Stories like these are what keep many people away from hypnotherapy. It is unfortunate that for some people, even hearing the word “hypnosis” can trigger a person to think of a powerhungry magician that seeks to control vulnerable souls with their pendulum. So if a hypnotherapy session is not a magic show, then what is it? The truth is that a hypnotist is a guide who helps his or her client tap into their subconscious. Hypnotists have been practicing this for almost 200 years. Hypnotherapy accesses certain parts the mind to achieve specific results and beneficial responses from the client.

TRUE OR FALSE?

While hypnotized, the client will remain under the control of the practitioner. The client cannot wake up until the hypnotist releases him or her from their power.

FALSE! Hypnosis places the client in a hyper-attentive state, which means that he or she is not really sleeping but rather extremely aware of what is happening. The client’s conscious mind is temporarily set aside while the subconscious receives most of the attention. The client is not under the control of anyone and they always have free will. The client can decide what they want to do, including ending their session by opening their eyes.

While a person is hypnotized he or she will do ANYTHING the hypnotist suggests.

FALSE! A person who is hypnotized continues to have free will, but much of hypnotherapy is based on the practitioner making suggestions to their client. The client takes both the suggestions of the hypnotist and their own ideas very easily. It is true that the person being hypnotized will be more open to this suggestibility. This means that if the hypnotist says, “you are drinking lemonade,” then you will most likely have the experience as if you are, and if they say, “you are relaxed”, then you will most likely experience relaxation. Stage hypnotists shows succeed in getting a member of the audience to jump around and croak like a frog. Even though a hypnotized person may no longer be afraid of embarrassment, their morality and sense of safety remain intact. A hypnotist CANNOT make their client do anything he or she does not want to do. It is also a guarantee that a private hypnotherapy session will not include jumping around the room like a frog.

A hypnotized person temporarily allows guided imagery to be perceived as reality.

TRUE! Even though the client knows that what is taking place is imaginary, they still approach things as if they were quite real; this is similar to a child who allows his or her imaginary world to become very real while “playing make believe.”

One can experience a form of hypnosis while watching a movie, reading, mowing the lawn, cleaning, or driving.

TRUE! Many people experience hypnosis while doing everyday tasks. While reading or watching a movie you can get “lost” in the story so completely that you forget what is going on around you. It is an altered state that occurs when you become so absorbed in what you are doing. This is very similar to what occurs while actually being hypnotized. You are allowing yourself to become part of this other reality, just as you allow yourself to become part of the story while reading a book. The big difference is that a hypnotist can act as a guide during your hypnotic state. Through the power of suggestion they can help their clients transform addictions and overcome life’s challenges, and find sources of other symptoms their clients may be experiencing.

Making an appointment for a free consultation with a hypnotist is a good idea because they can help you determine what form of hypnotherapy is best for you.

TRUE! A private session with a hypnotist will help you decide what direction you would like to take during your sessions. Hypnotic services include mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth as well as development and motivation in business, sports, education, and creativity. A hypnotist can help you meet your personal goals while figuring out what style of hypnosis works best for you: private sessions, group hypnotherapy, or self-hypnosis work.