Hypnosis & the Self-Conscious: Your Unexplored Realm?
Hypnosis is often misunderstood — dismissed as stage magic or mind control.
But modern hypnotherapy is a scientifically supported technique that helps people tap into the subconscious mind, where deep emotional and physical healing can occur.
In this interview from Things Visible and Invisible, professional hypnotherapist Steve shares how hypnosis has helped thousands of clients overcome pain, trauma, and illness by unlocking the hidden intelligence of the mind.
The Subconscious Mind: The Body’s Hidden Operating System
According to Steve, the subconscious mind processes around 11 million bits of information per second, while the conscious mind can handle only about 50.
That means most of our emotions, habits, and physical responses are driven by subconscious programming — often shaped by past experiences and unresolved trauma.
“We live 95% of our lives based on subconscious programming,” Steve explains.
“If you change that programming, you change your life.”
This insight aligns with research from the American Psychological Association, which recognizes hypnosis as a valid clinical tool for behavior and pain management.
Real Hypnosis Healing Story: A Case of Transformation
One of Steve’s most remarkable cases involved a woman diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. Doctors gave her six months to live.
After several hypnotherapy sessions:
her pain dropped from unbearable to manageable,
she regained her appetite,
her tumors stopped growing,
and she stopped using morphine.
She later underwent surgery under hypnosis — without anesthesia.
Steve guided her into deep trance while the surgeon performed the operation.
The procedure was completely pain‑free, and the woman survived — still alive 29 years later.
This story demonstrates hypnosis’s potential to activate the body’s natural healing mechanisms through the mind‑body connection.
Why Modern Medicine Overlooks Hypnosis
Despite consistent results, hypnosis remains underutilized in mainstream healthcare.
Steve notes that while some physicians privately refer patients for hypnotherapy, the medical system still prioritizes pharmaceutical and procedural interventions.
“We don’t need to fight medicine,” Steve says. “We just need to remind people that the mind is part of the body.”
In recent years, more hospitals have begun integrating clinical hypnosis for pain management, anxiety reduction, and surgical recovery — a trend supported by multiple peer‑reviewed studies.
What Hypnosis Can Help With
Hypnotherapy has proven benefits for a range of conditions, including:
chronic pain and inflammation
anxiety, depression, and stress
trauma and PTSD
sleep disorders
psychosomatic illness
smoking cessation and weight loss
Unlike traditional therapy, hypnosis works directly with the subconscious — the source of automatic behaviors and emotional responses — allowing lasting change from within.
The Hypnotherapist’s Journey
Steve shares more of his experiences in his book,
“Adventures of a Hypnotherapist”,
which explores real‑life cases and the science behind subconscious healing.
His stories highlight how belief, focus, and suggestion can trigger measurable physiological changes.
How Hypnosis Works: The Science of Suggestion
During hypnosis, the brain enters a theta state — the same state experienced during deep meditation or between wakefulness and sleep.
In this state, the subconscious becomes more receptive to positive suggestions and reprogramming.
This allows hypnotherapy to:
reduce stress hormones like cortisol,
activate immune response,
and rewire emotional associations that drive unhealthy patterns.
Final Thoughts: Healing From Within
This interview reminds us that healing doesn’t always come from outside interventions.
True transformation often begins within the mind itself.
By learning to access the subconscious through hypnosis, we can release fear, pain, and limitation — and reconnect with the body’s innate ability to heal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is hypnosis and how does it work?
Hypnosis is a natural state of focused awareness where the conscious mind relaxes, allowing access to the subconscious. In this state, the brain becomes more open to positive suggestions, helping reprogram habits, emotions, and even physical responses. It works by aligning the subconscious mind with conscious goals, promoting healing and behavioral change.
2. Is hypnosis scientifically proven?
Yes. Research from institutions such as Harvard Medical School, Stanford University, and the American Psychological Association confirms that hypnosis is effective for pain control, anxiety reduction, and behavioral therapy. It’s recognized as a valid clinical method in psychology and medicine.
3. Can hypnosis really help the body heal?
Hypnosis doesn’t replace medical treatment, but it can support the body’s natural healing process. By reducing stress and reprogramming subconscious patterns, it helps regulate hormones, strengthen the immune system, and accelerate recovery. Many patients report improvements in pain, sleep, and emotional well‑being.
4. Is hypnosis safe?
Yes, hypnosis is completely safe when performed by a qualified professional. You remain conscious, aware, and in control throughout the process. It’s non‑invasive, drug‑free, and has no harmful side effects. However, it should complement — not replace — proper medical or psychological care.
5. What problems can hypnotherapy help with?
Hypnotherapy can be effective for:
chronic pain and stress
anxiety and depression
trauma and PTSD
sleep disorders
phobias and addictions
weight management and smoking cessation
It’s a versatile tool for both emotional and physical healing.
📕 Guest: Steve Burgess
Steve is a UK-based Master Hypnotist and internationally recognized hypnotherapist who has been practicing full-time since 1992. With over 15,000 one-to-one sessions, he specializes in treating anxiety, phobias, and emotional trauma through hypnotherapy and regression techniques, including past life regression. A senior member of the General Hypnotherapy Register and National Council for Hypnotherapy, Steve is also the author of The Adventures of a Hypnotherapist.
🌍 Website: https://steveburgesshypnosis.com/
👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steveburgesspastliferegression
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveburgesshypnotherapy/
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hypno4all509
