When I see a new client for the first time, I’m often asked a number of questions about hypnotherapy. For many people, I will be their first introduction to the therapy, and they want to be sure that it is right for them before we go ahead and start the process of hypnosis.
Over time I’ve come to expect a few of the more common questions, so I thought I’d dispel some of the myths that people have about hypnotherapy, here…
Clinical Hypnosis Myths
I might be programmed to do something against my will
Many people’s only experience of hypnosis will be from the stage shows or televised entertainment that shows people being hypnotised to do funny things such as eating an onion when they think it’s an apple, doing Elvis impressions or pretending to be a chicken. In truth, this is as far removed from clinical hypnosis as it is possible to be. Hypnotherapy works with you, to empower you to make positive decisions. I don’t actually have the power or inclination to get you to do something against your will, no matter how effective the therapy may be!
I might go in to a trance and never come out
Often, people are concerned that they will be ‘put under’ or reach a trance-like state, and then be unable to rouse themselves from it at the end of a session of hypnosis. This is simply not possible. If I were to do a session of hypnotherapy with a client, and they were suddenly faced with a dangerous situation such as a fire, they would be able to instantly rouse themselves from their feeling of deep relaxation and take whatever action was necessary to make sure that they were safe from harm.
The therapist will get me to tell them all my secrets
It’s true that hypnosis can make you feel very relaxed and lose some of your inhibitions, making it easier for you to discuss difficult or emotional subjects in a confidential setting. However, the most effective hypnosis in the world will not make you do something against your will. If you have secrets that you want to conceal, they’ll stay safe with you regardless of how deeply relaxed you are!
It makes you lose all control of yourself
It’s a common misunderstanding about hypnotherapy, that people undergoing hypnosis lose control of themselves in some way, relinquishing control to the therapist. In fact, the very opposite is true. Clinical hypnosis is designed to give you more control, developing useful skills for achieving goals, boosting confidence and empowering you to make a positive difference in your life.
I might make a fool of myself and be embarrassed
In clinical hypnosis sessions, the client simply sits back and relaxes for a while, and listens to the therapist. There’s no margin in that scenario for you to do anything embarrassing or upsetting, so there’s nothing to worry about when it comes to having your first session. While it would be quite funny to see a client acting erratically for no reason, or doing odd things, this doesn’t actually ever happen!
Clinical hypnotherapy is only ever used for positive reasons, to give the client the resources that they need to achieve great outcomes in their life. It’s one of the most non-invasive, effective and beneficial therapies out there, with no possibility of the client being embarrassed, at risk in any way, or anything other than completely relaxed and stress-free!
What’s your experience of hypnosis?
Please share your views in the comments below.
