Surrender Control?

Myth #1: When under Hypnosis, the subject must surrender all control. This may be the easiest of the myths to refute.  It is the subject — not the Hypnotist — that is in control during Hypnosis.  The Hypnotist is a guide.  It is the subjects who, by following the directions from the Hypnotist, allow their minds to achieve the altered, Hypnotic state.  All forms of Hypnosis occur via the active, focused actions of the subjects themselves.

Forced Against Your Will?

Myth #2: Under Hypnosis, you can be forced to do something against your will; like, commit a crime. Since you are fully aware and alert during Hypnosis, you know exactly what is occurring.  Hence, you will not do anything under Hypnosis contrary to your moral principles.  As was pointed out in Myth #1, you are also fully in control during the Hypnosis.  Hence, there is no such thing as “force” or “against your will” possible during Hypnosis.

Who Can Be Hypnotized?

Myth #3: Some people cannot be Hypnotized. Numerous Hypnosis experiments have repeatedly shown that
*  normal persons
*  with moderate intelligence
*  and the ability to concentrate
*  who are motivated to do so
*  and cooperate
can be Hypnotized.  In fact, people seem to have the ability to improve and become even better subjects with practice.

Weak Willed?

Myth #4: People who can be Hypnotized are weak-willing, longing for domination. This may be the oldest myth in regard to Hypnosis.  It used to be believed that the Hypnotherapist created control over the subject by the strength of the therapist’s character.  Today it is recognized that strong-willed, determined individuals often make the best subjects.

Mentally Ill?

Myth #5: Anyone who can be Hypnotized is mentally ill. Unfortunately, this belief was actually advanced by Jean-Martin Charcot, one of eminent early Hypnotists.  It became the subject of bitter controversy.  It was later disproved by other doctors who demonstrated that intelligent, strong, healthy people made excellent subjects.

Not Exist?

Myth #6: Hypnosis does not exist. This is a long-standing idea, based on the belief that the subject is just play-acting out of a desire to please the Hypnotist.  It is easily refuted by the massive documentation of major surgery performed with only hypnosis as the anesthetic.  For people to be able to control their pain “under the knife,” Hypnosis is a state which certainly does exist.

Unconscious?

Myth #7: In Hypnosis, you are unconscious. This is contrary to the very nature of the Hypnotic state.   Hypnosis is a state of altered awareness in which you are physically relaxed, with your mind alert and aware.  Hence, you are fully conscious while Hypnotized.

Is Hypnosis Sleep?

Myth #8: Hypnosis is a form of sleep. Research studies utilizing brain-wave patterns (measured via electroencephalograph) demonstrate that the Hypnotized subject does not exhibit the brain-wave patterns of sleep.  In the relaxed state of Hypnosis, the subject may appear asleep.

Never Awaken?

Myth #9: As a subject in Hypnosis, you may be unable to be awakened. Since during the Hypnotic state, you are alert and aware, awakening from Hypnosis is as easy as opening your eyes!  Either the Hypnotist or the subject can terminate the Hypnosis session at will.

One Session Enough?

Myth #10: Hypnosis effects a “cure” in one session. In some cases, Hypnosis can enable a subject to break a habit in two or three sessions.  However, since habit has become conditioned over time, it can take repetitions of Hypnosis to fully remove the full strength of the conditioning.

Extreme Depth Required?

Myth #11: A person must be in a deep, deep state of hypnosis in order to be helped. Many excellent results are obtained by utilizing the beneficial suggestible state of light Hypnosis induction.  Hence, you need not be in a deep stage of Hypnosis to benefit from the experience.

Have You Ever Been Hypnotized?