Hypnotherapy is a practice that is often misunderstood and feared. It brings to mind images of swinging watches and a hypnotist controlling people. However, hypnosis is not mind control. Hypnotherapy is a very effective tool for self-improvement. Here are three myths and three facts about hypnotherapy.

Myth: A Hypnotist Controls Their Clients

Many people think that a hypnotist is an authoritarian figure who is in full control of the hypnotized person. They can make that person think or act in any way the hypnotist wants them to.

Fact: Clients Are Fully In Control

During hypnotherapy, the client is fully aware of their surroundings. A trance is an altered state of consciousness that allows for deep relaxation. Hypnotherapy is a very popular tool for things like quitting smoking or losing weight. In fact, according to PHA, researchers compared weight loss therapy sessions that used cognitive behavioral therapy with the same therapy supplemented by hypnosis. They found that the clients who used hypnosis lost 90% more weight and were more likely to keep the weight off two years later.

Myth: You Can Get Stuck In a Trance

Some people fear that if a hypnotist puts you in a trance, they are the only ones that can take you out of it. So what happens if they leave or refuse to do so? Will you be stuck in a trance forever?

Fact: You Will Come Out of a Trance

Everyone goes through trances every day. It is a natural thing for the body and mind to do during times of focus or before falling asleep. So, if your hypnotist leaves you alone during hypnotherapy, you will come out of your trance on your own.

Myth: The Hypnotist Has the Power to Hypnotize You

If the hypnotist is the one doing everything, then it seems like they're the one with the power during the hypnotherapy. A popular myth is that they put the client into hypnosis.

Fact: You Hypnotize Yourself

No one can be hypnotized without their consent. The hypnotist provides the guidance that their client might need in order to achieve a trance state, but you ultimately hypnotize yourself.

Hypnotherapy can be extremely useful for many people. But because of myths like the ones above, many are fearful about it. By learning which common statements are myths and which are true, you can make hypnotherapy less intimidating for everybody. If you are interested to begin hypnotherapy, call us today!