Separating Fact from Fiction About Hypnosis
Misconceptions about hypnosis, often fuelled by stage shows and Hollywood movies, can prevent people from experiencing its genuine therapeutic benefits. Here’s the truth about what hypnosis really is and isn’t.
Myth 1: “You Lose Control During Hypnosis”
The Myth:
- Hypnotist has complete control over your mind and actions
- You become unconscious and unaware of surroundings
- You might do things against your will or values
- You could get “stuck” in hypnosis
The Reality:
- You remain conscious and aware throughout hypnosis
- You maintain complete control over your actions and decisions
- You can reject any suggestions that don’t align with your values
- You can emerge from hypnosis anytime you choose
- Hypnosis is a collaborative process requiring your participation and consent
Clinical Evidence: Research consistently shows that hypnotised individuals retain their moral judgment, personal values, and decision-making capacity. No one can be hypnotised against their will or made to act against their fundamental beliefs.
Myth 2: “Only Weak-Minded People Can Be Hypnotised”
The Myth:
- Hypnosis only works on gullible or weak-willed people
- Intelligence prevents hypnotic response
- Strong personalities can’t be hypnotised
- Hypnosis is for people who can’t solve problems themselves
The Reality:
- Intelligence actually enhances hypnotic response
- Creative, imaginative people often respond better to hypnosis
- Strong-willed individuals can achieve excellent results
- Hypnosis requires mental focus and cooperation, indicating strength
- Most people can benefit from hypnosis with proper guidance
Clinical Evidence: Studies show that people with higher intelligence, creativity, and imagination tend to respond more effectively to hypnotic suggestions. Hypnotic responsiveness correlates with mental flexibility, not weakness.
Myth 3: “Hypnosis is Sleep or Unconsciousness”
The Myth:
- You become unconscious during hypnosis
- Hypnosis is the same as being asleep
- You won’t remember anything from the session
- If you’re aware, you’re not really hypnotised
The Reality:
- Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, not unconsciousness
- You remain aware of your surroundings and the session content
- Memory of sessions varies but awareness continues throughout
- Many people remember everything from their hypnotic experience
- Awareness doesn’t prevent hypnotic effectiveness
Clinical Evidence: Brain imaging studies show that hypnosis creates unique patterns of brain activity distinct from both waking consciousness and sleep states. Participants maintain awareness while experiencing altered perception and enhanced suggestibility.
Myth 4: “Stage Hypnosis Represents Clinical Hypnotherapy”
The Myth:
- Clinical hypnotherapy is like stage hypnosis entertainment
- Hypnotherapists make people do embarrassing things
- Hypnosis is primarily for entertainment purposes
- Stage hypnosis demonstrates typical hypnotic experiences
The Reality:
- Clinical hypnotherapy is a serious therapeutic intervention
- Stage hypnosis selects highly suggestible volunteers for entertainment
- Clinical hypnosis focuses on healing, not entertainment
- Professional hypnotherapists follow ethical guidelines and respect client dignity
- Therapeutic hypnosis creates positive, empowering experiences
Key Differences: Stage hypnosis aims to entertain audiences, while clinical hypnotherapy aims to heal and empower individuals in a respectful, professional environment.
Myth 5: “Hypnosis is Supernatural or Mystical”
The Myth:
- Hypnosis involves supernatural powers
- Hypnotists have special psychic abilities
- The process is mysterious and unexplainable
- Hypnosis contradicts scientific understanding
The Reality:
- Hypnosis is a well-researched psychological phenomenon
- Natural brain states that can be scientifically measured and studied
- Hypnotherapists use learned skills, not supernatural powers
- Techniques based on psychological and neurological principles
- Recognised by medical and psychological professional organisations
Scientific Foundation: Decades of research using brain imaging, psychological testing, and clinical trials demonstrate hypnosis as a legitimate, evidence-based therapeutic approach.
