Hypnosis is fast and only requires one session

• Making change in your life using hypnotherapy is indeed fast, when compared to other therapeutic methods. It may be possible to accomplish some subjects in one session, however many factors contribute to make this possible. Consider a minimum of three sessions to make lasting change in your life.

Hypnotherapy is a quick fix and requires is no effort on my part. The hypnotherapist makes a suggestion and magically, I am better.

• As the saying goes “No pain, no gain”, and this stands true for hypnotherapy. On a very rare occasion will you be magically fixed, but this is likely because you have put the work in previous to the session. You need to become aware of your habits or triggers if you want lasting change. This is what hypnotherapy begins with, self-work. You will likely be given exercises to do at home in between sessions to help move your treatment along.

Hypnosis is a form of mind control

• This is a common misconception due to stage hypnosis. Stage hypnosis is a form of entertainment and those who go on stage and cluck like a chicken, want to cluck like a chicken (however they may not be aware of this). In fact, during hypnosis you become more aware and attuned to your environment. If the hypnotherapist says something you disagree with or do not want to do, you may either come out of hypnosis or simply disregard the suggestion altogether.

Only some people can be hypnotized

• Hypnotizability relies on several factors including suggestibility, willingness, your ability to be mindful and your mood. It is possible that one day you may be less willing to be hypnotized and so it may not work as well for you. Everyone however, can be hypnotized.

People fall asleep when they are hypnotized

• People who look like they are asleep during hypnosis are generally physically suggestible, but they are not asleep. In fact, they are more attentive and in tune with their body and mind than when they are awake. When hypnotized, the client is in either the alpha or theta state. When people are sleeping, they are in the delta state. 

Anybody can be a hypnotherapist

• Anybody can learn the basics of hypnosis but this does not mean they should actively practice it on people. A hypnotherapist does years of training so they can respond appropriately to specific situations and client abreactions. Always ask your hypnotherapist how long they have been practicing and where they were trained.