For many people, hypnosis is wrapped in layers of mystery. For some, it relates to magic, for others, it is like an occult ritual. Movies and shows have also their share in spreading the idea that hypnosis is something way beyond the reality of daily life. Stage hypnotists imply, in one way or another, that a hypnotist is an extraordinary person with supernatural powers. Consequently, for many people hypnosis is accompanied by many myths, misconceptions and false impressions. I am going to review some of these false impressions with the hope that they don’t prevent people from receiving the right hypnotherapy.
False impression: The hypnotherapist, through special powers, is the one who causes hypnosis. In other words, being hypnotized is equivalent to being controlled by the hypnotist.
Fact: The hypnotherapist does not have any special powers and has no control over the client. The hypnotherapist may facilitate the process, but in fact, it is the client’s will and consent to use this innate power that makes hypnosis happen.
False impression: When you are hypnotized you can never resist it again.
Fact: Hypnosis does not occur to people against their will. If they don’t want to be hypnotized, they won’t be hypnotized. It cannot be imposed on anyone.
False impression: During hypnosis we may be forced, against our wills, to do or say things.
Fact: Again the client is in charge. They have complete control. They cannot say or do anything they don’t want.
False impression: People may get stuck in the trance state.
Fact: Impossible. Even if the hypnotherapist leaves the room, people can easily get out of hypnosis.
False impression: Only weak-minded people may be hypnotized. Those who are psychologically strong cannot be hypnotized
Fact: This idea again goes back to the idea that the hypnosis occurs because the subject gets under control of the hypnotherapist. The ability to be hypnotized is an asset and has nothing to do with mental weakness or strength. It also is not related to age, sex, intelligence or any personality trait.
False impression: Hypnosis is a form of sleep or unconsciousness.
Fact: Many Hypnotherapists believe that hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, many do not. In either case, all of them agree that hypnosis is a conscious experience. During hypnosis, you are not sleeping, you are not unconscious, and most of the time you are totally aware of anything going on around you.
False impression: Being hypnotized has adverse impacts on health
Fact: Hypnosis does not cause any health issue. The experience is usually pleasant and relaxing with many benefits to it as a form of “relaxation therapy.”
False impression: What is recalled during hypnosis is absolutely precise and correct
Fact: Wrong. In hypnosis, as in the non-hypnotic state, the memories may be false or distorted. It may be worthy to work with these memories clinically, but they are not absolute facts.
False impression: The hypnotic experience cannot be remembered.
Fact: Only a small number of clients, who go into very deep levels of hypnosis, may forget the experience; however, most clients remember everything that has happened during the session.
