The Secret Power of Self-Hypnosis: My Story and How It Can Help You
Finding Focus in a Busy World: My Journey to Self-Hypnosis
For as long as I can remember, being able to focus on what I truly want out of life has felt harder for me than it does for other people. Some seem to have a clear, step-by-step plan and follow it with certainty. But for me? The path has always been a bit foggy.
I never actually set out to be a teacher. I was creative—I went to Art School, full of ideas and open-ended possibilities. After graduating, I wasn’t sure what to do next. I applied for teacher training because a friend was applying. Ironically, I got in and she didn’t! That twist of fate launched me into a career that, while fulfilling in many ways, was never part of some grand plan.
Burnout and Overwhelm: The Turning Point
I ended up surviving nearly 30 years in teaching, working my way up into leadership, raising a neurodiverse family at home, and constantly spinning plates. But it was exhausting. I started to question everything: Is this really it? Is this what my life is meant to be?
At the time, I was desperately looking for something to help me feel more like myself again—something that would calm my busy brain, help me focus on what matters, and bring back that lost sense of purpose.
That’s when I stumbled across a hypnotherapy and signed myself on a course to learn more. Part of that course was all about self-hypnosis.
What Is Self-Hypnosis?
I was surprised to learn that you could hypnotise yourself. I had thought that hypnosis is something that is done to you by someone else. In fact, it is a very learnable skill that allows you to guide yourself into a focused state of attention—similar to daydreaming, but with intention. It’s not about swinging watches or someone controlling your mind. It’s the skill of tuning out the mental noise and focusing your mind on one helpful idea at a time- just what I needed!
The Science Behind Self-Hypnosis: How It Works
What I love about clinical hypnosis is that there is so much evidence to back up its effectiveness. It is well proven that by entering a focused state and feeding your brain with helpful suggestions is training your mind to respond differently.
Using Self-Hypnosis to Reduce Stress and Overwhelm
One of the first benefits I noticed was how much calmer I felt. One of the suggestions I use is “do less, do nothing”, something that I struggled with being a busy mum of four with a demanding job. Telling yourself in that focused state that it’s ok to stop was a revelation to me. Self-hypnosis also stated to help me sleep better and handle difficult parenting moments with more patience. I felt so much less reactive to stress as well.
Over time, I’ve started using it more strategically. Instead of just calming down, I use it to build myself up. I use visualising hypnosis scripts to become more confident in scenarios like speaking in public or needing clarity on decisions, trusting my instincts, and also feeling proud of the work I have done.
I have started to trust myself more. I am much clearer on what I want from life now, and more confident in my abilities to take the steps toward creating the life that I want now. Starting my own hypnotherapy business, The Nest, has been part of that vision. And now I get to teach others how to do the same-amazing!
Who Can Benefit from Self-Hypnosis?
The beauty of self-hypnosis is that it’s for everyone. Whether you’re a busy parent, a stressed-out teen, or a child struggling with worries, this skill can help you:
• Calm anxiety and reduce overwhelm
• Improve focus and mental clarity
• Change unhelpful habits
• Build confidence and resilience
• Sleep better and feel more grounded
• Create a positive, focused mindset
My quick step guide to self-hypnosis:
Self-Hypnosis is a skill, but it’s not difficult. To start you can try these simple steps.
Step 1: Relax and Let Go
The first step in self-hypnosis is to relax your body and mind. Deep, slow breathing is a great place to start. I also love using progressive muscle relaxation—tense and release each part of your body, from your toes to your head. This allows you to physically relax, which helps calm your racing thoughts.
Step 2: Envision Your Desired Reality
Once you’re relaxed, focus on what you want to achieve. Picture it as vividly as possible—see, feel, and even hear the success you’re envisioning. For me, when I switched careers, I’d imagine my clinic, the clients I was helping, and the satisfaction I felt. The more real you can make this image, the more your brain believes it’s achievable.
Step 3: Allow the Change to Unfold
Now, it’s time to trust the process. Allow the changes you’re envisioning to unfold naturally, without forcing them. I had to learn this during my career transition. It’s about letting go of control, trusting that every step you take is moving you closer to your goal. The belief that change is inevitable is key.
Have a go:
Relax, envision, allow—works because it’s simple and powerful. By practicing these steps daily, you begin to shift your mindset, reduce stress, and start aligning your actions with your goals. It’s not a quick fix, but with patience, you’ll begin to notice big changes.
Start Using Self-Hypnosis to Transform Your Life
Self-hypnosis is a gentle but powerful way to support your mental wellbeing, focus your mind, and create meaningful change. For me, it’s been life-changing—not just as a therapist, but as a mum, a business owner, and someone who’s finally creating a life that feels true.
And now, I’m in the process of creating a self-hypnosis course to help you do the same. Whether you’re just curious or you’re looking for real tools that work, this upcoming Mind Alchemy course will guide you step-by-step. You’ll learn how to unlock your mind’s potential, reduce stress, and feel empowered to make meaningful changes in your life.
Rachel x
Founder of The Nest Hypnotherapy | Helping families fly free from anxiety