There are definitely some myths, misconceptions and fears out there regarding hypnosis. Here are a few that I'd like to clear up for you. I use the word client instead of subject in regards to the person who is being hypnotized.
1) "I can't be hypnotized." Everyone can be hypnotized. People who are thought to be more gullible or have weaker minds are not the only ones who can be hypnotized. Above average, intelligent people and certainly those who have active, vivid imaginations make the best hypnotic subjects.
2) "You'll discover my deepest secrets." The hypnotist and his client do not have a "power" relationship. The hypnotist never has power over his client. The power lies in the mind of the client because while in hypnosis the client has greater awareness than when fully awake and completely retains his own power of selection of what he wants to tell or not.
3) "You'll make a fool of me." Stage hypnotists stand in front of a crowd of people and pick their "clients" - the subjects who are willing to participate in silly, funny scenarios. They agree to be made to look foolish, but if for any reason a client objects to a suggestion, he can refuse to participate, or he/she will come completely out of hypnosis spontaneously.
4) "I don't want you to control my mind." The hypnotized client is always in complete control of himself, fully aware of the environment around him, and completely capable of making decisions. As stated above, hypnosis cannot make the client do anything. Hypnosis only helps to motivate and accomplish goals the client set for himself. The client is always the one in control, if he rejects the suggestions made under hypnosis or accepts them is his/her decision.
5) "I wasn't in hypnosis, I heard or was aware of everything going on. I didn't feel anything." There is no "feeling" of being hypnotized. The client hears every word or sound made, being acutely aware of what is going on around him. It's been proven that under hypnosis, your attention is more focused than your normal waking state. If you're looking for a special "feeling" after hypnosis, you'll discover that you have a feeling of coming out of hypnosis completely and totally relaxed.
6) "What if I don't wake up?" Hypnosis is not sleep. A person cannot get stuck in a hypnotic state. Hypnosis and sleep are two different psychological and physiological states. If a client chooses to remain in hypnosis when instructed to come out of it, they will end up doing one of two things 1) they will come fully out of hypnosis in a short period of time or 2) they will go into a natural sleep and awaken naturally.
I agree the robe and turban clad mystery man hypnotizing a helpless, near catatonic subject portrayed in the old black and white picture movies can scare even the hardiest of souls when he proclaims "You're in my power." I will even say the vision this portrays for me is ridiculous, but none-the-less there are many people who have real fears based on this misconception. I hope my explanations of hypnotic myths have alleviated these fears.
If for no other reason than to relieve yourself of all the stress and tension of your day, everyone should try a hypnosis session or two.
Namaste,
Sue
