The Myths of Hypnosis
There are many myths that circulate around the subjects of hypnosis and hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy as is psychotherapy that is intended to help people overcome problems in their lives. Stage hypnosis is intended to be entertainment. The people who participate in stage hypnosis volunteer for the experience and are aware that they will do things that seem silly or foolish. I believe that stage hypnosis is responsible for many people’s reluctance to participate in hypnotherapy.
We have all seen television shows and movies that depict hypnosis. Like most everything else in these shows and films, the writers take license with reality. A person can not be forced to do anything that would be against their value system or sense of morality. You will do nothing under hypnosis that you do not want to do.
Under hypnosis the client is not asleep. Instead they are in a state of focused attention which is a heightened state of awareness. Sometimes people report that they do not feel different than they normally feel. Others describe a heavy, light or tingly feeling. The body may feel very relaxed and occassionaly people will describe a state in which they feel that they are seperate from their bodies.You will not be asked to do things that will detract from the healing benefits of the hypnotherapy.
Anyone can be hypnotized who is of normal intelligence and is willing to follow instruction. You can not be hypnotized if you resist or don’t want to go through with the procedure. You cannot get stuck in hypnosis and you will always come out of the hypnotic state. You are not asleep, you are in an altered state of consciousness.
The goal of hypnotherapy is to provide a safe, comfortable environment where the hypnotist can access the subconscious mind to provide the healing that is available through the power of hypnosis.
