Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that has been surrounded by myths and misconceptions for many years. These myths often stem from movies, television shows, and misinformation spread by those who are unfamiliar with the practice. In reality, hypnotherapy is a legitimate and effective form of therapy that can help individuals overcome a variety of issues, from anxiety and phobias to addiction and trauma.

What you need to remember is that all hypnosis and the induction of a hypnotic trance is SELF-HYPNOSIS. It is not done to you. It is you who will bring it into effect yourself by desiring it and by expecting that you will succeed.

Myth: Hypnotherapy is mind control.

Reality: One of the most common myths about hypnotherapy is that it involves mind control or manipulation, where the therapist has complete control over the individual's mind. Some even believe that a hypnotherapist can turn you into a chicken or make you do embarrassing things. This is confusing a stage hypnotist with a therapeutic or clinical hypnotherapist. A stage hypnotist will do this because that is what is expected of them. Stage hypnotism is primarily performed for entertainment purposes, where volunteers are hypnotized in front of an audience to perform amusing or exaggerated behaviors. They agree to this by stepping on stage and joining the show. A qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist will never do this and is goverened by a professional Hypnotherapy Body. (HCA here in Australia). A clinical hypnotherapist can only use hypnotherapy for therapeutic purposes. In reality, hypnotherapy is a collaborative process between the therapist and the client, where the client remains in full control of their thoughts and actions at all times. The therapist simply guides the client into a state of relaxation called trance (altered state of conscious awareness), where they are more open to suggestions and able to access their subconscious mind.

Myth: Only weak-minded people can be hypnotized.

Reality: Another misconception is that only weak-minded or gullible people can be hypnotized. In fact, most people can be hypnotized to some degree as long as they are willing and open to the process. Hypnosis is a natural state that we all experience on a daily basis, such as when we daydream or get lost in thought. From my experience, it is easier to hypnotise someone who has higher intelligence and an understanding of how hypnotherapy works.

Myth: Hypnotherapy is not backed by science.

Reality: Some believe that hypnotherapy is a pseudoscience or lacks scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. However, research has shown that hypnotherapy can be a valuable and effective treatment for a variety of conditions. Today it is backed by a wealth of evidence and studies supporting its effectiveness.

Myth: Hypnotherapy is only effective for certain issues.

Reality: Another myth about hypnotherapy is that it is only effective for certain types of issues, such as smoking cessation or weight loss. While hypnotherapy can be effective for these issues, it can also be beneficial for a wide range of mental, emotional, and physical health problems. It is a versatile and powerful form of therapy that can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each client.

Myth: Hypnosis is a quick fix or miracle cure.

Reality: While hypnosis can be a powerful tool for personal growth and healing, it is not a magic solution that can instantly solve all problems. Like any form of therapy, hypnosis requires time, effort, and commitment from the individual to see lasting results. It is important to approach hypnosis as a collaborative process between the therapist and the individual, working together to address underlying issues and create positive change.

Although so, it can be seen as one of the briefest forms of therapy available because it focuses directly on the issues where they exist: in the subconscious mind.

Myth: Hypnotherapy is just relaxation.

Reality: While relaxation is one of the ways of inducing a hypnotic state, it is not the only way. Hypnosis can be induced in multiple ways. In fact, relaxation is not a prerequisite to induce a hypnotic state. It is an altered state of consciousness.

Myth: If you can hear the hypnotist's voice, you are not truly hypnotized.

In reality, hypnosis is a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, where individuals are deeply relaxed and in a state of heightened awareness. While some people may experience a deep trance state where they are completely unaware of their surroundings, others may remain aware of the hypnotist's voice and instructions. This does not necessarily mean that they are not hypnotized; rather, it may indicate that they are in a lighter state of hypnosis where they are still able to hear and process information. Hypnosis is a highly individualized experience, and the depth of trance can vary from person to person.

This has no bearing on the success of the session whatsoever. It is usually down to choice. You can choose to allow your mind to drift away, or you can choose to listen carefully to what the hypnotherapist is saying.

Myth: Hypnotherapy is dangerous and individuals can become permanently trapped in a hypnotic state or if something happens to the hypnotherapist while under hypnotherapy.

Reality: This misconception is often perpetuated by sensationalized portrayals in movies and television that depict hypnosis as a mysterious and potentially dangerous practice. In reality, hypnotherapy is a safe and temporary state of altered consciousness that individuals can easily emerge from. Here are some key points to dispel the myth that hypnotherapy can permanently trap individuals in a hypnotic state:

1. Temporary nature of hypnosis: Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention that we all experience in our daily lives. It is similar to being deeply engrossed in a book or movie, where you are fully present in the moment but still aware of your surroundings. Hypnosis is a temporary state that individuals can easily transition out of by simply opening their eyes or shifting their focus.

2. Therapist guidance: A skilled hypnotherapist is trained to guide individuals in and out of hypnosis safely and effectively. They use techniques to deepen the hypnotic state when needed and bring the individual back to full awareness at the end of the session. The therapist remains present throughout the session to ensure the individual's well-being and comfort.

3. Self-regulation: While under hypnosis, individuals retain the ability to control their thoughts and actions. If they feel uncomfortable or wish to end the session, they can easily do so by simply opening their eyes and communicating with the therapist. The individual always has the power to accept or reject suggestions given during hypnosis.

4. Post-hypnotic suggestions: Hypnotherapy often involves the use of post-hypnotic suggestions, which are positive affirmations or instructions given to the individual during the hypnotic state. These suggestions are intended to promote positive changes in behavior or thought patterns after the session is over. However, individuals are not bound by these suggestions and can choose to accept or reject them based on their own preferences and beliefs.

Overall, the idea that hypnotherapy can permanently trap individuals in a hypnotic state is a misconception that is not supported by the principles of hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is a safe and effective therapeutic technique that can help individuals address a variety of issues

By dispelling these myths and misconceptions surrounding hypnotherapy, we can better understand its true potential as a therapeutic technique. If you are considering hypnotherapy as a treatment option, it is important to find a qualified and experienced clinical therapist who can guide you through the process with professionalism and care.