When I first started studying Hypnotherapy, I quickly realised there are a lot of misconceptions about it. I can see why - I believed some of them myself…
So to help set the record straight, here are six common myths and misconceptions about hypnosis and hypnotherapy.
Myth 1 about hypnotherapy: Loss of consciousness
This is probably the most common misconception about hypnosis. Many people believe that people who are hypnotised are unconscious, and that’s largely thanks to hypnotist shows.
However, it’s not true. The person being hypnotised is conscious, awake, and hyper aware of what’s going on. However, they’re in a state of deep relaxation and concentration on what they’re being guided to think about, and in turn reaching a state where their unconscious mind is highly suggestable.
Myth 2 about hypnosis: Surrender of will
Again, thanks to hypnotist shows, many people believe that by being hypnotised they can be forced to do things. However, this isn’t true. You are in full control, and can reject any suggestions, as exit hypnosis at any time should you choose to. Hypnosis actually enhances a person’s control, rather than diminishes it.
Myth 3: The hypnotisable are gullible
Some believe that only gullible people can be hypnotised. But actually everyone can be hypnotised, however the difference is that some don’t let themselves due to fear. So for hypnotherapy to work, it requires the client to be willing to enter hypnosis and do the work and belief.
Myth 4: You could get stuck in hypnosis
A misconception is that you can get stuck in a hypnotic trance and never come out of it. However, since all hypnosis is actually induced by the person being hypnotised themselves and is a completely voluntary process, you can easily come out of it whenever you choose. You can’t get stuck in hypnosis unless you really want to be.
Myth 5: You’ll reveal all your secrets
Some people think that while you’re under hypnosis you can involuntarily reveal your deepest, darkest secrets. However, during hypnosis you’re conscious and aware of everything happening, so that’s actually impossible. Unless you voluntarily want to reveal your secrets, of course!
Myth 6: Hypnosis is dangerous
Some people think that hypnosis is dangerous, but Hypnotherapy is a safe procedure when done by a trained hypnotherapist. The only way in which it could be dangerous is if the hypnotherapist helped to remove pain from the body when actually the cause of the pain needed to be addressed first, or if they planted memories that weren’t actually real (but this is very uncommon and properly trained hypnotherapists would absolutely never do that).
Hypnotherapy also isn’t deemed suitable for people with mental health problems such as schizophrenia.
Basically, work with a hypnotherapist who is suitably qualified and experienced and you won’t have anything to worry about.
Have questions or want to learn more?
Have any questions about hypnotherapy? Let me know! Check out my other blogs, follow me on TikTok: @janelle.keesue and Instagram: @janellekeesue.
Check out my Hypnotherapy services or my Self-Hypnosis Shop.
If you’d like to try hypnotherapy, book a free consult with me – I’m a certified life coach, hypnotherapist and accredited cognitive behavioural therapy practitioner who specialises in helping ambitious peeps like you to reinvent themselves from the inside-out and achieve their biggest goals.
About the author, Janelle Kee-Sue
Janelle Kee-Sue is a Certified Life and Mindset Coach, accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Practitioner, Self-Hypnosis and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner, and is completing a Diploma in Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy and NLP with the New Zealand School of Professional Hypnotherapy. Based in Wellington, New Zealand, she specialises in helping people to change their thinking so they can change their lives; to reprogram their negative thought patterns, banish limiting beliefs for good, learn techniques for being less stressed and anxious, more emotionally regulated, positive and resilient, so they can achieve any goal, and lead happier, more fulfilling lives. In her spare time, you’ll find her at the gym, working on her novel, or hanging with her floofy Samoyed Zeus and her husband Ricky. Learn more about Janelle.
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