Common Hypnosis Myths

Over the years, hypnotherapy has picked up all sorts of weird associations from stage hypnotists, the media and superstition. Here we dispel some of the biggest myths surrounding hypnosis and hypnotherapy.

Hypnosis is like being asleep

Although hypnosis has recently been shown to be related to REM (Rapid Eye Movement) or dream state, hypnosis is not sleep. Someone in hypnosis may resemble someone who is asleep, showing minimal activity, slowed breathing REM activity and muscular relaxation. However, from a mental standpoint they will be alert and conscious.

This myth has two origins. The first is with the stage hypnotist telling the subject to "sleep" – however in this case the subject has simply been conditioned to relax and close their eyes when the hypnotist says the word "sleep". The second being that the word hypnosis comes from the Greek word "hypnos" which means sleep.

Hypnosis is simply relaxation

Although relaxation usually plays a part in the hypnosis used in therapy, since it is comforting and soothing, and reduces the stress and anxiety associated with many problems, relaxation is simply used in this context to aid the induction of hypnosis.

No-one would expect a client to perform a relaxation process and then undergo a painless surgery, however hypnosis is often used to reduce and remove pain in dentistry childbirth and other surgical procedures.

Some people can't be hypnotized

The only reason you can't be hypnotized is if you are incapable of paying attention or concentrating due to extremely low IQ or brain damage. That's not to say that every hypnotist can hypnotize you however. The more flexible the hypnotist, the more effective she will be with the largest number of people.

You lose control in hypnosis

Stories from the media, stage hypnotists and gossip have contributed to creating the myth that you lose control in hypnosis. In fact, when hypnotized, you are relaxed and focused – and able to choose to get up and walk away at any time. You choose to give your attention to the hypnotist, and you can withdraw it at any time.

You can become stuck in hypnosis

Hypnosis involves a state of focused attention, which may be directed inward or outward. The hypnotic trance is controlled by the client, who can initiate or terminate the session as they choose. It is impossible to get "stuck" in a state of concentration or focused attention.

A source for this myth may be that stage hypnotists often say "wake up" to their subjects, yet they stay in a trance.

Hypnosis is something weird that other people do to you

If you couldn't go into hypnosis, you wouldn't be able to learn new skills, or get nervous through 'negative self hypnosis'. (You know when you imagine things going wrong and it makes you feel anxious? Well that's self hypnosis!)

Hypnosis is simply a deliberate utilization of the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) or dream state. We're not giving people medication here – if it wasn't a natural ability, hypnosis wouldn't work!

If you have been put off of hypnosis in the past because of mis-information, we hope that this article has hopefully convinced you to at least give it a try.