Debunking Common Myths About Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 : Read 233 Times : 1637 words (Aprox 7 min read)

Are you curious about Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy but don't know what is true and what is not? Find out from an expert Master Trainer, Michael Stevenson, what the truth is about these commonly misunderstood practices.

Have you heard some of these common myths about hypnosis and hypnotherapy that make you hesitate to explore them further? If so, you're not alone.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding about hypnosis and hypnotherapy, which can make it difficult to know what to believe.

That's why I am here to help. As a Master Trainer of Hypnotherapy, I am an expert at everything related to hypnosis, hypnotherapy, and the subconscious mind - including Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

It is my mission to help you sort through the myths and uncover the truth about these often misunderstood practices.

In this blog post, I will be debunking some of the most common myths about hypnosis and hypnotherapy. I will provide clear explanations so that you can make an informed decision about whether these practices are right for you as part of your personal development journey.

So, if you're ready to learn the truth about hypnosis and hypnotherapy, keep reading!

Myth #1: Hypnosis Isn't Scientifically Validated

This could not be further from the truth! In fact, there have been numerous studies conducted on the efficacy of hypnosis and hypnotherapy, and the results have all been overwhelmingly positive.

Professional journals such as The Journal of the American Medical Association, The Lancet (the Journal of the British Medical Association), The Journal of the American Psychological Association, and more have all published articles and studies showing the efficacy of hypnotherapy.

These studies are just a few examples of the scientific evidence that exists to support the use of hypnosis and hypnotherapy. There are numerous studies that have similar results, indicating that hypnosis and hypnotherapy are both effective and scientifically validated treatments for a variety of mental health issues.

Most people don't know this, but modern hypnotherapy was invented by a licensed medical doctor, Dr. James Braid. And Dr. Sigmund Freud was trained in hypnotherapy at the world's first hypnotherapy institute and used it to successfully treat patients for hysteria (which is now called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). He later said that his training in hypnotherapy led to his creation of "talk therapy," birthing what we now know as modern psychology.

Hypnotherapy has been used and documented in medical and psychological fields for nearly 180 years.

Myth #2: Hypnosis is Mind Control

This is a serious misconception that needs to be addressed. Hypnosis is not a form of mind control, it is a state of heightened suggestibility in which the participant is able to access the subconscious mind more easily.

In hypnosis, the participant is still in control. As a matter of fact, we say that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The hypnotherapist is actually leading the client through their own experience to access the power of their own subconscious mind.

The client can choose to accept or reject any suggestions that are given to them, and they are not forced to do anything they don't want to do.

Hypnosis is not a form of manipulation, it is a safe and effective tool for accessing the subconscious mind to create positive change.

Hypnosis can be used to help people overcome fears, phobias, and negative habits. It is a powerful tool that can be used to help people reach their goals and create positive change in their lives.

Myth #3: Hypnosis is Evil

The third myth I will be debunking is that hypnosis is evil. Hypnosis is simply a tool that can be used to help people focus their minds to achieve their goals and create positive change in their lives.

The myth that hypnosis is evil stems from misinterpreted scripture that refers to demons being able to enter a "swept" mind or a clear mind.

While some forms of meditation do involve clearing the mind of all thought, hypnotherapy actually involves flooding the mind with intentional focus and suggestion. Bear in mind the bible instructs people to meditate on the word of God in no less than eight scriptures. This is very similar to the idea of hypnotherapy.

Hypnosis is a natural and God-given state that every person experiences on a daily basis. In 1956, the Catholic Church even approved its use for professional use by decree of the Pope.

Myth #4: Some People Can't be Hypnotized (Especially "Smart People"), or Only Gullible People Can be Hypnotized

The truth is that anyone can be hypnotized, regardless of their intelligence or level of gullibility. Hypnosis is a natural state that everyone experiences on a daily basis, and anyone can access it if they are willing to open their mind to the possibility.

In fact, people who are highly intelligent are often very successful when it comes to hypnosis because they are more likely to understand the process and be able to access the subconscious mind more easily.

