Whether you are learning how to be a hypnotist or thinking about going to a hypnotist/ hypnotherapist for help, it is vital to have a clear idea of what hypnosis is as well as what it is not. Here you will find typical misconceptions about hypnosis.
These assertations can cause people to resist going into hypnosis
- Hypnotists have special powers
- A hypnotist has control over the hypnotic client
- You are asleep when in a hypnotic trance
- A hypnotist could make you do anything and/or say anything
- Hypnosis is a truth serum
- Only weak-minded people can be hypnotized
- During hypnosis, you can be controlled to do things against your will
- You will become stuck in hypnosis if something happens
- You are not hypnotized if you can hear the hypnotist
- You’ve tried hypnosis in the past, and it didn’t work
Hypnotherapists have special powers
A hypnotist is an ordinary person who eats, sleep, feels happy and sad, and loses their car keys. There is nothing unique or magical about them at all. Hypnotists are trained to help guide people into a hypnotic state. Do you know a bad doctor or teacher? Let’s face it; all hypnosis is not the same. It all depends on how it is done and who is doing it. In every profession are people with insufficient training, experience, and empathy. A skilled hypnotist/ hypnotherapist who has a good foundation, performs the best form of hypnosis. Be careful there are a whole lot of charlatans out there selling you anything in the name of hypnosis.
A hypnotist has control over the hypnotic client
A person can be hypnotized against his/her will. No one can be hypnotized against his/her will. Not only that but a person can come out of a hypnotic state and end a session at any time he/she chooses. Hypnosis sessions are dependent upon a mutual and cooperative relationship between the client and the hypnotist at all times. A hypnotist and his/her client are equals. The hypnotist is simply a trained professional who facilitates the hypnotherapy process but does not control it.
In hypnosis, awareness is increased. You are aware of everything going on around you and what is being said to you. You can reject any suggestion that is given to you at any time. You will never say or do anything that goes against your moral and ethical principles.
You are asleep when in a hypnotic trance
Hypnosis is a state of altered consciousness, much like any activity in which the person’s concentration is narrowly focused, such as meditation. Clients are aware of sounds, smells, and other sensory stimuli, as well as where they are.
A hypnotist could make you do anything and/or say anything
In hypnosis, awareness is increased. You are aware of everything going on around you and what is being said to you. You can reject any suggestion that is given to you at any time. You will never say or do anything that goes against your moral and ethical principles.
Hypnosis is a truth serum
A person could be made to reveal secrets or say embarrassing things in the hypnotic state. You can actually lie in hypnosis! You can also edit and withhold information. You will never divulge any information to the hypnotist that you wouldn’t reveal in a regular waking state. Remember that lying or withholding information while in hypnosis may reduce the effectiveness of the session.
Only weak-minded people can be hypnotized
To the contrary, the more intelligent and imaginative a person is, the easier it is to hypnotize him/her. More than 90 percent of people can be successfully put in hypnosis. The two most important factors associated with a successful hypnosis session are 1) the talent, training, and experience of the hypnotist and 2) the willingness of the client to be hypnotized.
You will become stuck in hypnosis if something happens
No one has remained indefinitely in a hypnotic state. A hypnotic trance can be terminated by the hypnotist OR THE CLIENT at will, at any time. Coming out of hypnosis is as simple as opening your eyes.
You are not hypnotized if you can hear the hypnotist
Hypnosis is a state of altered consciousness, much like any activity in which the person’s concentration is narrowly focused, such as meditation. Clients are aware of sounds, smells, and other sensory stimuli, as well as where they are. And of course, they have thoughts and hear the hypnotist.
I’ve tried hypnosis in the past, and it didn’t work
The vast majority of clients who are unable to go into hypnosis are inadequate due to the poor training or techniques of the hypnotherapist. There are NO bad hypnosis clients, but there are bad hypnotherapists. So be careful!
There are countless ways to enter a trance. It is similar to falling asleep just not losing conscious awareness. That means that you are able to hear and sense things around you but, typically your eyes are closed, you are not moving, just resting comfortably relaxed.
You are in an altered state but never under hypnosis, you will be in hypnosis, because you want this.
“The depth of a hypnotic trance varies, it can be very light or extremely deep. When you feel comfortable with the hypnotherapist, you are willing to “let go” to and allow yourself to enter a trance, then you can experience the special power of the mind and imagination. The power of hypnosis does not depend on the depth of the trance, rather it is a matter of skills the hypnotist has to help you experience something special.
As you enter hypnosis, you actually disconnect your mind from the body and surroundings. That means that your awareness is withdrawn from the normal alert state you walk around in and goes inwardly. The power of hypnosis is your ability to harness the full potential of your imagination without the normal restrictions of the critical mind. This is when a skilled hypnotherapist can help you make dramatic changes in your life. The hidden power of trance is in the suggestions you listen to and how much you embrace these new ideas.” Psychology Today
Spiritual Hypnosis and Past life regression