Myth 6: “Hypnosis Produces Instant, Magical Results”
The Myth:
- One hypnosis session fixes any problem permanently
- Results should be immediate and dramatic
- No effort required from the client
- Hypnosis works like magic
The Reality:
- Most issues require multiple sessions or repeated listening for lasting change
- Results typically develop gradually over time
- Client participation and practice enhance effectiveness
- Hypnosis accelerates natural change processes, not magic
- Sustainable change requires consistency and commitment
Realistic Expectations: While some people experience rapid improvements, most lasting changes develop through consistent use of hypnotic techniques over weeks or months.
Myth 7: “Anyone Can Be a Hypnotherapist”
The Myth:
- No special training required for hypnotherapy
- Anyone can learn hypnosis from books or videos
- All hypnotherapists have equal skills and qualifications
- Certification doesn’t matter for effectiveness
The Reality:
- Professional hypnotherapists complete extensive training and certification
- Clinical skills require supervised practice and ongoing education
- Ethical guidelines and professional standards govern practice
- Quality varies significantly based on training and experience
- Proper assessment and technique selection require professional expertise
Professional Standards: At Norwest Wellbeing, Paul and Rebecca Smith are qualified clinical hypnotherapists with proper training, certification, and ongoing professional development.
Myth 8: “Hypnosis Can Recover Completely Accurate Memories”
The Myth:
- Hypnosis can uncover perfectly accurate buried memories
- Everything remembered under hypnosis is factually correct
- Hypnosis can recover memories of past lives or early childhood
- Memory recovery is the primary purpose of hypnotherapy
The Reality:
- Memory is reconstructive and can be influenced by suggestion
- Hypnosis can enhance memory but doesn’t guarantee accuracy
- False memories can be created unintentionally during hypnosis
- Modern clinical hypnotherapy focuses on present and future, not memory recovery
- Professional hypnotherapists understand memory limitations and work accordingly
Myth 9: “Hypnosis Conflicts with Religious or Spiritual Beliefs”
The Myth:
- Hypnosis is against religious teachings
- Spiritual practices and hypnosis are incompatible
- Hypnosis involves giving up spiritual beliefs
- Religious people shouldn’t use hypnotherapy
The Reality:
- Hypnosis is a natural psychological state, not a spiritual practice
- Many religious leaders and healthcare professionals use hypnotherapy
- Hypnosis can complement spiritual practices and beliefs
- No conflict with most religious or spiritual worldviews
- Focus on healing and positive change aligns with most value systems
The Reality of Professional Hypnotherapy
What Clinical Hypnotherapy Actually Provides:
- Evidence-based therapeutic techniques for positive change
- Safe, respectful treatment environment
- Collaborative approach respecting client autonomy
- Natural methods for accessing your inner resources for healing
- Professional support for achieving personal goals and improved wellbeing
How to Evaluate Hypnotherapy Providers:
- Look for proper training and certification
- Ask about experience with your specific issue
- Ensure they follow ethical professional guidelines
- Choose providers who explain the process clearly
- Select practitioners who respect your values and autonomy
Making Informed Decisions
Red Flags to Avoid:
- Providers who promise instant, magical cures
- Anyone who can’t explain their methods clearly
- Practitioners without proper training or certification
- Those who make unrealistic guarantees about outcomes
- Anyone who dismisses your concerns or questions
Green Flags for Quality Providers:
- Clear explanation of process and realistic expectations
- Proper professional training and credentials
- Ethical approach respecting your autonomy and values
- Evidence-based techniques and approaches
- Willingness to answer questions and address concerns
Understanding the reality of clinical hypnotherapy helps you make informed decisions about your healthcare and personal development. Professional hypnotherapy at Norwest Wellbeing provides safe, effective, evidence-based support for positive change without the myths and misconceptions that sometimes surround this valuable therapeutic approach.
The truth is that hypnotherapy offers a natural, respectful, and scientifically-supported path to improved wellbeing and personal growth.