Maybe you’ve tried talk therapy, willpower, or a dozen other strategies, and something is still stuck.
Maybe you’ve heard hypnosis could help, but the word brings up images of stage shows, swinging pocket watches, clucking like a chicken.
The truth is simpler and more grounded than that.
Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention, one you’ve likely experienced already without calling it that. You stay in control the whole time. What changes is that the natural connection between your mind and body gets used on purpose, guided toward something specific instead of happening on its own.
If you’re curious whether it could help you, here’s what’s actually true.
Most of what people think they know about hypnosis comes from stage shows, not real practice. Let’s clear a few things up.
Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention with reduced awareness of everything else around you. You’ve likely experienced it already, without calling it hypnosis:
You are a willing participant the entire time, and you’re always in control. In a real sense, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. I’m simply guiding you there.
Your mind and body are more connected than most people realize. Think about how watching a scary movie can make your heart race, even though you know it’s not real. Or how imagining a lemon can make your mouth water. Your brain doesn’t fully separate imagined experience from real experience, and your body responds either way.
Hypnosis uses that connection on purpose. Once you’re in a relaxed, focused state, the part of your mind that overthinks and second-guesses gets quieter. That’s what makes room for new patterns, new responses, and new possibilities to take hold.
I like to think of the hypnotic state itself as the empty syringe. It’s simply the delivery method. The real medicine is what we do once you’re there: the specific imagery, suggestions, and work we build together for you.
Hypnosis can work well on its own, or alongside other therapy, depending on what you need.
Hypnosis can also be woven directly into our ongoing work together, or used to support therapy you’re already doing with someone else. In that case, it’s:
If you’re a provider considering a referral, here’s how this typically works: you remain your client’s primary therapist. Our work stays aligned with your treatment plan. Or we may address a separate, specific issue you’ve identified together. Coordination between us only happens with your client’s consent.
What I don’t do: take over therapy, compete with your case formulation, or work against the direction you’ve already set. My role is to help your client experience and embody what you’re already working on together, or to support them with a separate concern you’ve identified.
Hi! I’m Dr. Monika Sharma, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified hypnotherapist.
Early in my career, I noticed that talk therapy alone sometimes wasn’t enough. Clients understood their patterns intellectually, but stayed stuck anyway. Hypnosis became the missing piece: a way to create change at a level where insight alone doesn’t always reach.
I’ve since used hypnosis to help clients change habits, manage anxiety, overcome procrastination, calm gut-brain issues, gain insight, make important decisions, and overall build confidence.
Whatever brought you here, I’ll work with you to come up with how hypnosis can be most effective.
A typical hypnosis session moves through four stages:
You’ll remain aware and in control throughout. Most people describe the experience as deeply relaxing, not disorienting.
Sessions can stand on their own, addressing one clear goal, like quitting smoking or easing flight anxiety. Or they can be woven into ongoing therapy, whether with me or in collaboration with your current therapist.
My approach is collaborative, compassionate, trust-driven, and integrative.
I see clients in person in Chicago, IL, and virtually across most U.S. states, so this work is available to you whether you’re local or not.
No. Clinical hypnosis is collaborative — you are always aware and in control. You cannot be made to say or do anything against your will. You can even open your eyes or stop the process anytime.
That’s okay. We’ll talk it through, and I’ll explain exactly what to expect. Nothing is forced. We only use the tools that feel supportive for you — and many clients are surprised at how empowering it feels.
Yes. I’m a licensed psychologist using integrative approaches that are supported by research. Clinical hypnosis and guided imagery are widely used in medical and psychological settings — and always rooted in evidence and consent.
No. You remain aware and in control the entire time. You cannot be made to do or say anything against your will.
No. You can bring yourself out of hypnosis at any point. Even if I stopped talking mid-session, you’d simply open your eyes on your own after a few minutes.
No. Stage hypnosis is entertainment, and relies on selecting highly suggestible, willing participants for effect. Clinical hypnosis is a therapeutic tool, focused entirely on your specific goals.
No. Despite the name, you won’t be asleep. You’ll be in a state of deep, focused relaxation, aware of everything happening around you.
Most people can experience hypnosis to some degree. It doesn’t require a special skill, just a willingness to relax and focus.
No. Hypnosis can be a standalone service for specific, focused goals, or part of ongoing therapy, whichever fits what you need.
Yes. With your consent, I can coordinate directly with your therapist so our work supports what you’re already doing together.
You can have your client schedule a consultation appointment here: sharmapsych.com/schedule
and have them mention your name.
I also welcome a conversation with you to learn more about how we can work together. Feel free to email me at: [email protected]
Or call/text me at: (312) 955-1212
If you’ve been searching for something more — something deeper than talk — this might be it.
Let’s create a space where your body, mind, and spirit are all welcome.