The only people who may have difficulty accessing hypnosis are those with mental illnesses or serious neurological disabilities. However, even in these cases, hypnosis can still be beneficial and successful if the person is willing to put in the effort and open their mind to the possibility.

When people say they tried hypnosis and "cannot be hypnotized," these are usually people who resisted the process. Since all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, if someone resists the process, they will not be hypnotized. This does not mean they cannot be hypnotized.

The most common situation for this is people who volunteered (or were maybe dragged into) a stage hypnosis show. While stage hypnosis is entertaining and can be fun, it bears almost no relation to real, modern hypnotherapy. Stage hypnosis works because people who want to be silly and be the center of attention volunteer themselves to go on stage. It is less about hypnosis and more about entertainment.

Myth #5: People in Hypnosis are "Faking it" or "Play Acting"

When a person is in hypnosis, they are in a deep state of relaxation and are more open to suggestion. This does not mean that they are faking it or “play-acting.” It simply means that they are in a state of heightened suggestibility, which allows them to access their subconscious mind more easily.

The only people who may be faking or “play acting” in hypnosis are those who are trying to deceive the hypnotist or those who are not fully engaging in the process.

Numerous studies have shown that hypnosis is a distinct state that can be measured on an fMRI (Function Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine. In a 2008 study conducted at the University of Utah, it was proven that people can even achieve complete paid control (anesthesia) by hypnotic suggestion, even to the point of being able to have surgery without chemical anesthesia.

That's certainly not the kind of thing people can pretend or fake.

Myth #6: People Can Get "Stuck" in Hypnosis

One of the most common myths about hypnosis is that people can get “stuck” in a hypnotic state.

Hypnosis is a natural state similar to "daydreaming." Nobody in the history of the world has ever been "stuck" in a daydream.

Nor has anyone ever been stuck in hypnosis. In fact, it is very easy for the person to come out of hypnosis at any time if they choose to do so. The client is always in control.

The idea that someone can get “stuck” in hypnosis often comes from comedy movies like Office Space, in which a character is hypnotized and unable to come out of the trance-like state. However, this is not realistic and is simply a comedic exaggeration of the effects of hypnosis.

In conclusion, hypnosis and hypnotherapy are safe and effective tools for accessing the subconscious mind to create positive change in a person's life.

With the right understanding and knowledge, hypnosis and hypnotherapy can be powerful tools for personal growth and development.

Myth #7: Only a Licensed Psychologist Can Use Hypnotherapy

This is commonly believed and entirely false!

In most places around the world, hypnotherapy is an unregulated practice, meaning that you don't need a degree or license to use hypnotherapy.

You can even get trained to see clients professionally with a minimum of just three days of professional training in basic hypnotherapy. (See article: How Much Do Hypnotherapists Charge)

I started my hypnotherapy career after just three days of training in March 2000 and have been practicing for over 20 years.

Transform Destiny offers both live and home study training that teaches the basics of hypnosis in just three days no prior experience, degrees, or education required.

In addition, you'll learn how to work with clients professionally and even make an income from your own home or office with the fully-qualified graduation certificate in Hypnotherapy they'll earn in this course.

The comprehensive training covers topics such as what hypnosis is (and isn't), powerful hypnotic tests, how to help people with weight loss, smoking, releasing fears, building motivation, and much more.

With all of the knowledge gained over these three days, you'll be able to confidently practice hypnotherapy for your clients until you become a certified practitioner.

If you're looking for a fulfilling career that has the potential to make you an impressive income, then hypnotherapy may just be the right fit for you. Transform Destiny's training program is designed to give you all of the skills and knowledge necessary so you can help others achieve success with hypnotherapy.

Visit the Learn Hypnosis... At Home! training page

Visit the Learn Hypnosis... Live! training page

Posted by Michael Stevenson in frequently asked questions, hypnosis, hypnotherapy on Debunking Common Myths About Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy