The Problem With Dismissive Scepticism

Why being open-minded matters more than Scepticism when it comes to Solution Focused Hypnotherapy

In a world full of opinions, advice, and online “experts,” it’s easy to come across sceptics who are quick to dismiss anything outside the conventional, especially approaches like Solution Focused Hypnotherapy.

But while healthy scepticism has its place, there’s a big difference between critical-thinking and closed-mindedness. When it comes to mental health and personal growth, dismissing something before understanding it could mean missing out on real, lasting change.

The problem with dismissive scepticism

Sceptics often position themselves as rational or evidence-based, but in reality, many are simply unfamiliar with the modern science behind therapeutic hypnotherapy and seek to promote things that they are more familiar with. Rather than seeking to understand, they may:

- Rely on outdated stereotypes (e.g., stage hypnosis or mind control myths)
- Dismiss anything that doesn’t fit within a narrow definition of “treatment”
- Generalise from limited personal experience or second-hand opinions

This kind of blanket scepticism can be more about fear or discomfort than facts. And it can lead people to avoid potentially transformative approaches and sometimes actively dismiss them with very limiting thoughts, simply because someone else said, “That doesn’t work.”

Why it’s worth staying ‘Open-Minded’

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is rooted in well-researched psychological principles. It draws on neuroscience, brief therapy techniques, and the natural power of focused attention using positive psychology techniques, supported by scientific research…the same scientific research used to support treatments such as CBT and counselling. While it may not be as well-known as more traditional therapies, that doesn't make it less effective.

Here’s why an open mind is essential:

1. Everyone’s Brain Works Differently

What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. Being open-minded allows you to explore tools and techniques that fit your unique way of thinking and feeling.

2. Modern Hypnotherapy is NOT what many think

Many sceptics assume hypnotherapy is passive or “woo-woo.” In reality, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is goal-driven, collaborative, and based on the way the brain processes change.

3. Openness Supports Growth

Research consistently shows that being open to new experiences enhances well-being, resilience, and creativity. It also increases the likelihood of finding solutions when life feels stuck. The more positive we try to approach tasks and think in a clear way, the better the chance of positive outcomes and finding different solutions even if we get things wrong. On the flip side, if we approach something in a negative way, we will no doubt find fault with it as that is what we are looking for.

4. Real Clients, Real Results

You don’t have to take a therapist’s word for it, ask clients. So many people report greater calm, clarity, confidence, and control after engaging in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy. These changes are often subtle but powerful, and they build over time.

Recognising the Limits of Scepticism

While it’s healthy to ask questions and seek evidence, extreme scepticism can become a barrier. It can keep people locked in familiar patterns, even when those patterns aren’t working. If we always approach things in the same way and look for the same solutions all of the time, we will get the same outcomes. That is just logical reasoning. So the opposite must be logically true too; if we seek new methods and new perspectives in a positive way, there is a very good chance we may find a different outcome.

Ask yourself:

Is this scepticism helping me grow or keeping me stuck?
Is it based on experience and understanding or assumptions and fear?
What could I gain by simply being curious?

Curiosity as a Superpower

Being open-minded doesn’t mean believing everything or throwing caution to the wind. It means being willing to explore. To ask, “What if this could help?” instead of immediately thinking, “That won’t work.” Curiosity replaces anxiety…In therapy and in life curiosity is a superpower. It opens doors. It creates possibilities. It helps you notice what’s already working and build from there.

That’s exactly what Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is designed to do.

The loudest sceptics are often the ones who haven’t truly explored what they’re dismissing. But your journey is yours and the best approach is the one that works for you. By staying curious, open-minded, and engaged with your own progress, you create space for real change. And that’s something no sceptic can argue with.

Ready to discover what Solution Focused Hypnotherapy could do for you? Let’s talk…your next chapter might be closer than you think. Contact our in-house solution focused hypnotherapist for a free discovery call and chat! Don’t wait for the perfect moment – just act!