written by Ernest J. Geeting, BA, C.Ht, NHC

So much of what people think they know about hypnotism comes from hollywood images on a movie screen or what they’ve seen at a stage performance.  Hypnotism is often much different than what most think, particularly when practiced in a therapeutic setting.  Lets take a look at a few common hypnosis myths.

Myth: When under hypnosis the hypnotist can make you do whatever he/she choses.

Fact: It is actually the client who is in control, not the hypnotist. A person in the hypnotic state determines his/her own level of participation in the process. Therefore, if a suggestion given is unacceptable to that person, it will simply be rejected and will usually startle him instantly out of hypnosis. Someone may wonder how stage or street hypnotists seemingly cause people to do incredibly ridiculous things. Keep in mind that every person chosen by the entertainer is a willing volunteer who agrees to take part in the entertainment. The accomplished stage hypnotist is an expert at selecting those who would make the best entertainment and appear most eager to perform.

Myth: Hypnosis is part of the occult.

Fact: Much of what people believe about hypnosis comes from what they’ve seen in movies or read in fiction. While these portrayals can often be great entertainment, they are seldom based upon fact. Hypnosis is actually a perfectly natural state of mind which most people pass in and out of several times daily (such as daydreaming). If you’ve ever become deeply involved in a book or television program or lost track of time while listening to a fascinating speaker, you’ve been in hypnosis (a light state). Hypnosis was used for pain control for many years before anaesthesia was developed and has been scientifically studied and applied throughout the world. It was formally recognized for its benefits by the American Medical Association in 1958. Hypnotists have no special or supernatural powers. The competent hypnotherapist has been educated in the nature, history and practical uses for hypnosis. He/she has been thoroughly trained in safe and effective techniques to guide a person into hypnosis and using methods to affect positive change in that person’s life. With that being said, I recommend you chose your therapist carefully to make sure that the practitioner’s beliefs are not in conflict with your own. Sadly, many hypnotists today are also involved with spiritually questionable or even harmful practices that may find their way into the hypnosis session. Attending such a session will only make the event uncomfortable and can be spiritually conterproductive for you.

Myth: You can become stuck in a hypnotic trance and never come out.

Fact: Since you are the one who is in control, you can choose to leave hypnosis at any time. If your hypnotherapist were to leave the room and fail to return, you might eventually fall asleep for a brief nap or just gradually emerge from hypnosis on your own. Either way, you would naturally come out. If an emergency were to occur, (such as a fire in the building) you would recognize the urgency of the situation and return to full alertness.

Myth: Hypnosis can really mess with your mind. It’s dangerous and risky.

Fact: Hypnosis should not be confused with brain-washing. Brain-washing typically involves sleep deprivation, malnutrition and denial of one’s most basic needs. It requires many days and often months to accomplish. Eventually the victim is pushed to the edge of psychosis until he robotically responds to any command given. Hypnosis, on the other hand, is not based upon discomfort, but rather in assisting the client to become as comfortable and relaxed as possible. The objective is not compliance, but cooperation. The hypnotherapist works as your partner to help you achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself.

Myth: Hypnosis works best on the weak-willed and weak-minded.

Fact: The opposite is actually true. Hypnosis requires intelligence and the capability to concentrate. Motivation and cooperation are also necessary for success, none of which are easily achieved by the weak-willed or weak-minded. The fact is scientific research has proven that those of above average intelligence and creativity are actually the best candidates for hypnosis.

Myth: Hypnosis is just like sleep. You are pretty much “out of it”, in mental oblivion.

Fact: A hypnotized person may appear to be asleep since his/her eyes may be closed and body relaxed. When that person emerges from hypnosis he/she might look the same as when they’ve awakened from a nap. But a hypnotized client is not asleep. There is no loss of consciousness. In fact, most people find they actually have a heightened sense of awareness and focus. They are able to hear what is said and control their responses and involvement in the process.

As you can see you need not consider hypnosis mystical or scary.