Hypnosis has an image problem. Films, stage shows and old cartoons have left many people thinking it is mysterious, a little sinister or something that is done to you. In reality, therapeutic hypnosis is a natural, cooperative process that most people find calm and pleasant.
Worries about hypnosis are one of the main reasons people put off trying hypnotherapy, so it helps to look at them one by one. Here are seven of the most common myths, along with what actually happens.
Myth 1: "I will be asleep or unconscious"
Hypnosis is not sleep. Most people stay aware of their surroundings and can hear everything that is said. The state is closer to deep relaxation, or to the absorbed feeling you get when you are lost in a book or a piece of music.
In fact, you drift in and out of similar states every day without noticing. Driving a familiar route and arriving with little memory of the journey is a common example. Hypnotherapy simply uses that natural state on purpose, in a calm and guided way.
Myth 2: "The hypnotist will control my mind"
You cannot be made to do anything that goes against your values or wishes. A hypnotherapist guides and suggests, but you decide what to accept. If a suggestion does not suit you, it will simply pass you by.
This is why hypnotherapy works best when you want to take part. It is a partnership. The therapist provides the structure, and you bring your own goals, imagination and willingness to explore.
Myth 3: "I might reveal secrets"
You stay in charge of what you say. You will not blurt out anything you would rather keep private, and you can choose to speak or stay silent at any time. Most of the hypnosis part of a session involves listening rather than talking anyway.
Everything you do choose to share is treated as confidential. A good practitioner will explain the limits of confidentiality at the start, so you know exactly where you stand.
Myth 4: "I could get stuck in hypnosis"
There is no such thing as getting stuck. If the therapist stopped talking, you would either open your eyes on your own or drift into ordinary sleep for a short while and then wake up as normal.
At the end of every session you are guided back to full alertness, usually by counting up or a simple invitation to open your eyes. Most people feel refreshed. A few feel pleasantly sleepy for a minute or two, which quickly passes.
Myth 5: "Only weak-minded people can be hypnotised"
Responding to hypnosis has nothing to do with weakness or intelligence. It relates more to your ability to focus, your willingness to use your imagination and how comfortable you feel with the process and the person guiding you.
People who are curious and open often find it easiest. If you are someone who gets absorbed in films, books or daydreams, you may well find hypnosis comes quite naturally.
Myth 6: "Stage hypnosis and hypnotherapy are the same thing"
Stage hypnosis and hypnotherapy have very different aims. Stage performers pick volunteers who are willing to perform in front of an audience, and the goal is entertainment. Part of what you see is people happily going along with the show.
Hypnotherapy is private, confidential and built around your own goals. There is no audience and nothing is done for effect. Sessions take place in a quiet room or online, at a pace that suits you.
Myth 7: "Hypnotherapy works instantly, like magic"
Some people notice a shift quite quickly, while for others change is more gradual. There is no magic involved, and results vary from person to person. That is why it is wise to be cautious of anyone who guarantees results or promises a fixed number of sessions.
What hypnotherapy can offer is a supportive, structured way to explore change. Many people also find the relaxation itself helpful, and some use self-hypnosis between sessions to build on what they have learned.
Why do these myths about hypnosis persist?
Most myths come from entertainment rather than therapy. Films use hypnosis as a plot device, often showing a villain who takes control of someone's mind, and stage shows rely on surprise and laughter. Neither reflects what happens in a quiet therapy room. Because few people talk openly about having hypnotherapy, those dramatic images are often the only picture people have. Hearing a calm, accurate description is usually enough to ease most worries.
So what does hypnosis really feel like?
For most people, the biggest surprise is how ordinary it feels. You sit comfortably, close your eyes and listen. Your breathing slows and your body relaxes. You remain aware, but outside thoughts tend to fade into the background. When it ends, you feel much as you would after a good rest.
Is hypnotherapy safe?
For most adults, hypnotherapy with a properly trained practitioner is a gentle and safe experience. It is not suitable for everyone, though. People with certain mental health conditions, such as psychosis, should speak to their doctor first, and a responsible hypnotherapist will ask about your health before you start.
Working alongside your GP. Hypnotherapy is a complementary approach. It should sit alongside medical care, not replace it, and you should never stop prescribed treatment without speaking to your doctor.
Questions to ask if you are still unsure
If you are curious but still a little wary, the best next step is simply to ask questions. You might ask:
- What will happen in my first session?
- How will I feel during and after hypnosis?
- What can I do if I want to stop?
- Is hypnotherapy suitable for what I want help with?
A qualified hypnotherapist will be happy to explain what they do and why, before you decide anything. You can read more about what happens in a session, or find out about hypnotherapy at Hypnotherapy Newcastle.