Misconceptions about hypnosis

Misconceptions about hypnosis

Hypnosis looks like a magical thing to most people. To many, the initial images that come in mind when they think about hypnosis is the presence of mysterious performers commanding people to undertake things that might appear unusual at times. While hypnosis can be a combination of remarkable entertainment and real actions, most people have some ideas regarding hypnosis that are not completely correct. This has led to development of a number of myths and misconceptions about hypnosis which are highlighted here below. 

One of the first misconceptions about hypnosis points to the idea that hypnosis is jus like sleep. This mostly results from the fact that in most cases, hypnosis involves having the subjects close their eyes in their efforts to relax and focus profoundly. Also, during hypnosis therapy, there is movement restriction and with closed eyes, most people relate this to sleep. However, the truth is that the subjects are usually not in a sleeping state but are focused, attentive and alert. As such, the subjects will never enter in a state of unconsciousness but close their eyes to get deeply comfortable and relaxed. 

Another misconception is one that points that hypnotized people can do anything their hypnotizers want them to do. However, during hypnosis, the subject is not just fully aware and alert but is also in full control of the situation. For this reason, while you are in the state of hypnosis, the hypnotizer can’t force you to anything and if they put forward a suggestion that you are opposed to, you can withdraw from following it. Another misconception is that the subjects reveal their deepest personal secrets during hypnosis state. However, this belief doesn’t hold any basis at all. If you feel that there is a certain secret that you can’t expose, you will definitely refuse sharing it with anyone, not even your hypnotizers. This is more so due to the fact subjects are usually completely awake during the process and decide what to share and what will not be shared. 

Misconceptions about hypnosis hold the views that the subjects cannot remember anything once the hypnosis is over. Actually, some people tend to experience amnesia after hypnosis but this is not related to the actual process. People tend to think that they will not remember what actually happened and since they have registered this in mind, they end up not remembering anything. It is the belief that leads to amnesia and not hypnosis.