossing her arms

🚫 What Hypnotherapy Is Not

Let’s start by busting a few myths:

No, you won’t cluck like a chicken.
No, I can’t make you reveal your darkest secrets.
No, you’re not “asleep” or unconscious during a session.
And absolutely no, I cannot control your mind.

You’re fully aware the whole time — just deeply relaxed and laser-focused. Think of it like that twilight state between waking and sleeping, where your conscious mind chills out and your subconscious mind opens up to new ideas and possibilities.

🧠 So What Is Hypnotherapy Then?

Hypnotherapy is a clinically-backed method of guiding you into a relaxed, focused state so we can work directly with your subconscious patterns — the stuff you’ve been doing automatically, without even realizing it.

Whether it’s lighting a cigarette every time you feel stressed, reaching for junk food when you’re bored, or replaying old anxious thoughts on loop — those are patterns buried in your subconscious.

Hypnotherapy helps you rewire those automatic responses and install new ones that actually support your goals.

OKC woman previously skeptical seeing that hypnotherapy is not BS

📚 But Is There Any Science Behind It?

Yep. Plenty.

Hypnotherapy has been studied for decades and is supported by organizations like:

The American Psychological Association (APA)
The British Medical Association
The National Institutes of Health (NIH)

In fact, a study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology showed that hypnotherapy was more effective for weight loss than diet alone, and another in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis found it to be effective for quitting smoking.

You can find peer-reviewed studies backing its use for:

Anxiety
Chronic pain
PTSD
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Insomnia
And more.

So no — it’s not just placebo or pseudoscience. It’s a real therapeutic modality, backed by real data.

💬 Real Talk: Does It Work?

Here’s the honest answer: Yes — but only if you’re ready to do the work.

Hypnotherapy isn’t a magic wand. It’s a powerful tool. And like any tool, it works best when the person using it (that’s you!) is open, motivated, and guided by someone who knows what they’re doing.

When the timing, the mindset, and the practitioner are aligned? That’s when people experience real transformation.

🙋‍♂️ Local Story: John from Edmond

John, a 46-year-old firefighter from Edmond, came to me after trying to quit smoking seven times. Patches, gum, cold turkey — nothing worked. He figured he’d give hypnosis a shot, but he told me straight up: “If this is BS, I’m out.”

We did three sessions over two weeks. During the first session, we focused on breaking the emotional connection to cigarettes. By the second session, he noticed cravings were down 80%.

By the third session, he said something I’ll never forget: “This is the first time I’ve felt free in 20 years.” Two years later? Still smoke-free.

man in his 40s surprised that hypnotherapy worked for him in oklahoma city

🧩 When It Doesn’t Work

Let’s keep it real — hypnotherapy won’t work if:

You’re just doing it because someone else told you to.
You’re expecting results without participating in the process.
You don’t trust the person guiding you.

That’s why I always offer a free consult to see if we’re a good fit. Hypnosis isn’t something I do to you — it’s something we do together.

✅ Is It Right for You?

Ask yourself:

Have you tried everything else and still feel stuck?
Do you have a pattern you know is holding you back?
Are you open to doing something a little different — that could actually work?

If you answered yes, hypnotherapy might be exactly what you need.

📍 Finding a Hypnotherapist in Oklahoma City

When looking for a hypnotherapist here in OKC, check for:

Verified certifications (like through the National Guild of Hypnotists) - Yes our Certified Hypnotherpist has over 27 years and many years of highly credentialed experience behind her!
Real client testimonials (many many many testimonials!!!)
A website that explains their process clearly
Someone local (Yes we have a local presence as well as remote options for those who are unable to drive in or prefer the virtual option)— not just an app or YouTube video

If you're around Oklahoma City, Moore, Norman, or Edmond, you're in my neighborhood. Let’s talk!