Description

In this episode of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogerty is joined by hypnotist Steve Woods to explore what hypnosis really is and what it isn’t. Steve explains how hypnosis works with the subconscious mind to change automatic thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, helping people with issues such as anxiety, phobias, sleep problems, performance blocks, addictions, and exam nerves. 

They discuss who hypnosis is suitable for, how a typical session works (including online), and why genuine change only happens when someone truly wants it. Steve also shares real-life examples, including helping people overcome a fear of blood, regain their enjoyment of golf, and manage pressure around exams and driving tests.

Key Takeaways

What Hypnosis Is (and Isn’t)

• Hypnosis is about changing the way the mind responds – helping you think, feel, and act differently at an automatic level.
• It works by accessing the subconscious “protection” part of the mind, which decides whether situations feel safe or not.
• You remain within your own morals and boundaries – you can’t be forced to do something you don’t truly want to do.

Who Hypnosis Can Help

• Steve believes everyone can be hypnotised if they want change and are willing to follow instructions (they don’t have to “believe” in it).
• It can help with anxiety, fears and phobias (including blood and needles), sleep issues, weight management, performance (e.g. sport, business, public speaking), addictions, and exam or driving-test nerves.
• Hypnosis is generally suitable for most people, with the main exception being those with split personality disorders due to safety and unpredictability.

Mindset, Anxiety and Habits

• Anxiety often arises from the mind trying to protect us, treating embarrassment or humiliation as if it were life-threatening.
• Hypnosis can break the cycle of being anxious about feeling anxious by retraining the mind’s automatic response.
• With addictions or unhelpful habits (smoking, gambling, drinking), real change happens when the person themselves recognises the problem and is ready to change – not just because others want them to.

Key Moments

“Hypnosis, to me, is a change of mind – getting the mind to think differently, act differently, and respond differently, especially in that automatic part of the mind.”

“With anxiety, we get anxious about being anxious. The protection part of the mind is asking, ‘Is this safe?’ and often reacts as if embarrassment were something that’s going to eat us.”

“The biggest benefit is that people stop feeling like they’re trying. They just feel naturally motivated to do things differently.”

“You’ve got to want the change. I can’t make your partner or your child stop smoking or gambling – they have to want it for themselves.”

“In hypnosis, we create new memories of how you want things to be, so when your mind checks, it finds a calm, successful experience instead of the old fear.”

About the Host

John Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.

John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.

Find out more at: https://jpffirstaid.co.uk/

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