What Is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis, simply put is a heightened state of suggestibility. While in hypnosis our minds become open to the suggestions of the hypnotist. At this point the hypnotist gives the suggestions that will help the client obtain the goals they have set out to achieve. If any suggestion is given that the client is uncomfortable with, the client will simply disregard it. Hypnosis is not a state of unconsciousness or sleep but rather a state of focused consciousness. You are always aware of your surroundings, and at anytime you can emerge yourself if you choose to do so.
Hypnosis Myths, Shattered
Hypnosis is mind control: False
The belief that a hypnotist can "control" another human being against there will is false. This perception makes for a good stage hypnosis show as well as a perfect story line for your favorite weekly crime drama. The reality is while in hypnosis you would not do anything that would go against your moral code.
Not everyone can be hypnotized: False
Actually hypnosis is a natural recurring state that almost every human being has entered thousands of times through out their life. Have you ever been driving home from work and while pulling into your driveway you thought, "I don't remember passing that landmark or getting off at my exit". You were in a state of focused consciousness, or in other words hypnosis.
You can get "stuck" in hypnosis: False
You can not get "stuck" in hypnosis any more than you can get "stuck" asleep or "stuck" awake. It is a natural state and even if your hypnotist does not end your hypnotic trance you would eventually become fully alert.
Hypnosis is a magic wand: False
Hypnosis is an amazing tool that has helped people achieve healthier life styles, a better golf game, freedom from fears and anxieties and much more. Think of it as a tool, like a car. The car gets you to your destination much faster and with less effort than say walking, but you still had to make the mental effort to drive the car, put fuel in the gas tank and have a plan to reach your destination. Hypnosis is similar in that you must make a commitment to yourself, there is no auto-pilot.
Hypnosis is a truth serum: False
Hypnosis is not a truth serum. While in a hypnotic trance you are in complete control of what you do or say. The use of hypnosis in forensics is often used to help people remember details about an event. While in hypnosis we are often able to remember events from our past in more detail.