Hypnotherapy is guided hypnosis, or a trance-like state of focus and concentration achieved with the help of a clinical hypnotherapist. This trance-like state is similar to being completely absorbed in a book, movie, music, or even one's own thoughts or meditations. In this state, clients can turn their attention completely inward to find and utilize the natural resources deep within themselves that can help them make changes or regain control in certain areas of their life.
-PSYCHOLOGY TODAY-
Myths and Misconceptions
"You can be hypnotised into doing things against your will" This is false. You are completely aware throughout the whole process, and have complete control. You can reject any suggestion and can do so at any time throughout the process. It is impossible for me to make you do anything that you do not wish to do.
"Under hypnosis you can only tell the truth and can be made to reveal secrets" This is false. If you want to lie, you can lie. If you don't want to share something, you wont. Again, you have complete control throughout the whole process and your secrets will be safe.
"It's possible to get stuck in a trance forever" This is false. This has never happened and it will never happen. In fact, you have already gone into a hypnotic trance multiple times today. It is a natural state for us, like when you're drifting off to sleep, day-dreaming, engrossed in a TV show, scrolling through instagram... You can 'wake up' at any time. There are no known or reported dangers .
"A person is asleep or unconscious when in hypnosis" This is false. It may appear that way, but you are neither asleep nor unconscious. You are deeply relaxed and so, you may take on a resemblance of sleeping, such as slowed breathing, decreased activity, relaxed muscles... but you are awake and you can talk, and think and move just as normal.
"Not everyone can be hypnotised" Slightly true. If you do not want to be hypnotised, then I can't hypnotise you . No matter how hard I try, it just wouldn't work. However, if you do want to be hypnotised then you will be. Simple as that. The only other people that we cannot hypnotise are those that are unable to understand us, whether that be due to language barriers or learning abilities. And children under 5.
"Hypnotherapy is magic" I wish...
There are many more myths out there, and if you have any questions at all, please just ask.