Is Hypnosis Dangerous?

What is hypnosis? Is hypnosis real? Is hypnosis dangerous? Many false ideas about hypnosis are passed around without a second thought. Unfortunately for those people sharing these wrong ideas they are missing out on the real power of hypnosis and hypnotherapy. 

Below are several myths and misconceptions about hypnosis followed by the real truth.

Myth #1 : Hypnotists are gifted with special powers or magical training

FACT : A hypnotist is a human being without unusual or mystical powers. A well-trained hypnotist understands that the person hypnotizes themselves. He uses the effective deliver of suggestions to facilitate an altered state of mind and teaches his client to bring about or self-induce the hypnotic state.

Myth #2 : A person may not be easily awakened and may remain in the hypnotic state for a long time or get "stuck" in this state

FACT : No one has remained indefinitely in a hypnotic state. The state can be terminated at will. It is as simple as opening the eyes. You cannot get stuck in hypnosis and not "wake up".

Myth #3 : Hypnosis affects a cure in just one or two sessions. It's a panacea.

FACT : In many instances one or two sessions of hypnosis may enable a person to break a habit. However, in the majority of cases it requires a number of sessions before a favorable result is obtained. 

Myth #4 : Many people cannot be hypnotized

FACT : 90% of all people can be hypnotized

Myth #5 : Only gullible or weak-minded can be hypnotized

FACT : You cannot hypnotize a feeble-minded person. It takes imagination and a willingness to cooperate, a willingness to accept suggestions. The more intelligent and imaginative the person, the easier it is to hypnotize them. The truth is, the more creative and intelligent a person is, the easier it is to induce hypnosis. The more analytical and controlling a person is, the harder it is to induce hypnosis.

Myth #6 : When in hypnosis you are out of control

FACT : You cannot be hypnotized against your will. You have to "want" to be hypnotized in order for it to happen. To be hypnotized...

1. You must want to be hypnotized
2. You must have confidence in the hypnotist
3. You must be willing to accept suggestion
4. You must be free from fear
5. You must be free from the need to be in control

Myth #7 : A person could be made to do anything or say anything, and is 'under' the hypnotists control. They could be made to commit a crime or go against their moral principles

FACT : In hypnosis, a person will not go against his or her moral principles. They will not commit an anti-social act. They have the power to select only the suggestions they are willing to accept. They will reject any improper suggestions. They will never commit a crime or an illegal act as a result.

​You cannot be given a suggestion or post-hypnotic suggestion to go against your moral principles.

Myth #8 : Hypnosis is merely relaxation and nothing more

FACT : You can be relaxed and yet not be hypnotized - and you can be hypnotized and not be relaxed. Relaxation is only one aspect of one kind of trance.

Myth #9 : Hypnosis is the surrender of one's will to the hypnotist. 

FACT : A hypnotist does not have power over another person. Modern hypnosis uses the word "in" when describing hypnosis, in that a person is "in" a hypnotic state. Modern hypnosis does not use the word "under" as if the hypnotic client is "under" the power of the hypnotist. 

​Clients resolve their issues from their own inner resources - i.e. their own subconscious mind.