Eight Hypnosis Myths & Misconceptions

The myths and misconceptions do not favour the successful implementation of hypnosis. As a result, many psychological associations in the world have encouraged practitioners to debunk those fantasies. The American Psychological Association went as far as publishing a page entitled “look beyond the media portrayal” and warned against the myths depicted by books, movies or television.

Before going through those misconceptions one by one, we would like to remind you that you have experienced hypnosis on a regular basis. It has been approved by many medical and psychological associations as early 1958.

#1 - You will lose control

The American Psychological Association clearly indicates that “people who have been hypnotized do not lose control over their behaviour” and that they “remain aware of who they are, where they are and remember what transpired during hypnosis. Hypnosis makes it easier for people to experience suggestions, but it does not force them to have these experiences.”

The people who join the stage of a hypnosis show are compliant by the mere act of agreeing to come on stage. Let’s make it clear, clucking like a duck and barking like a dog belongs to stage hypnosis. The therapeutic hypnosis found in our self-hypnosis audios is a valuable skillset that empowers people and helps them in their self-improvement journey. Your success using our self-hypnosis audios is predicated on your commitment, motivation and ability to focus.

#2 – Hypnotists have special or magical power

Definitely not. Hypnosis uses a series of scientific techniques. Some are more advanced than others. Please throw away the image of the swing watch! Good hypnotherapists have skills and a deep knowledge of psychology. The British medical association recognized hypnosis as early as 1892. In the more than 100 years that followed, neither the British medical and psychological associations, nor its American equivalent mentioned that hypnosis was related to special powers.

In addition, hypnotherapy is based on years of clinical research and experience by the likes of Dr Milton Erickson.

#3 – You can never wake up from hypnosis. Hypnosis is just sleep.

Absolutely wrong. In hypnosis sessions, you will be fully aware of your surroundings unless you fall asleep. Hypnosis is not sleep. The surgeon, Dr Braid, who coined the word hypnotism from the Greek “hypnos” (sleep) in 1841 regretted this decision when he realized that hypnosis was not sleep.

He recommended the use of the word “monoideism” to reflect the understanding of hypnosis as a as a state of mental focus or concentration on a dominant conscious idea. Unfortunately, it was too late and hypnosis was wrongly associated with sleep.

All practitioners agree that hypnosis is a focused state of awareness. It is a state of focused awareness.

#4 – Hypnosis is a miracle cure

Absolutely not. Hypnosis is recognized as a very effective method to deal with psycho-somatic issues, chronic pain management, gastrointestinal issues… But hypnosis cannot help with everything.

We can’t change a physical attribute and results vary depending on your commitment, and the frequency at which you listen to the audios. Repetition is key for great results. Our hypnosis audios help you get in a relaxed state but you need to follow our guidance.

#5 – Hypnosis is like black magic

Wrong! As we said hypnosis is a naturally occurring state, approved by many medical and psychological associations, backed by an increasing amount of research that shows its efficiency.

Is reading a book or watching a movie dangerous?

The answer is clearly no. Similarly, listening to our self-hypnosis audios can bring you many benefits including relaxation.

#6 – You can have someone do something against their wills.

That’s absolutely wrong. You cannot make people do or say anything they do not want to do. They would snap out of the state. Hypnosis is not a lie detector.

#7 – Only weak minds can be hypnotized.

Definitely not. Hypnosis is a focused state of awareness. Those who can focus and follow directions are able to get into a hypnotic state very easily.

Can you remember the few times you were sitting in front of the TV without noticing what you were eating and how quickly you were eating?

Chances are that you were in a state of focused awareness.

#8 – I can’t get into hypnosis

Everyone is suggestible to a certain extent, some more than others. If you are committed to solving a challenge, then your mind will be more receptive to the change and you will be more likely to experience a hypnotic state.