Can everyone be hypnotised? / Updates | Switch-Up Hypnotherapy

What to Tell Yourself Instead of “I Can’t Be Hypnotised”

You’ve probably heard the phrase “Anyone can be hypnotised if they let themselves be hypnotised.”
But what does that really mean? And what if you’ve always told yourself, “I can’t be hypnotised”?

At Switch-Up Hypnotherapy, I hear this all the time. Yet the reality is that anyone can experience hypnosis — when they understand what it is (and what it’s not).

So let’s explore the real answer to the question, “Can everyone be hypnotised?” — and what you can start telling yourself instead.

Can Everyone Be Hypnotised?

Yes — if you let yourself be.

While some people naturally enter hypnosis more easily than others, research shows that anyone can be hypnotised when they’re open and willing to participate. Hypnosis is not a special talent or trick. It’s simply a focused, relaxed state where your mind becomes more receptive to positive change.

Renowned hypnotherapist Dr Michael Yapko explains:

“Hypnotic susceptibility is highly individual and depends on factors such as personality, imagination, and the ability to concentrate.”

Actor Matt Damon once thought he couldn’t be hypnotised — until he used hypnotherapy to stop smoking. What he discovered was that hypnosis isn’t something done to you; it’s something you do for yourself.

So if you’ve ever wondered, “Can everyone be hypnotised?”, the short answer is: yes, if you’re willing to engage in the process.

Hypnosis Is About Gaining Control — Not Losing It

Many people resist hypnosis because they think it means “losing control.”
That’s one of the biggest myths.

Dr David Spiegel (seen in the video below), a leading expert in the field, clarifies this perfectly:

“Hypnosis isn’t about giving up control, but about gaining it — over your thoughts, behaviours, and even physical sensations.”

During hypnotherapy, you’re always aware of what’s happening. If a hypnotherapist asked you to do something silly — like cluck like a chicken — you’d simply refuse.

(And for the record, I wouldn’t ask you anyway. I have plenty of eggs at the moment.)

Stage hypnosis may look like people losing control, but it’s entertainment.
Clinical hypnotherapy is different — it’s about cooperation, trust, and carefully designed suggestions that align with your goals.

What Affects How Easily You Can Be Hypnotised

When people ask, “Can everyone be hypnotised?”, it’s really a question about susceptibility.
Here are the main factors that influence how easily you enter hypnosis:

Willingness – The more you allow the process, the more naturally it happens.
Imagination – You don’t have to see pictures in your mind; just be open to creative thinking.
Concentration – Hypnosis requires a relaxed focus, not effort or force.
Trust – Feeling safe with your hypnotherapist allows you to let go and engage fully.
Belief – The belief that hypnosis can work for you increases your responsiveness to it.

The key takeaway?
You don’t need to “try” to be hypnotised — you just need to let it happen.

What to Tell Yourself Instead

Instead of saying:

“I can’t be hypnotised.”

Try telling yourself:

“I can learn to relax, focus, and open my mind to positive change.”

Your subconscious believes it knows what’s right for you. Sometimes that's different to what you consciously want to achieve.
Hypnosis simply helps you access that deeper intelligence — safely and naturally - to affect changes in your subconscious.

Every suggestion I use in therapy is aligned with your values, beliefs, and goals.
If something doesn’t fit, your subconscious mind simply rejects it.
That’s why every program I design is completely individualised — because you are unique.

Mature man's eyes, maybe skeptical, maybe focused and open-minded.

What About People With Aphantasia?

If you’ve heard of aphantasia (the inability to form mental images), you might wonder whether that affects hypnosis. It’s a fair question — and one researchers have explored.

A 2023 study by Cabbai et al. found no clear link between aphantasia and hypnotisability.
Even people who can’t visualise can still respond well to hypnosis by focusing on sensations, emotions, and language instead of imagery.

Source: Can hypnosis work on those with aphantasia? Yes.

If you believe you have aphantasia, just let me know before your first session.
I’ll tailor the approach so it still works powerfully for you.

When Hypnosis Might Not Be Ideal

There are a few exceptions. People with certain medical or psychological conditions — such as hyper-vigilance — may find it harder to relax deeply.
But even then, there are strategies to make hypnotherapy more accessible and effective.

For everyone else, hypnosis is simply a learnable skill that improves with practice and trust.

Beyond Smoking and Vaping — The Versatility of Hypnotherapy

Many people first discover Switch-Up Hypnotherapy through our flagship program, “Stop Smoking and Vaping – for Life.”
But hypnosis can do much more than help you stop smoking.

It can also help with:

Even world-class athletes like Tiger Woods have used hypnotherapy to stay focused and composed under pressure.
So when you ask, “Can everyone be hypnotised?” — remember, hypnosis is a flexible, scientifically backed tool that adapts to your goals.

Can Everyone Be Hypnotised? Final Thoughts

In the end, the question “Can everyone be hypnotised?” isn’t really about hypnosis.
It’s about willingness — the willingness to explore your own potential.

At Switch-Up Hypnotherapy, I don’t see hypnosis as mind control or mystery.
I see it as collaboration — you and me, working together to create real, lasting change.

If you’re ready to experience what your mind can truly do, I’d love to help.

Luke O'Dwyer

Call, WhatsApp or text: +61 407 88 45 43
Email: SwitchUpHypnotherapy@gmail.com

Because the question isn’t “Can everyone be hypnotised?”
It’s “Are you ready to let yourself change?”