Hypnosis Myth Busting
When many people hear the word hypnotherapy or hypnosis
there are images that spring to mind. We often think of the
over-the-top performers calling “random” participants to a stage
to induce a deep trance state. The results can be shocking or
comical – depending on the crowd. The problem is that this
leads to many misconceptions over the legitimacy and true
practices of hypnosis.
The truth is that real hypnosis doesn’t take place with random
subjects on public stages. Nor does it have that level of impact
on the participant. Hypnotherapy is a genuine therapy tool that
many people can use to help them break through thought
patterns, personal issues, fears & phobias and more. That is
why we want to uncover the truth behind some common
hypnosis myths.
Myth: Hypnotherapists have complete
control over their subjects
There is a common myth that once a Hypnotherapists places
someone into a trance, they have complete control over that
person. We see this in stage shows where participants are
apparently so “controlled” that they start acting in an
embarrassing way. Hypnotherapists don’t make people act like
a chicken against their free will. Instead, subjects are in control
of their own actions and thoughts and are simply guided by the
hypnotherapist.
Myth: Subjects will repeat anything and
respond to any suggestion from the
hypnotist
This is another myth where cartoons and popular culture have
skewed the reality of hypnosis. Authentic hypnotherapists aren’t
going to wave a watch in front of someone’s eyes and get them
to repeat every line they say. Hypnotherapists doesn’t rely on
this sort of up-front suggestion. There are no aggressive,
bullying tactics here. Instead, Hypnotherapists rely on many
post-hypnotic suggestions to help subjects deal with the issues
and thought patterns. Ideas fed to people in trance, work in the
unconscious long after the session.
Myth: Anyone can be hypnotised
Much of this idea stems from the performers that insist that they
can call upon any willing participant and put them into a deep
trance. There are, in fact, different levels of hypnotisability in
different individuals. What this means is that while there are
some people that can go into trance with ease, others cannot.
That element of free will also come into play here. Subjects
need to be open to the process and a willing volunteer for
hypnosis to truly work.
Myth: Hypnosis is only possible under the
direct influence a trained hypnotist
Many in the profession would like to insist that this is true. Also,
there are plenty of con artists keen to over-hype their abilities.
However, there is no doubt that self-hypnosis is indeed
possible. That level of hypnotisability mentioned above has a
lot to do with the results here. Some people can follow the
appropriate steps and find themselves in a relaxation state of
trance. Others won’t be able to do so. The depth of the trance
and results will also vary between users.
