In today’s blog post, we’ll address prevalent misconceptions about hypnotherapy and set the record straight.
Myth 1: Hypnotherapists Can Make You Act Like a Chicken or do Other Embarrassing Things
Contrary to popular belief, a clinical hypnotherapist’s practice is far removed from the antics of stage hypnotists. While stage performers might engage in such acts for entertainment, clinical hypnotherapists are dedicated to your therapeutic objectives. Remember, stage hypnosis is for show, while clinical hypnosis is a serious, goal-oriented discipline.
Myth 2: Being Easily Hypnotised Implies Weakness of Mind
On the contrary, hypnosis is a universal human experience. We all enter trance-like states when we daydream, feel intense emotions, or focus deeply on personal thoughts. Hypnosis is about cooperation, not mental strength, and it can empower individuals to enhance their mental fortitude.
Myth 3: Hypnosis is the Same as Sleep
Modern hypnotherapy has evolved past the outdated ‘sleep’ suggestion, opting instead for deep relaxation cues. This shift helps clarify the intended mental state for clients, moving away from the misconceived portrayal of hypnosis as sleep.
Myth 4: The Classic Watch-Swinging or Spiral Technique
While the image of a watch-swinging hypnotist is iconic, it’s just one of many induction methods and seldom used in contemporary practice. As a professional, I choose techniques that align with a modern understanding of hypnotherapy, avoiding the use of cheesy and other cliché methods.
Myth 5: You can get Stuck in Hypnosis
The idea of being trapped in a hypnotic state is a myth. If a client seems reluctant to emerge, it’s typically due to the enjoyment of relaxation. A light-hearted nudge is all it takes to bring them back to full awareness. I usually use a light-hearted approach by counting them back to alertness and then saying something like “wakey wakey, rise and shine”. A gentle way of instructing somebody to open their eyes. In over a decade, this has never failed.
Myth 6: Dependency on the Hypnotherapist
Should anything happen to the hypnotherapist during a session, rest assured, you won’t be left in a perpetual trance. Self-hypnosis is a testament to the fact that individuals can enter and exit the state at will. If the hypnotherapist was to leave the room for a while and not return (this is hypothetical, as it wouldn’t happen unless a hypnotherapist stepped out of the room and died), the person would just return to normal awakeness as eventually they’d just get bored, or uncomfortable.
Myth 7: Hypnosis is Dangerous Because it Stops a Person Reacting to an Emergency
A person under hypnosis maintains, if not heightens, their awareness of surroundings. In an emergency, such as a fire, they would instinctively exit the trance state and respond appropriately.
Myth 8: Hypnosis Can Force You to Divulge Secrets
The belief that hypnosis can compel you to reveal personal secrets is unfounded. During a session, your mind remains alert and in control. You’re not obligated to share anything you prefer to keep private.
Myth 9: Hypnotherapists Possess Extraordinary Abilities
Despite what some may think, hypnotherapists are regular individuals with no supernatural powers. We experience life’s ups and downs just like everyone else. Our ‘powers’ are nothing more than well-practiced techniques designed to guide you into a state of focused attention.
While stage hypnotists might embellish their ‘hypnotic powers’ for theatrical effect, they, too, acknowledge that their skills are the result of learned and practiced methods.
Conclusion
Hypnosis and hypnotherapy, when demystified, are simply a set of techniques aimed at concentrating the mind. This allows the subconscious to embrace agreed-upon suggestions to foster positive change. Unfortunately, sensationalised misconceptions have skewed public perception, potentially deterring those who could benefit from hypnotherapy.
I encourage you to explore hypnosis at least once. It’s entirely safe, and there’s nothing to lose. If it’s not for you, you can simply move on. But if it resonates, you may discover a powerful tool for personal transformation. Countless individuals have experienced profound life changes through hypnosis—don’t miss out on what could be a transformative opportunity.
Interested?
If you’re interested in using hypnotherapy to help you help you achieve your goals, please get in touch now using our contact form, e-mailing us at hello @ hypnoticuniverse.org, or by text/SMS or phone/WhatsApp to 07808 931714.
