Busted: Hypnosis Myths
The TV shows showing people doing crazy and embarrassing things while under Hypnosis have slightly tarnished the reputation and perceptions about what you can achieve with Hypnosis.
The truth is that while highly Hypnotizable people may have greatly reduced awareness of their immediate surroundings, the large majority of people are consciously alert during the induction process.
Hypnosis is also sometimes thought to be magical - producing immediate, effortless and amazing results. Yes, because of its ability to make thinking more flexible, dramatic changes can happen. However, as with all interventions, lasting benefits take time and effort.
Another misconception about Hypnosis is that subjects will lose control and be forced to do abnormal acts or tell secrets. In fact, there is no scientific support for this idea. When under Hypnosis, you will always possess control over your actions. When you see “show hypnosis” on TV and audience members are jumping about the stage clucking like chickens – remember that they volunteered to do that in full knowledge that they would be expected to do something “crazy”.
Some people also wonder how Hypnotism can be effective if you remain conscious and hear every word of the Hypnotist. The big plus of Hypnosis is that the state of deep relaxation means that you are relatively free of your usual busy mind in everyday consciousness. Without the distractions, your mind is able to direct itself and focus much more clearly. As you become relaxed, you’ll often hear the hypnotherapist suggest that you imagine yourself in your favorite place, at your favorite time of year. In a relaxed state, you are able to do this ease and believability (”hear the birds around you or feel the warmth of the midday sun”). The hypnotherapist merely guides your journey.
When hypnosis is used for therapeutic purposes such as to stop smoking, the therapist uses phrases (suggestions) based on what you have stated as a desired outcome (“you enjoy breathing deeply”, “you feel calm throughout the day”, etc.). You will hear these phrases with a depth of focus not normally accessible in the ordinary waking state.
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