I’m going to quash some of the common Misconceptions and Myths about Hypnotherapy. Many people are sceptical about Hypnotherapy due to the false Myths out there. In conversations with others from when I started training, people have made general comments about their perception of the therapy.
Here are 8 common Misconceptions and Myths about Hypnotherapy with my response to them.
#1 “Hypnosis is Woo-Woo and Mystical”
False.
There is nothing out of the ordinary or supernatural about Hypnotherapy. Hypnosis was originally termed “mesmerism” which gives the idea of it being a bit mystical. However, the term comes from Franz Mesmer, a German physician. In the early 1800’s, he used the trance like state, hypnosis, as a form of pain relief before anaesthesia was invented. The word “mesmerize” is derived from his surname.
#2 “Hypnotherapy is for Entertainment”
False.
Again Franz Mesmer, unintentionally invented stage hypnotism. He travelled round Europe showing physicians his new pain relief technique. As a result, he became a ‘celebrity’. Which unfortunately alienated him from the medical profession, brandishing him a charlatan. In conclusion, his show would’ve been more elaborate and included extravagant hand gestures and phrases to get people into a trance. The audience would’ve gone into his mesmerizing trance because they expected that to be the case.
#3 “I won’t be in Control; I’ll be clucking round the room like a Chicken!”
False.
Don’t worry it’s not the same as a stage hypnotist, You Are in Control! Hypnosis is when the brain is in a state of focused attention in which other stimuli can be ignored. This opens the mind to respond to suggestion. We use language in the form of metaphors, so the brain is focused on the language. In other words, we gain creative insight from one reality, so we can see it more clearly in another, creating its own interpretation. By giving a person an effective map, you can change a predicament therapeutically to resolve a problem. As a result, they take the reward for the change.
#4 “You’ll be Reading my Mind in Sessions”
False.
I most certainly can’t read anyone’s mind! In fact, through the mind reboot sessions, there are lots of memories which the client revisits and doesn’t need to disclose to me. Therefore, I have no idea what is in their mind! Hypnotherapy sessions are carried out in a calm, safe space. Hearing words which allow you to open and access your subconscious mind, focusing in on achievable positive solutions.
#5 “I can’t be Hypnotised”
False.
Hypnosis is a natural trance state that we go into many times a day. In fact, most people will experience it without realising. For example, when you are driving you don’t need to think about how to drive, you do it automatically. Your mind drifts off, then you experience that distanced feeling from your body and the car, that’s a mild hypnotic state. Your subconscious is taking care of driving, whilst allowing your conscious mind to float around in thoughts.
#6 “Hypnosis is just Sleep right?”
False.
Despite the term hypnosis originating from the ancient Greek god of Sleep, Hypnos, it isn’t Sleep. We encourage clients to close their eyes during the hypnotic relaxation. Therefore, it will give the appearance of being asleep. This helps with visualising what is in their mind rather than through their eyes. In fact, during hypnosis a person’s brain waves are nothing like when sleeping. During the hypnotic trance, the brain activity is in a heightened state of concentration. The Alpha waves prove that the person is awake, and responsive, yet relaxed. To understand more about our Sleep, visit my blog on Why We Dream. Have a listen to one of my relaxation recordings Calm Anxiety to give you a flavour of the trance.
#7 “Hypnotherapy is a Quick Fix; I’ve seen it in the films”
False.
Compared to some other therapies, Hypnotherapy is quick at achieving your desired outcome. How Many Sessions you need will depend on the outcome you are working towards. For those with phobias and traumas then 3 sessions will suffice. To help gain control of your life or when dealing with anxiety and depression you will expect to have between 6 and 12 sessions. These time frames are only a guide with results varying for everyone; I cannot guarantee a time frame for your treatment but will provide sessions for as long as you need.
#8 “You’ve got this Special Power over Me”
False.
I don’t have a Special Power over anyone! Clients have mentioned in testimonials:
“Jo makes me feel so at ease and relaxed”.
“With Jo’s professional calm attitude definitely helped to clear my mind, see things for what they are.”
“Jo held a safe and confidential space without judgement.”
“With Jo’s wholly professional approach, blended with a calm and relaxing personality put me at ease within minutes of being in her company.”
There are no Powers, merely over 3 decades of experience helping clients feel calm, relaxed, and confident, as a beauty therapist.
To Sum Up
I hope I have put your mind at rest and invalidated the Myths about Hypnotherapy.
Hypnotherapy isn’t Mystical, Mind reading, Sleep, or Quick Fix, it is a talking therapy, seeing your goals as a reality and managing the barriers which are standing in your way.
I support people to manage life stresses and pressures by teaching them easy-to-learn techniques to regain control of their emotions, and reactions to life pressures or change.
I am a full member of the AfSFH, NCH and CNHC, fully compliant with all their codes and ethics. I have full public liability am qualified, verified, and fully insured through BABTAC, with an enhanced DBS certificate through the NCH. Please do visit my terms & conditions.
A free consultation – by telephone, in-person, or over Zoom – will help you find out if Hypnotherapy is right for you.
We all have the ability to change…