|
Common Myths & Misconceptions About Hypnosis
Because of the complexity and mysticism of stage hypnosis many people have formed misconceptions about what's experienced during hypnosis. This is unfortunate, in many ways, because all the answers to all our issues are stored in our subconscious mind. If people just knew how easy, safe and natural hypnosis was, the world would be a much healthier and happier place. People would have more money, better relationships, improved health and so on.
Let us dispel 9 of the most common myths and misconceptions about hypnosis.
1. I’m going to be completely controlled and dominated by the hypnotist!
Unlike what may be perceived by watching stage hypnosis, hypnosis is not mind control. The hypnotist does not have special powers that will make you do anything at any time. If this were true, hypnosis would be a well-kept secret held by an elite group of people who controlled our every move... and that's absurd!
Your subconscious mind's job is to protect you. You will hear the hypnotherapist at all times, and you will be completely aware of what is going on. In fact, in many sessions, you'll be having a full conversation with the hypnotherapist, while hypnotized.
2. The hypnotist can find out secrets about me and/or I don't want to share everything.
While in the state of hypnosis, you are always in complete control. Just as the hypnotherapist cannot make you do anything you don't want to do, the hypnotherapist can also not make you say anything you do not want to say. If the hypnotherapist were to ask you a question that you didn't feel comfortable answering you could simply say, "I don't want to share that right now" and the session would continue.
3. I won't remember anything the hypnotist says.
That's not true either, in fact most people remember everything that is said. On occasion when someone enters into deep hypnosis, known as the Theta state, they may consciously forget what exactly was said, however, the subconscious mind has heard everything and responds accordingly. Even people who enter into this deep state of hypnosis are still in control. If something is said that is detrimental to their well-being they will spontaneously come out of hypnosis and end the session.
The depth of hypnosis needed is dependent upon what issue or goal you are working on. Some people can be in a light state of hypnosis, known as the Alpha state, while others do require a deeper state. Deeper states of hypnosis are required for hypno-anesthesia and may be required for regression work.
Some people can enter a deep state of hypnosis in the first session while others may take several sessions before achieving it. Nonetheless alot of powerful, transformative work can be done in the Alpha state alone.
4. What if I never wake up?
When you understand that hypnosis is a state measurable by our brainwaves you soon realize that there is no way this is possible. When in the state of hypnosis, our brainwaves oscillate in the Alpha to Theta ranges. If you read the section on this website called, "Hypnosis vs. Hypnotherapy" you'll better understand what these brainwave ranges mean.
The worst case scenario would be this... if you were practicing self-hypnosis before you go to bed maybe rather than having your brainwaves suspended in the Alpha-Theta state for a period of time ending in the Beta state but rather they ended in the Delta state then it would mean you'd simply fall asleep and wake up feeling very rested and refreshed. It may be the best sleep you've had in years. In fact this is a technique people with insomnia use to help get and stay asleep.
5. Hypnosis is like a magic pill, I walk out a different person.
For some people this is true but for the majority of people the relationship between client and therapist is interdependent; they both contribute to reaching the goal. The role of the client is to take the action steps required in their everyday life to reach their goal. The role of the hypnotherapist is to make those action steps as easy as possible to take, so in which the client actually likes taking the action steps and finds them easy and exciting to do.
For example, someone wanting to lose weight must do some exercising and begin eating healthier. Normally they would find this difficult to do (hence the reason they have the problem) but with the aid of hypnosis exercising and eating healthy becomes quite enjoyable.
6. The hypnotist can implant a suggestion that has a negative impact on me.
It is unfortunate, but it can happen. This is why it is important to seek out a highly qualified hypnotherapist who has extensive training. At Full Circle Hypnosis Training College we recommend our students complete at least 400 hours of Clinical Hypnotherapy training. Other schools certify people after just 30 hours. That's very scary! Make sure, when you are choosing a hypnotherapist, that you ask the right questions and feel comfortable with that person before proceeding. At Full Circle Hypnosis Training College we offer many courses dedicated to understanding the power of language patterns and formulating the right suggestions to increase the chances of success and lessen the number of sessions required.
There is nothing to fear when it comes to well-trained hypnotherapists!
7. I can experience negative side effects with hypnosis.
That's good because there aren't any! Hypnosis is completely safe and natural. It is a state of mind that we go in and out of all day long, including before we go to sleep and as we wake up.
The only side-effects hypnosis has are positive ones, including feeling rested, refreshed and invigorated, sleeping better, having improved relationships, being healthier, increased finances, and more!
8. Hypnosis is for weak-minded people.
Actually, the theory that only weak-minded people can be hypnotized is exactly the opposite of the truth. The very best people for hypnosis are people who are obviously open to experiencing the state. Brighter people and more creatively-minded people tend to do even better. In fact, weak-minded people might be the hardest people to hypnotize, because it's harder to get them to concentrate.
9. I can't be hypnotized!
This is one of the biggest myths still around today. There are two types of learners, 1 - emotionally suggestible, 2 - physically suggestible. Physically suggestible people are great at stage hypnosis while emotionally suggestible people are not. Most hypnotherapists only understand the physically suggestible learners which means they don't know how to work with the other 50% of the population who are emotionally suggestible. This is where some of the myths comes from, 1 - improperly trained hypnotherapists who they tell half of their clients that they can't be hypnotized simply because they don't know the difference in learning styles, and 2 - stage hypnosis whereby it appears some people can't be hypnotized.
At Full Circle Hypnosis Training College we train our students thoroughly in understanding the difference between these two vastly different learning styles.
Understand this... EVERYONE CAN BE HYPNOTIZED! It's just that some people are more tense, less trusting, more apprehensive and thereby either choose not to be hypnotized or simply take longer to be hypnotized because of the fear. At Full Circle Hypnosis we find that by properly educating clients these fears rapidly disappear and hypnosis is easily and quickly achieved.
Click here to take the Hypnosis Test!
|
