When you think of hypnosis, what comes to mind? Is it street performers who make participants bark like a dog or quack like a duck? Or is it a powerful, clinically-tested tool that has helped people overcome obstacles for centuries?
A lot of people\’s perception of hypnosis comes from the media, which portrays hypnosis as a secret and mystical type of mind control. While mind control would be a pretty cool superpower, hypnotists can\’t make people do or believe anything they don\’t already desire. Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is a proven science with clinical use and support from some of the world\’s leading experts in psychology. Keep reading to learn more about the common myths associated with hypnosis:
Myth #1 – Hypnosis will make me lose control.
Debunked: Many people fear losing control while in hypnosis from watching stage hypnosis shows; however, stage hypnosis participants self-select, making them extremely cooperative and responsive participants. Hypnosis actually gives people control over parts of their lives which have been out of control for much too long.
Myth #2 – I will have amnesia.
Debunked: The vast majority of people remember as much from their hypnosis session as they would remember from any normal conversation.
Myth #3 – Hypnosis is a great tool to get someone to \”confess.\”
Debunked: Hypnosis sessions are confidential and people do not share things which they would not otherwise share in a conscious state. Hypnosis cannot force anyone to \”tell the truth\” or to confess.
Myth #4 – Hypnosis is a miracle cure.
Debunked: While hypnosis is a relatively quick method of making lasting change, there is no such thing as a one-time \”Hypno-Miracle\”. Every person makes progress at his or her own rate. Always be weary of those hypnotists who make wild claims of overnight success.
Myth #5 – Hypnosis comes from \”Black Magic\” or is \”Supernatural\”.
Debunked: Hypnosis is a natural state that we enter multiple times each day. It has been studied scientifically for decades. Hypnotists are not psychics or palm readers. Hypnotherapy is based on many years of clinical research by historic and modern-day mental health professionals.
Myth #6 – Intelligent people can’t be hypnotized.
Debunked: Actually quite the opposite is true. Studies suggest that people of above average intelligence who are capable of concentrating for long periods of time and who have a capacity for a vivid imagination usually make the best hypnosis subjects. Read more about hypnotic susceptibility here.
Myth #7 – Hypnosis is contrary to religious beliefs.
Debunked: Hypnosis can be used to ease or remove pain, overcome fears/phobias, addiction and other problems. While a handful of religious denominations have raised objections to hypnosis, today most religious groups accept the proper ethical use of hypnosis for helping people. Included are Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and most Protestant Christian Churches as well as Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and others.
Myth #8 – You must be weak-minded if you can be hypnotized.
Debunked: The truth is that everyone can be hypnotized. The only thing that can prevent a person from being hypnotized is fear of hypnosis or lack of rapport with the hypnotist. Each of us uses hypnosis in some form every day, either consciously or unconsciously.
Myth #9: – Hypnotists swing a watch in order to hypnotize a subject.
Hypnotists rarely do this, although it is one technique that can be used out of thousands of others.
Myth #10 – You are not hypnotized if you can hear the hypnotist.
Debunked: This is also not true. Each person has a unique experience of hypnosis. Some people remember hearing the hypnotist, whereas others do not. It is usually a matter of choice. A person can choose to allow the conscious mind to rest, or a person can choose to listen consciously to what the hypnotist says.
