Top 10 Myths Surrounding Hypnosis

Over the years there have been many misconceptions and myths surrounding hypnosis, here we will dispel some of the most common.

Myth #1: Hypnosis is “Mind Control” and the Hypnotist/Hypnotherapist will control you.

Fact: No one is able to control your mind unless you allow them to. Your Hypnotherapist will only give you suggestions that you want to be given, based on the Pre-Hypnotic Interview. If you hear a suggestion that you don’t agree with or don’t understand, your subconscious mind will automatically reject it. At no point during your session will you lose control of your mind.

Myth #2: I will be made to act out silly things, such as clucking like a chicken or barking like a dog.

Fact: This assumption is based on things often seen in Stage Hypnotism and Hollywood fiction. The truth is, these people volunteer to act on stage, and they allow themselves to partake in these silly suggestions. Hypnotherapy is a serious process of self-improvement, not entertainment, not that it can’t be enjoyable and fun, just in a more therapeutic and beneficial way.

Myth #3: Hypnosis is supernatural or in some way related to dark magic or the devil.

Fact: The fact is, Hypnosis is a natural state that has been around far longer than we have known, it has also been studied scientifically. Hypnotherapists are not Mystics or Psychics with any kind of special powers. Hypnotherapy is based on years of clinical research by famous Psychologists such as Dr. Sigmund Freud and Dr. Carl Jung, and more recently, by Dr. Milton Erikson and Dr. John Kappas.

Myth #4 Hypnosis is dangerous and you can get stuck in hypnosis.

Fact: Hypnosis is a state of hyper-awareness. If ever there is an emergency, a person would naturally be able to come out of the Hypnotic state by opening their eyes and stretching or speaking, so, Hypnosis is very safe.

Myth #5: I have never experienced Hypnosis before.

Fact: Every person naturally enters a Hypnotic state at least twice a day; just before falling asleep at night, and upon waking every morning, before getting out of bed. Most people easily enter “Environmental Hypnosis” while watching TV, at the movies, driving long distances on the highway, or while reading an interesting book.

Myth #6: Hypnosis is a so-called “Miracle Cure”.

Fact: While Hypnosis is a relatively fast 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. Hypnotherapy is a process that you work through, together with your Hypnotherapist, individually tailored to you based on your unique needs.

Myth #7: Hypnosis can get someone to confess or uncover the truth.

Fact: Firstly, Hypnotherapy sessions are kept private and due to the nature of Hypnosis and the law, anything revealed under Hypnosis cannot be used for court testimony, in fact, witnesses are typically unable to testify if they have undergone Hypnosis, due to the possibility of false memories. It is not an alternative to lie detector tests and Hypnosis cannot force anyone to tell the truth or to confess. You can lie just as easily under Hypnosis.

Myth #8: When Hypnotized, I will lose all sense of my surroundings, and will have no memory of the session.

Fact: Hypnosis is not actually an unconscious state of sleep. In fact, most people report having a heightened sense of awareness, concentration, and focus, and can even hear more acutely during a session. Some people remember the entire session, some people find it a little hazy, kind of like a daydream. Again it all depends on you as an individual, not everyone experiences things in the exact same way.

Myth #9: Self-Hypnosis is better, safer, or more effective than going to see a Hypnotherapist or other trained professional.

Fact: While Self-Hypnosis is a great tool, it can also be detrimental when implemented incorrectly and taught by a trained professional. If done incorrectly a negative attitude or belief about oneself can be reinforced regardless of suggestions given. This can cause even more stress and problems in the long run. Hypnotherapy directly accesses the subconscious mind and with a trained professional, suggestions are tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the correct wording, as well as preparing you correctly before you’re Hypnotized, so that the suggestions better take effect and are less likely to be rejected or misunderstood by your subconscious.

Myth #10: I can’t be Hypnotized because my mind is too strong/disciplined, I am too intelligent, or some other Hypnotist couldn’t Hypnotize me and said some people just can’t be Hypnotized.

Fact: This is an archaic belief that has, in recent times, been proven completely untrue. Long ago, it was thought, that only about half of the population could be Hypnotized. Over his lifetime, Dr. John Kappas developed methods to induce Hypnosis in 100% of the people he hypnotized. In fact, the more intelligent you are the more suggestible you are to hypnosis. During your first session, I utilize the methods and techniques developed by Dr. Kappas and will be able to determine what type of suggestibility you have, and how to best go about Hypnotizing you. Because it’s your decision to visit a Hypnotherapist for self-improvement, your mind has already accepted the idea of Hypnosis and that Hypnotherapy is something you are willing to participate in.

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