Myths and Misconceptions About Hypnosis

Many myths and misconceptions surround hypnosis. Although thorough scientific research has been done, there are still some stigma around hypnotism rooted to magic and sorcery.
Below are some common myths:

   1.“A person under hypnosis is asleep or unconscious.”

You never lose your full sense of awareness or fall asleep in hypnosis. On the contrary, you are actually more fully awake. You become more receptive to suggestion because of the heightened concentration.

   2. “A person can be hypnotized against their will. Once a person has been hypnotized they can no longer resist it.”

No one can be hypnotized against their will, since it is a two-way stream. Hypnosis involves consent and cooperation. The only control the hypnotherapist has over you is the control you allow him to have. Throughout the process you can end your trance state anytime you decide to.

   3. “Hypnosis is a magical power.”                                                                         

Most stage hypnotists create the illusion that they have a magical power over other people, when in reality hypnosis involves both the hypnotist and the subject working in harmony.

   4. “You can get stuck in a hypnotic trance.”

It is a fact that you cannot get stuck in a hypnotic trance. If the person guiding you through hypnosis were to leave, your own brain would return to its state of full alertness.

   5. “Hypnosis is a truth serum.”

You are in complete control of your own mind.  Therefore, you won’t reveal anything you don’t want others to know.

   6. “Only weak-minded people can be hypnotized.”

Actually, intelligent people who have a creative mind are more easily hypnotized because they don’t limit their imaginations about what is possible. They can usually have high attention spans and focus better on the suggestions being made.