As an award-winning hypnotherapist with years of experience guiding clients through transformative processes, I’ve seen first hand how uncomfortable change can feel, even when it’s for the better. The human brain, in all its complexity, is remarkably skilled at creating comfort within discomfort—especially when a behaviour has been developed to manage pain, stress, or trauma. This is one of the reasons why negative habits, even those we desperately want to shift, can feel so difficult to change.
The brain tends to favour familiarity, even if that familiar behaviour is unhealthy or self-sabotaging. From the brain’s perspective, that negative behaviour has been its way of navigating a crisis, offering a sense of control or relief, even if only temporary. So, when I work with clients who come to me seeking change, it’s not uncommon for them to experience a rise in anxiety or discomfort. This is the brain’s way of signalling that it is being asked to step out of its comfort zone—something it doesn’t do without a fight. This is why the changes that I support my client to make need to be small. Enough to get the sense of achievement but small enough to be “doable”. I often say that we need to be “sneaky” and make the changes subtle so that the brain doesn’t notice and push back.
One clear example of this is weight loss, especially rapid weight loss. When we push the body to shed weight too quickly, the brain registers this sudden change as a potential threat, a crisis even. It interprets rapid weight loss as an error, triggering physiological responses designed to bring the body back to what the brain deems its “healthy” weight. Unfortunately, this often leads to even more weight gain once the dieting or rapid weight loss strategy ends. The brain’s natural inclination is to protect, and it will do so fiercely, even if that means undoing the progress you’ve made.
This is why I advocate for a mindful and gradual approach to any significant lifestyle change, whether it’s weight loss, overcoming a phobia, or breaking free from any long-established habit. Yes, the discomfort is real. But it’s temporary. What lasts, what truly endures, is the positive change that follows.
Hypnotic trance offers a powerful way to ease the discomfort of change by bypassing the conscious mind’s resistance and bias. When in trance, we access the subconscious mind, where deep-rooted patterns and limiting behaviours are stored, particularly in the hippocampus. This allows us to work with the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning, gently supporting the release of negative behaviours. In this relaxed state, change happens naturally and comfortably, without the inner conflict that often comes with conscious efforts to alter habits or behaviours. This is a great article that sheds more light on the process of hypnotic trance from The American Psychological Association: article
Many of my clients come to me seeking relief from behaviours their brain has created in response to trauma, stress, or emotional discomfort. It’s important to remember that these behaviours are the brain’s way of finding balance in a state of crisis. Our sympathetic nervous system—the part of the brain responsible for our fight-or-flight response—will latch onto anything that feels like control or stability during challenging times. These behaviours might have once served a purpose, but over time, they become obstacles to growth and well-being.
As a therapist, my role is to guide clients through this delicate process of change—helping them understand that discomfort is not a sign that something is wrong, but rather a natural part of breaking free from old patterns. With patience and the right support, the temporary discomfort gives way to a new, healthier way of being. And that, in my experience, is always worth it.
In the end, true transformation often requires us to move through discomfort. But with perseverance, the rewards on the other side—a life of greater freedom, health, and emotional balance—are always worth the temporary challenges. Remembering that trance makes everything easier and requires little effort. Sit back and relax whilst I support the environment when change is possible.
If you are interested to work with me I offer a free discovery call. Get in touch: holly@hollystonehypnotherapy.co.uk
