How Does Hypnosis Work? Myths vs. Facts

Hypnosis is a fascinating subject to most people. If you don’t know a lot about the actual techniques, hypnosis can appear to be a form of magic or dangerous mind control. So many misperceptions about hypnosis exist that you might be wary of hypnosis yourself. To better understand what hypnosis really is—and what it isn’t, let’s take a look at some of the myths about hypnosis:

Myth #1: If you’re hypnotized, you may do something you regret.

When you’re in a hypnotic trance, you are actually in a state of intent, heightened awareness. You can hear everything the hypnotist is saying and can control how you respond. You may be thinking of stage hypnotists having people run around on stage clucking like chickens. Keep in mind that before they were hypnotized, they knew they would be expected to do something entertaining – and they volunteered to do so.

Myth #2: Be careful – you can be hypnotized against your will.

Hypnosis is often seen as some sort of mysterious mind control technique, in which unaware individuals are put under for some evil purpose. The fact is, you can’t be hypnotized against your will. Hypnosis only occurs when you willingly utilize the techniques of the hypnotist to actually hypnotize yourself!

Myth #3: I can’t be hypnotized – I’m just incapable.

Everyone is capable of being hypnotized. For you to be hypnotized, the only requirements are your willingness and a capable hypnotist. Hypnosis is a sort of trance state, and you experience some level of trance almost daily. Daydreaming is one example. Or have you ever been driving and suddenly realize that you don’t know where you are in your journey, because you’ve been on “automatic pilot”? That’s a classic example. Hypnosis just involves a more controlled and focused trance state.

Myth #4: You can become stuck in a hypnotic stage.

Hollywood comedies may love this premise, but the fact is that even if your hypnotist drops dead in the middle of a hypnosis session, you will not become “stuck” in a permanent hypnotic trance. What will actually happen is much more mundane: you will probably fall asleep, and then wake up feeling refreshed.

Myth #5: If you’re easily hypnotized, you must be weak-minded.

In fact, the exact opposite is true. Hypnosis is easier with individuals who are goal-oriented and who can maintain focus on the desired outcome of the hypnosis session. People with great imaginations also make good subjects, as they are able to let go and see themselves moving into a new realm. Being “weak-minded” is not an advantage. The more you can concentrate while using your imagination, the greater your results will be.

As you can see, there are many myths about hypnosis that are completely untrue. Because hypnosis appears so mysterious to people who don’t understand how it actually works, it has captured the rather fevered imaginations of everyone from movie makers to mystery writers, as well as the general public. The stage hypnotist who demonstrates hypnosis for entertainment may also inadvertently strengthen these misunderstandings. While it can be entertaining to watch, hypnosis can be used as an important tool in fields ranging from psychotherapy to forensics. By understanding more about the facts instead of believing the myths, you may someday have the chance yourself to benefit from hypnosis.