Debunking the Myths

#1 Loss of consciousness
A person in hypnosis is in an altered state of consciousness. He/She is aware of what is going on and not in a sleep state.

#2 Hypnotized people do crazy things while under hypnosis
Stage hypnosis exists for the entertainment of the audience. It has created a false impression of what clinical hypnosis is. Hypnosis exists for the realization of the client's goals, to release negative or limiting habits, fears and physical discomfort.

#3 In hypnosis there is a surrender of the will or loss of control
Hypnotic subjects remain in total control and will never do in the hypnotic state anything He/She would not do in his usual state of consciousness.

#4 Weak mindedness
You must be of average intelligence to be hypnotized. You must have the ability to imagine and concentrate. The very fact that a client is looking for another tool to help themselves with an issue and is willing to do the work they have to do, suggest a strong mind.

#5 Revelation of secrets
A person will never reveal anything that they don't want to reveal. The client is in control at all times and totally responsible for their actions.

#6 Fear of getting stuck in hypnosis
A subject cannot get stuck in hypnosis. What keeps a person in hypnosis is the hypnotists constant dialog. If the hypnotist stops talking the client will do one of two things. 1) They will emerge from hypnosis, curious to see why the session stopped or 2) They will be so relaxed they just fall off to sleep and take a nap from which they wake up naturally in a short amount of time.

#7 Hypnosis weakens the will
A person will not succumb to any suggestion contrary to their goals and wishes made by the hypnotist because they remain in control.

#8 Hypnosis is habit-forming
This technique is not habit-forming. It is highly successful and can be deeply relaxing which encourages people to do self-hypnosis. It is just another tool of self help to use, if and when you choose.

#9 Repeated inductions weakens the mind
Repetitive inductions strengthen your resolve to achieve your goals, release your fears/and or discomforts.

#10 Criminal or anti-social acts
A hypnotized person maintains their usual moral values and would never do anything he/she would not do when they are not hypnotized.