Busting Hypnosis Myths!
There are many misconceptions about hypnosis. The following are the most common myths:
Myth #1: Hypnotized People Can Do Bizarre Things
Many people have this impression because they witnessed a stage hypnosis performance. The perception is that the hypnotist is in total control and can make individuals cluck like a chicken or bark like a dog. This couldn't be farther from the truth! The stage hypnotist selects volunteer subjects who are extroverts, like attention, and are willing to accept suggestions for entertainment purposes. It’s all about having fun! On the other hand, hypnotherapy is used for serious purposes, so naturally one would not be made to perform any outrageous behavior as in stage hypnosis.
Myth #2: Loss of Consciousness
One of the major misconceptions about hypnosis is that the subject will lose conscious awareness. In the altered state of hypnosis the individual does not lose awareness or fall asleep. The individual is alert and aware of everything at all times and hears everything the hypnotist says. While consciousness is entirely suspended in natural sleep, it is definitely present in hypnosis – a great difference. Hypnosis then is not sleep. In hypnosis one is awake and alert. The brain waves of a hypnotized person, even in deep hypnosis, are those of one awake and not of one asleep.
An EEG of a hypnotized person is indistinguishable from that of a person who is relaxed, alert, with eyes closed. Moreover, a deeply sleeping individual will not hear if spoken to, unless roughly awakened by shaking; yet, a person in deep hypnosis, though seemingly oblivious, will hear and respond to the hypnotist’s suggestions. Hypnosis more closely resembles normal waking consciousness than it does sleep. In sleep consciousness is lost, but in a state of hypnosis a person is capable of thinking and reasoning.
An EEG of a hypnotized person is indistinguishable from that of a person who is relaxed, alert, with eyes closed. Moreover, a deeply sleeping individual will not hear if spoken to, unless roughly awakened by shaking; yet, a person in deep hypnosis, though seemingly oblivious, will hear and respond to the hypnotist’s suggestions. Hypnosis more closely resembles normal waking consciousness than it does sleep. In sleep consciousness is lost, but in a state of hypnosis a person is capable of thinking and reasoning.
Myth #3: Fear of Getting “Stuck” in Hypnosis
Some may wonder, “What happens if the hypnotist can’t get me out of this?” or “What happens if the hypnotist has a heart attack while I’m hypnotized?” The answer is “Open your eyes, and dial 911.” There is no danger of the individual being “brought out” of hypnosis. Since the individual holds the control, there is no difficulty in terminating the hypnotic state.
Myth #4: Surrender of the Will, Loss of Control
This myth has been perpetuated by novels, other print media, TV, and the movies. Many people believe that hypnosis is a surrender of the will to the all powerful hypnotist. Since the ability to be hypnotized is a subjective experience, nothing could be farther from the truth. Most experts agree that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Although the hypnotist guides and develops the hypnotic state, the ability to be hypnotized rests within the individual. The individual is always in control.
Myth #5: Secrets will be Revealed
Many fear that they will divulge secrets or confidential information when they are in hypnosis. This is definitely not the case. Hypnosis is not a truth serum that will render the hypnotized person incapable of lying, or cause them to reveal embarrassing or personal information. While in hypnosis a person will not spontaneously begin talking, or disclose any intimate secrets they would not tell at any other time.
Myth #6: Weak Minds
A common misconception is that only weak-willed or simple-minded persons can be hypnotized. Contrary to popular belief, there is actually a correlation between intelligence and hypnotizability. It is difficult and often impossible to hypnotize individuals with an IQ below 70, psychotics, or severely detached individuals. The greater the intelligence the better the hypnotic subject.
Myth #7: Criminal or Antisocial Acts
Most authorities agree that the hypnotized individual cannot be induced to commit antisocial or criminal acts, or commit acts detrimental to her or others. A hypnotized person will not do anything he or she would not do at any other time.
Myth #8: Hypnosis Weakens the Will
The will is not weakened or changed in any way. Individuals are always in control and cannot be made to do anything against their will, and a person cannot be hypnotized against their will. Hypnosis is not a clash of wills and it should be emphasized that individuals are not dominated by the will of the hypnotist. It is a condition of trust and cooperation between the individual and the hypnotist.
MYTH #9: Hypnosis is Habit Forming
Can a person become addicted to hypnosis or can it become habit-forming? NO. Individuals can resist hypnosis at any time, no matter how many times they have been hypnotized.
Myth #10: Inductions Weaken the Mind
Multiple hypnotic inductions do not weaken the mind. In university experiments, thousands of students have been hypnotized hundreds of times without harm.