Most people think that hypnosis is a form of mind control where a client, or patient is guided into a hypnotic trance where they are unaware or asleep. This is normally learned from how hypnosis is portrayed on TV and in movies. Film and TV shows are meant to be dramatic, to hold of viewers’ attention. It makes sense that hypnotherapy would be portrayed this way, but nothing could be further from the truth. As we review the misconceptions of hypnosis, you will learn that the experience is profound but not at all like mind control.
Is Hypnosis Sleep?
Most patients expect to be out of it, asleep, or unaware. We all experience hypnotic trance multiple times each day. When we get lost in thought and lose track of time, we are experiencing a light form of hypnotic trance. Another example is when we are working on a project and realize that hours have passed. Finally, when we get excited or scared while watching a movie, we are experiencing hypnotic trance. Hypnotic trance is an attentive yet relaxed state where we are aware of our surroundings including sounds and smells. Patients remain aware but are intently focused on the experience.
Mind Control
A hypnotherapist guides you into hypnotic trance for the purpose of changing the way your inner mind responds to things like food or smoking. Some people are concerned that they will divulge important secrets while under the “control” of a hypnotherapist. The trance state cannot force you to reveal secrets or force you to do anything that would go against your true desires. Directions given to the subconscious mind must be in line with what you want. Clients who want to lose weight will accept hypnotic suggestions related to eating healthy portions of food but will reject suggestions related to jogging 10 miles a day.
Can I Get Stuck in Hypnosis?
Another common fear of patients is that they will not emerge from hypnosis or get stuck in this state. It is impossible to get stuck in hypnotic trance. Some clients think that if the hypnotherapist has a stroke during the session but they would remain stuck and unable to emerge from hypnosis. If a certified hypnotist ever fell ill during a session, the client would automatically emerge. This is because the hypnotherapist must continue speaking for the patient to remain in hypnotic trance.
How Can Hypnotic Trance Help?
After being guided into a hypnotic trance, a hypnotherapist can direct the unconscious mind to make positive life changes. One of the most common reasons people seek out hypnosis is to quit smoking. The unconscious mind can be trained to reject tobacco in any form, free of symptoms of withdrawal. Aside from quit smoking hypnotherapy, patients often utilize
hypnotherapy to lose weight or break bad habits. Hypnotherapy works because the subconscious mind controls our automatic responses and cravings. Clients are able to overcome unhealthy urges because hypnotic trance opens the inner mind to receive positive directions for change.
Misconceptions of Hypnosis
With the knowledge that hypnotic trance is not a form of sleep, mind control, or truth serum people can seek out hypnotherapy free of hesitation. It is a modality that allows for access to the part of the mind that controls our emotions, cravings, and automatic bodily functions. Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool that can help you reign in unhealthy habits.