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.