Misconceptions of hypnosis

There are five basic misconceptions about hypnosis:

1.  Most people expect to pass out and be unconscious when hypnotised.   Actually there is never any loss of consciousness, even in the deepest stages of hypnosis.   Hypnosis is like a dream, sometimes you remember everything, sometimes you remember only parts, and sometimes you can’t remember anything.   A volunteer is more likely to experience amnesia if he/she has been in a deep state of hypnosis.

2.  Most people expect to be under the control of the hypnotist.   In fact, there is no surrender of willpower.   Any suggestion given is strictly censored, both consciously and unconsciously.

3.  Another misconception is that only the weak-minded can be hypnotised.   The opposite is true, the stronger your concentration and the greater your imagination, the faster you become hypnotised.

4.  Some subjects may fear that they will talk and say something they may not want known while in hypnosis.   Since one is aware at all times when hypnotised, there is no such tendency.

5.  Another fear expressed is that you may get stuck in hypnosis.   Nobody has remained in a hypnotic state indefinitely.   Your mind automatically wakes you or allows you to fall asleep.   The hypnotist works very hard at keeping the subjects in the hypnotic state.