When people hear the word ‘hypnosis’, it can make many of them very wary because it stimulates images of being out of control or worse, being under the control of the hypnotist. These are assumptions that are based on stage hypnotism and Hollywood fiction. The truth is, hypnotherapy is talking therapy that utilises the state of hypnosis, (which can also be used for entertainment).
I ask you to consider the myths below before making a decision. Hypnotherapy can change lives for the better by helping to unlock one’s full potential and therefore needs serious consideration…
MYTH #1– You have no control over your actions
This is simply not true. Fact: You are in complete control and aware of everything that is happening at all times while in the state of hypnosis. A person in the state of hypnosis is participating by choice and is fully in control of themselves. They have the ability to come out of the hypnotic state any time they choose to by simply opening their eyes. A hypnotherapist cannot make someone do anything that would go against their core values (survival mechanism).
MYTH #2 – If I become hypnotized, I may not be able to snap out of it, or hypnosis is dangerous.
No, it is totally safe! Fact: Hypnosis is very safe, it’s simply a deep state of relaxation that you allow yourself to go into, and it’s a state of hyper-awareness. In an emergency, a person would naturally be able to come out of the hypnotic state by opening their eyes, and stretching or speaking.
MYTH #3 – You will agree to anything, do things against your will, even do silly things while in hypnosis.
Absolutely not!! Fact: We all have an in built survival mechanism that protects us from such situations. Anything that is suggested that goes against your beliefs, morals, religion, ethics, wants or desires, will simply be rejected by you. The practitioner is merely a guide or facilitator, they cannot make you do anything against your will. You are completely aware of everything that’s going on, if you do not like where the hypnotist is guiding you, you have the power to reject the suggestions.
Stage hypnotists will invite volunteers from the audience to get up on stage but they are ‘willing participants’ who understand the nature of such shows and know that they will be entertaining the audience by doing amusing things.
MYTH #4 – I’ve never been hypnotised before – are there some people who can’t be hypnotised?
Everyone can be hypnotised! Fact: Every person naturally enters a state of hypnosis at least twice everyday: just before falling asleep at night, and upon awaking every morning, before getting out of bed. Have you ever lost track of time while you’re at the movies, watching TV, driving on the roads or reading a book. That’s an altered state of awareness (hypnosis). So you see everyone has the ability to be hypnotised because it’s a natural, normal state we all enter into at least twice a day.
MYTH #5 – You could stay in hypnosis, I might never ‘wake up’.
No, that’s not possible! Fact: Hypnosis is just a calm and relaxed state we go into. However sometimes a client might be a little reluctant to leave this pleasant state and return to full alertness and sometimes they will need a little gentle encouragement to open their eyes and ‘return to the room’. Even if a client was to be left in the hypnotic state, in time they would naturally return to a fully awake state or if alone, would simply drift off to sleep and wake up naturally.
If you would like to discuss any of the above points further, please leave me a comment or contact me directly via my email info@vernonaharris.com or telephone me on 07866 730941 or 0330 350 1551.
I shall be happy to answer any concerns you may have.