The Myths

There is a lot of nonsense stated about hypnosis:

• The hypnotist has some mystical power over the client.

• Hypnosis is a kind of truth serum.

• When hypnotised you are unconscious and you could lose control or be brain washed.

• You can "get stuck" in hypnosis.

• It is dangerous

If the above were true then hypnotism would be banned!

A combination of Hollywood movies and stage hypnotism are the culprits for the total misrepresentation. Hollywood has frequently used the image of a mysterious person dangling a watch in front of an unsuspecting victim saying things like "you are under my power!" Similarly, in stage hypnotism, the audience can develop the notion that the participant is "under the power" of the hypnotist.  

Interestingly people will not respond well to stage hypnosis and those that do, will do so only under the right circumstances. The ideal candidate for the stage is someone who possesses extrovert tendencies, wants to perform, have fun, and be a star. This person must also be willing and have the ability to accept hypnotic suggestion from the hypnotist in front of a crowd. The chances of finding such a person are normally quite remote: it is no coincidence therefore, that the longest running series of stage hypnosis shows in history, was in Hollywood!

Anyone experiencing hypnosis has the opportunity to accept or reject the suggestions from the hypnotist: those on stage are performing 'skits' because they want to. They are not conducting themselves in anyway which is not within their own moral code. In the hypnotic state one experiences what is known as the 'dual awareness of mind'; in other words you are both consciously and subconsciously aware. This dual awareness  means that you are also able to edit your responses back to the hypnotist: your secrets will remain just that - secret!

Because the conscious mind is also present during the period of hypnosis, one is never unconscious, overpowered or controlled by the hypnotist.

One cannot be brainwashed by a hypnotist.

You do not surrender you "will" to the hypnotist. The hypnotic state is arrived at by mutual agreement between the hypnotist and the client/participant. If one does not want to be hypnotised then one cannot be. Equally if one does not wish to remain in the hypnotic state one does not have to be.

It is as simple as that!

Many persons who have not previously experienced hypnosis have expectations that are far different from reality. In the hypnotherapy setting, clients are explained what hypnosis is and what it is not. Nevertheless I frequently hear "I wasn't hypnotized because I heard everything" or "I remember everything". When I ask this same person how he feels, the response is often:

"Wow!, I have feel so good; I feel so relaxed!" Now that is real hypnosis!