The top 10 hypnosis myths
Before we talk about the myths surrounding hypnosis and hypnotherapy, we should start by clarifying what hypnosis and hypnotherapy actually are.
Hypnosis can best be described as a technique where your therapist guides you into a state of mind where your focus, imagination and concentration are heightened. This allows you to tune out stimuli around you in order to reach a heightened state of awareness. In this state your mind is highly responsive to suggestions and new ways of thinking, which is what makes hypnosis so powerful.
The hypnotic state of mind you enter during hypnosis may appear similar to sleep in many ways but, unlike during sleep, you remain fully aware of what’s going on. While under hypnosis, your therapist will make guided suggestions designed to help you achieve your therapeutic goals. This is the therapy part of hypnotherapy.
The truth behind 10 hypnosis myths
1 – Hypnosis is the same as sleep.
False, although some studies suggest that the hypnotic state is similar to the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep state. You need to be awake for hypnosis to work because you need your brain to be processing the words (in other words, you need to be listening).
When you’re hypnotised, you have an experience in parallel with your conscious awareness. You are fully aware of where you are and what is happening, but at the same time, you have an internally focused awareness.
Myth 2 – A person can get stuck in a trance forever.
False – this is impossible. No one has ever been stuck in a hypnotic trance. Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state that we enter and exit during the normal course of a day. There are no known or reported dangers with hypnosis when working with a trained hypnotherapist. If the hypnotherapist failed to emerge someone from hypnosis they would return to a fully alert state on their own.
Myth 3 – Intelligent people can’t be hypnotised
Quite the opposite. Studies suggest that people of above-average intelligence who are capable of concentrating and who have a capacity for creativity and vivid imagination usually make the best subjects.
Myth 4 – You can be hypnotised to do things against your will
False. Your hypnotherapist is your guide – they cannot make you do anything against your will. In fact, during a hypnotherapy session, you are completely aware of everything going on. In other words, if you do not like where the hypnotist is guiding you, you have the power to reject the suggestions.
Myth 5 – Hypnotherapy is a miracle cure.
Whilst hypnotherapy is a relatively quick method of making permanent improvements, there is no such thing as a one-time “Hypno-Miracle”! Every individual makes progress at his or her own rate. Be wary of those who make wild claims of overnight success. One session can be sufficient for helping people quit smoking or overcome a simple phobia, but most people have between 3 and 6 sessions to reach their goals
Myth 6 – I will be made to perform embarrassing acts, such as clucking like a chicken.
This myth is based on Stage Hypnotism and Hollywood fiction. The truth is, these people volunteer to act on stage, and they allow themselves to participate in silly suggestions. Hypnotherapy is a serious process of self-improvement, not entertainment.
Myth 7 – Under hypnosis, I will always tell the truth and could even reveal personal secrets
You can lie under hypnosis just as easily as in a wakeful state. In fact, as hypnosis gives you greater access to unconscious resources, you may even be able to tell more creative lies when in trance. Additionally, you are in complete control of what you chose to reveal or conceal.
Myth 8 – The hypnotherapist can control my mind
Under hypnosis you will be more receptive to new ideas and suggestions; however, you always remain in control. Your therapist cannot practise mind-control on you. You always have the ability to reject any suggestions or ideas that you don’t like or want to implement.
Myth 9 – Hypnosis can be used to retrieve forgotten memories.
Most definitely not. In fact, because the imagination is so engaged during hypnosis, some studies have shown memories ‘retrieved’ during hypnosis to be less reliable than normal recall.
Myth 10 – You can’t move in hypnosis.
You can move in hypnosis. You can cough, scratch, stretch and readjust your sitting position. In fact, moving to make yourself more comfortable actually helps to deepen your hypnotic state of mind.
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