Misconceptions About Hypnosis
Hypnosis is often misunderstood, thanks to how it's portrayed in movies, books, and stage performances. Many people believe hypnosis is about mind control or losing awareness, but these ideas are purely fictional. In reality, hypnosis is a safe, natural, and cooperative process that helps people access deeper parts of their mind for healing and growth.
The History Of Hypnosis
Hypnosis has been used for healing and transformation for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, including Egypt and Greece, practiced trance-like states for spiritual and medical purposes. In the 18th century, Franz Mesmer introduced "animal magnetism," sparking interest in hypnosis as a healing tool. In the 19th century, James Braid coined the term "hypnosis" (from the Greek word hypnos, meaning sleep) and studied its psychological effects, paving the way for modern hypnotherapy. He discovered that hypnosis was a psychological state, not a mystical force.
By the 20th century, hypnosis gained scientific recognition, with pioneers like Milton Erickson refining its therapeutic applications. In 1958, the American Medical Association acknowledged hypnosis as an effective medical treatment. Today, hypnosis is widely used for healing, personal growth, and unconscious reprogramming, helping people overcome obstacles and align with their true potential.
Benefits to Hypnosis:
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Stress relief
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Overcoming fears and phobias
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Breaking habits (e.g., smoking, nail-biting, over-eating)
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Improving sleep
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Boosting confidence and motivation
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Managing pain and physical discomfort
Common Hypnosis Myths:
Myth #1: “Hypnosis puts you to sleep or makes you unconscious.”
Many people think hypnosis is like being asleep, but it’s actually the opposite. When you're hypnotized, your mind is in a state of heightened focus and awareness. You are fully present and engaged, just in a deeply relaxed state where your mind is more open to positive suggestions.
Myth #2: “You won’t remember anything after hypnosis.”
You’ll be aware of everything during hypnosis and will remember the session afterward. Some people describe it as a dreamy state, similar to the feeling of drifting between wakefulness and sleep. You might not recall every detail, just as you might not remember every moment of a long meditation or deep daydream.
Myth #3: “People can be hypnotized against their will.”
Hypnosis is a state of consent and cooperation. You are always in control, and no one can force you into hypnosis or make you do something against your will. A hypnotherapist simply guides you into relaxation and helps direct your focus, but you are always in charge.
Myth #4: “You lose control under hypnosis and can be made to do things you don’t want to do.”
This is a common myth reinforced by stage hypnosis. In reality, you cannot be made to do anything under hypnosis that you wouldn’t do in your normal waking state. You remain aware and capable of making your own choices at all times.
Myth #5: “Not everyone can be hypnotized.”
All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Everyone has the ability to enter a hypnotic state because it’s a natural part of the human experience. We all experience hypnosis-like states daily, when daydreaming, getting lost in a book, or even driving on autopilot when we drive past our exit. The key is being open to the process and allowing yourself to relax into it. If you have that mindset going into it, you will not allow the process to unfold.
Myth #6: “Only weak-minded or gullible people can be hypnotized.”
Being hypnotized has nothing to do with gullibility or weak-mindedness. In fact, studies suggest that people with strong focus, vivid imaginations, and creative thinking often make the best hypnosis subjects. Each individual is different and may require a different approach.
Myth #7: “You might reveal your deepest secrets under hypnosis.”
Hypnosis is not a truth serum. You won’t reveal anything you wouldn’t normally share. Matter of fact, since you remain conscious, you could easily lie in hypnosis. Either way, you are always in control of what you say and can choose to share as little or as much as you’d like. On another note, all information is kept private and Devin does practice client confidentiality.
Myth #8: “You can get stuck in hypnosis.”
It’s impossible to get stuck in a hypnotic trance. Hypnosis is a natural state that you move in and out of regularly. Even if a hypnotherapist stopped guiding you, you would naturally return to full wakefulness on your own, similar to how you wake up from naps.
Myth #9: A person under hypnosis is asleep or unconscious.
Fact: Hypnosis is neither sleep nor unconsciousness, even though a common misconception is that you are asleep when hypnotized. The experience of a formally induced hypnotic state might resemble sleep from the physical point of view: slowed breathing, eyes closed, muscles relaxed, activity decreased. From the mental standpoint the client is generally relaxed and may be keenly alert, in a comfortable state where the person can think, talk and even move about if needed. But all clients are unique and can experience hypnosis in their own unique ways. Some are comfortable enough with the process that they find themselves drifting in and out of a more dream-like state. In some instances they might respond unconsciously, through ideomotor signals or other methods. Less often employed, there are certain few uses in which, under the direction of a specially trained hypnotherapist, the client can generate unconsciousness for the purposes of surgical anesthesia or the management of acute pain, or in certain emergency situations that might warrant it.
Myth #10: Hypnosis is contrary to religious beliefs
Fact: Hypnosis can be used to ease or remove pain, overcome fears, phobias, addiction and other problems. While a handful of religious sects have raised objections to hypnosis, today most religious groups accept the proper ethical use of hypnosis for helping people. Included are Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and most Protestant Christian Churches as well as Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and others. Hypnosis is not associated with any of the world religions. A professional and ethical hypnotist respects the faith of clients and will not use it inappropriately to influence a person's religious beliefs.
Myth #11: Hypnosis isn’t an effective modality.
Fact: A Comparison Study Shows: “Psychoanalysis: 38% recovery after 600 sessions.
Behavior Therapy: 72% recovery after 22 sessions. Hypnotherapy: 93% recovery after 6 sessions” Source: American Health Magazine