There are many myths related to hypnotherapy which unfortunately often get in the way of a person seeking the help they need through this useful complementary and alternative medicine method.
Here are a few of the main myths about hypnotherapy, and the real facts.
Myth 1 – Hypnotherapy and Hypnosis Are the Same Thing
Fact – Hypnotherapists use hypnosis as just one or their tools to help their patients achieve their goal to improve some aspect of their body, mind or spirit.
Myth 2 – Those Who Can Be Hypnotized are Mentally Weak or Gullible
Fact – The opposite is actually true. The most intelligent people are actually the best in terms of hypnotherapy because they are better able to focus and remain in the trance state, and in that state, work towards their goal in a concentrated way.
Myth 3 – Everyone Can Be Hypnotized
Fact – Only about 75% of people can be hypnotized. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brains of those who have proven difficult to hypnotize show that their brains are structurally different.
Myth 4 – Hypnosis is Like Sleeping
Fact – It is a state of relaxation, but not sleeping. Both the conscious and subconscious minds are alert and aware, but the subconscious one is being used more for a change, instead of the other way around. Studies have shown that the brain of a hypnotized person is very active, nothing like that of a person who is asleep.
Myth 5 – The Hypnotized Person is Completely Helpless
Fact – It is difficult to get people to do things under hypnosis that they wouldn’t normally do. Even when hypnotized, they will still be connected to their personalities and what they would consider to be acceptable standards of behavior. They might respond to suggestions more readily in relation to their goal, but they are not mindless puppets who will do anything another person wants.
Myth 6 – A Hypnotist Cured Me of My Bad Habit in Only One Session
Fact – This myth stems from the hype surrounding the wonders of hypnotism, usually put about by stage-show types of hypnotists, but certainly not by properly qualified hypnotherapists. In addition, you can’t really be said to be “cured” at all; you’ve simply changed your mind and decided to change your life.
Depending on the type of hypnotherapy used, you can lose weight, stop smoking, or even ease pain if you choose. It is your own free will. It is mostly a case of being able to look at things differently in the trance state, and to harness the power of the mind to make the changes you wish.
When you meet a hypnotherapy for the first time, you will discuss your goal and they will outline the number of sessions they think you will need – usually around ten, but certainly not just one.
Myth 7 – Hypnotists are All Weird, or Charlatans.
Fact – Most hypnotists are actually honest people who are not interested in putting on a show for an audience, but rather, wish to help people. It is also important to note that a hypnotherapist is different from a hypnotist. A hypnotherapist has qualifications in some form of psychology or psychiatry and has also learned to use hypnosis for healing.
Now that you know the main facts about hypnotherapy, you are probably feeling more inclined to look for a trained hypnotherapist in your area who can help you with any areas you are feeling “stuck,” so you can live your best life by learning how to focus on and manage the changes you wish to make in your life.
