There are plenty of myths about hypnosis. It’s a shame really, as some of these myths put a some people off using hypnosis to help make positive changes in their lives. Here are ten of the most popular myths about hypnosis, and explain the real truth behind each one.

Hypnosis Myth #1 – Hypnotists have special powers.

Wrong! The thought hypnotists have ‘special powers’ originates from a Hollywood movie type belief.  This is understandable as there’s a deep mystery surrounding hypnosis. The truth is hypnotists do not have any special powers. They just have knowledge and understanding of Hypnotherapeutic techniques.  All hypnosis is self-hypnosis, the hypnotist is merely the person who teaches you the client how to relax yourself.

Hypnosis Myth #2 – Hypnosis will only work on certain people.

Wrong! Because all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, it’s up to the person’s motivation, their willingness, and their ability to concentrate.  Hypnosis is a natural state that we all enter into throughout normal day. If you’re interested in something and it’s something that you want, generally you’re open to its effects. That’s the same with hypnosis. If you want it to work and you co-operate, then you’ll reap the benefits of hypnosis.

Hypnosis Myth #3 – People who get hypnotized are weak minded.

Wrong!  Without doubt it’s the people who can concentrate well and have a creative imagination that are, if you want to use the term, the best ‘hypnotic subjects’. These types of people go into hypnosis easier and deeper than anyone else. We’re all susceptible to suggestion, but it’s just a matter to what degree. If someone is offering me something which is useful, then I will work towards achieving it.  Do you see the value in working towards something that is going to benefit you ? So why would you even consider working against that ?

Hypnosis Myth #4 – When in hypnosis, you can be made to say or do something against your will.

Wrong! Generally, hypnosis is a state of heightened suggestion. Generally, people won’t do anything which goes against their personal values or beliefs. Remember hypnosis is  not sleep and you’re aware of everything that’s happening around you. If someone tells you to do something that is really against your values then you won’t do it. You’ll come out of the state of hypnosis, and in fact it would come out of that relaxed state immediately.

Hypnosis Myth #5 – Hypnosis can be bad for your health.

Wrong!  Hypnosis is a deep state of relaxation, have you ever been to a Doctor, and he has told you that you need more stress ?  How can deep relaxation be bad for you.  In fact there ios conclusive evidence that learning to relax has huge health benefits.  Besides it’s a naturally occurring state anyway. If you want to feel in balance within yourself and the world around you, hypnosis is the best state to be in.

Hypnosis Myth #6 – You can get stuck in hypnosis and be unable to wake up.

Wrong! No one ever gets “stuck” in hypnosis. Remember that hypnosis is a natural and normal state to be in from time to time. It’s not a state which is completely alien to us. Of course hypnosis is a subjective experience and everyone will experience it differently but the worst that could possibly happen is that you drift into natural sleep, and after 5 or 10 minutes you wake up naturally. Some people may use hypnosis as a bridge into natural sleep.  So remember, you can never get stuck in hypnosis and be unable to wake up.

Hypnosis Myth #7  – You’re asleep or unconscious when in hypnosis.

Wrong! You’re not asleep and you’re not unconscious, you’re fully aware of what’s happening around you. Of course everyone’s experience is slightly different, some people feel light, some people feel heavy, but almost everyone feels extremely relaxed. Generally, when people are in a deep state of hypnosis, they feel as if their body has gone to sleep but the mind is still alert, awake, and aware.

Hypnosis Myth #8 – You’ll become dependent on the hypnotist.

Wrong! Remember, you have a conscious awareness during hypnosis, and are in full control that’s the beauty of hypnosis. If the hypnotist was to ask you to do anything inappropriate then you’d pull yourself out of it. The best, most professional and ethical hypnotherapists work in a way that the makes the client feel empowered rather than working in an authoritarian way where problems may result, this is known as client centered hypnosis.

Hypnosis Myth #9 – In hypnosis you’ll be able to recall everything that’s ever happened to you.

Wrong! Certain therapists use certain specific techniques that may help a person remember certain things from the past if that’s going to be useful for them. Normally there is no real need to go back into a personal memory or personal history, particularly on a hypnosis CD or hypnosis download type session. It’s just a case of sitting or laying down, chilling out, relaxing, and listening to the session.

Hypnosis Myth #10 – Hypnosis is dangerous and is the devils work!

I have heard some very religious people talk of hypnosis as the ‘devils work’. Remember that anything can be used positively and negatively. It’s not the hypnosis that might be at fault, it’s the operator. It’s whether a person is professional and ethical. There are many doctors who use hypnosis. I’m not so sure that they’re in league with the devil. After all, hypnosis is a naturally occurring, beneficial, positive state.