FAQ’s - Myths and Misconceptions
The client gives up all power to the hypnotherapist; the client is under complete control of the hypnotherpist; the client can be made to say or do something against his/her will.
All hypnosis is, in fact self-hypnosis. The client is always in control. The hypnotherapist is there to help guide and structure the experience, but only to a degree that the client permits it. It is clearly a relationship of mutual responsiveness. Hypnosis makes it easier for people to experience suggestions, but it does not force them to have these experiences. The client may, at will, refuse a suggestion, do the complete opposite of what has been suggested, or break the hypnotic state altogether. The client cannot be “made” to do anything that compromises his/her ethical system unless he/she wants to. Even the most responsive clients can refuse to follow the suggestion of a hypnotist is he/she chooses to.
Is hypnosis is a form of sleep?
Hypnosis, unlike sleep, is a state of focused concentration. Although there is decreased physical activity, the client is aware and responsive and can remember what went on during and after the experience. The electroencephalograms of people in a hypnotic state do not resemble those of people who are asleep.
One must be relaxed in order to be in hypnosis.
Since hypnosis is a state of concentrated attention, you can be anxious, even in deep suspense, and still be focused. Physical relaxation is not a necessary prerequisite for hypnosis to occur.
What if I can’t be hypnotized?
Anyone of normal intelligence can hypnotized. About twenty percent of people can be hypnotized deeply and easily. About sixty-five percent, the large middle group, can be hypnotized to lighter states, and, with practice and experience, many of these can go on to experience deeper trance states. Of the remaining fifteen percent, some can achieve a light trance state.
Is hypnosis therapy?
Hypnosis is not therapy in and of itself. Rather hypnosis is a therapeutic tool that should be used in conjunction with other modalities to promote self-awareness, autonomy and enhance well being. Although the results of hypnosis can be astounding, “cures” are by no means guaranteed, nor are they generally instantaneous.
Can I get stuck in a hypnotic state (trance)?
The trance state can be terminated by the client at any time. If the hypnotherapist left the room or if a hypnosis session ended abruptly for any reason, the client would either open his/her eyes or could choose to drift to sleep and would awaken after a brief nap.
Is hypnosis a “truth” serum?
Although hypnosis allows the client to access memories, often-subconscious memories, with great attention to detail, the patient, always with awareness and control, can censor what is divulged to the hypnotherapist. The client can withhold information if desired.