Myths about HypnosisThere are many myths about hypnosis, mostly from movies, TV and stage hypnosis.

Here is what IS TRUE: A hypnotist can’t control another person. The client will be awake and aware during the hypnosis, and will remember the session just like he or she remembers anything else. Almost everyone can be hypnotized especially with the Easy Key to Life™ method, as everyone goes to sleep and wakes up each day (hypnosis is the state in between being awake and asleep). You can’t get “stuck” in hypnosis any more than you can get stuck sleeping or being awake.

And of course, a hypnotherapist’s goal is to help the client, and would never try to make the client do silly things like quack like a duck!

Learn the myths about hypnosis so you can know the truth!

When talking about hypnosis, there is a large amount of misinformation available. Dispelling these myths, and understanding the truths behind hypnosis, allows clients to feel comfortable with the process they are receiving.

One of the first, and most harmful, myths about hypnosis is the idea that people who undergo hypnosis do not have strong minds. Hypnosis has very little to do with the strength of the client’s mind. People can be resistant to hypnosis with any level of mental strength. In fact stronger minded clients may get better hypnosis results.

The reason stronger minded clients may get better results is because of their mental control. This level of control will often allow them to open their mind to the suggestions necessary for hypnosis. Opening the mind and ceasing to resist allows the hypnotist to guide you into the correct hypnotic state.

The next myth is that a hypnotist can hold a client in a thrall. In this myth a client letting themselves be hypnotized allows the hypnotist complete control over their mind for the duration of their commands. Thankfully, this scenario is something that only happens in movies.

The human mind is not able to be taken over in such a manner. People who are in a hypnotic trance are simply enjoying a high level of relaxation. This relaxation can aid with recall and help with therapies. If left alone in this state a human will naturally begin to seek stimulation in other places and awaken.

Another harmful myth is the idea of the vengeful hypnotherapist. In this myth a hypnotherapist will make the patient do something silly or embarrassing to prove their control over them. This tactic is employed by performers at fairs and carnivals. Thankfully, this tactic is not ethical and a clinical hypnotist would never betray a client’s trust in such a manner.

This myth speaks to a much deeper problem with representation of hypnosis in media. Hypnosis requires trust and an open mind. Any depictions that would not lead to this state are likely false. Keeping this in mind can help potential client sort out the most common of myths.

Despite media representations, hypnosis is a valid and medically sound procedure. This procedure is undertaken in the same manner as any other therapies. For this reason negative myths are particularly harmful. Understanding how to spot these myths can aid clients in feeling more comfortable with their hypnotherapists.

 

Member of National Guild of Hypnotists and International Hypnosis Federation