Misconceptions About Hypnosis
As a Hypno-Psychotherapist, I have found that the general public has some very interesting ideas about hypnosis. Most of this “knowledge” is misunderstanding. It is important that a practitioner understands what misconceptions exist regarding hypnosis and how best to answer these concerns
Loss of Consciousness:
This is probably the most common misconception surrounding hypnosis. Many believe that people who are hypnotised are unconscious. This misunderstanding can be attributed directly to stage hypnosis. The answer to this concern is to know that far from being unconscious, that the client will be even more awake during hypnosis than before.
Surrender of Will:
Again, because of certain stage hypnotists, many members of the public believe that hypnosis is somehow a surrender of will. In that the client will submit to the “power” of the hypnotist. As hypnosis is a subjective experience, nothing could be further from the truth. It is important to stress that the client is always capable of making decisions at all times.
Weakmindedness:
Some believe that only fools can be hypnotised. The truth is, because hypnosis requires concentration, the best subjects are actually the more intelligent of the population.
Revelation of Secrets:
Some others believe that while under hypnosis you can be forced to reveal secrets about yourself and others. However, as a subject is aware of everything while being hypnotised, this surely could not happen. People can talk if necessary, but can lie just as easily.
Fear of Not Being Revived:
There are some people who are afraid that once hypnotised, they will never come out of it. Since the clients actually induce the trance themselves, clients can readily revive themselves when necessary.
Confusion Between Hypnotisability and Gullibility:
This is similar to the misconception about weak-mindedness; here clients believe that if they are hypnotisable, it means that they are gullible. This misconception was already answered in weak-mindedness.
Dominant Personality:
This is a misconception that one has to have a strong will to be a hypnotherapist and that males make better hypnotherapists than females. This is not the case, and in fact there are more female hypnotherapists in the UK than there are males.
