Welcome to the first installment of The Truth about Hypnosis – Breaking the myth. Through trade shows, markets or in consultations, I often get asked the same questions over and over again. Although I appreciate that Hollywood film and TV are beginning to normalize hypnosis, the truth remains that they tend to portray it as a form of mind control and often lean heavily on the myths, without showing true aspects.

I have previously written a blog post to dispel some of the most common myths and misconceptions of hypnosis, however this series will take you deeper into each myth, offering more explanation.

First, let’s just set a few reminders. Similar to sleep, hypnosis is a natural state that everyone enters into everyday. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. No one gets you into a hypnotic state but yourself. Hypnosis is turning off our critical thinking brain and delving into our subconscious (where our habits, beliefs and values reside). Hypnosis is unique to every individual. Just as your handwriting is unique to you, your hypnotic state is also unique to you. With that being said, let’s get into the the myths.

MYTH: Only gullible or weak-minded people can be hypnotized.

The thought that only gullible or weak-minded people can be hypnotized suggests that strong-minded, astute people cannot, or will not be hypnotized.

This line of thinking is the complete opposite of reality. Only people with a strong mind, who are open to possibility, and who know they are in full control, can choose when to be hypnotized. Again, everyone goes into hypnosis naturally, but to choose when to go into hypnosis, this is a skill. One that demands trust – trust in the process, in the hypnotherapist, in oneself, in the Universe/God/Source Power/Higher Self (whatever you’d like to call it) – and that requires self-control, vulnerability and patience. Only people who have a degree of these traits, can choose when to go into hypnosis. The good news, we all have access to all of these traits, and with practice and self-forgiveness and self-love, we can all gain access to them.

This myth also suggests that hypnosis is bad and is a form of mind control. Anyone who has been hypnotized, especially anyone who has gone into deep trance, can tell you that they were in full control. They can decide what to say and what not to say, they can decide to stay longer in the moment, to ask questions to a higher power, to move their physical body, and to accept or dismiss any suggestions. There is nothing the hypnotherapist can say or do, to get the person to do something they do not want to do. You may then ask yourself about stage hypnosis shows. I invite you to read my article on the differences between stage hypnosis and hypnotherapy.

Before I end this article, I want to leave you with a motivation to want to try hypnosis. As you become hyper-aware, the emotions and sensations experienced in trance can be felt throughout the whole body. These emotions, good and sad, can be overwhelming, yes. But they are so powerful, that the brain cannot refute the experience as imaginary. The first time one experiences the feeling of unconditional love, it is such a powerful moment, and one that often shifts our perspective of life, reviving hope in a way you did not think imaginable.

I invite you to try a session of hypnosis, and see what it feels like for you. It can offer many benefits on a mental, physical and spiritual level.