When you hear the word “hypnosis,” do you picture a mysterious figure waving a pocket watch and uttering “You are getting sleepy... very sleepy…”? Or perhaps you imagine someone clucking like a chicken on stage? Well, it’s time to clear the air. Hypnosis isn’t about mind control or parlour tricks; it’s a legitimate tool with therapeutic, personal development, and even spiritual applications. In this post, we’ll explore the common myths about hypnosis and shed some light on how it really works. Let’s set the record straight.

Myth 1: Hypnosis is mind control

One of the most persistent misconceptions about hypnosis is that it allows one person to control another’s mind, like some kind of wizardry or mental trickery. But here’s the truth: hypnosis is not mind control. It’s a collaborative process. The person being hypnotised remains fully aware and in control of their actions. They can accept or reject suggestions as they see fit.

Hypnosis isn’t about tricking someone into doing something against their will. Rather, it’s a way of accessing the unconscious mind, a place where our thoughts, beliefs, and habits reside. In this relaxed and focused state, people are more open to positive suggestions, but they’re not “under control.” In fact, as noted by organisations like the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA), hypnosis cannot force someone to act against their morals or values. You’re not being controlled; you’re actively participating in the process of change.

Myth 2: You can be hypnotised against your will

Have you ever worried that someone might hypnotise you without your permission? Well, fear not. Hypnosis doesn’t work that way. The idea that you can be hypnotised against your will is simply not true. In order for hypnosis to be effective, you must be willing to enter a relaxed and focused state. Without consent, hypnosis doesn’t work.

This is an important point because many people mistakenly believe that hypnosis can be used as a form of ill-intentioned manipulation. But in reality, hypnosis is a voluntary process, and if you're not open to it, it won’t happen. So, if you're sceptical about the process, that's perfectly fine, hypnosis practitioners can’t make you do anything you’re not willing to do.

Myth 3: Hypnosis equals sleep

You might have heard that hypnosis is like sleep, but it’s not. While the word “hypnosis” is derived from the Greek word for sleep, the two are not the same. In fact, hypnosis is a deeply relaxed state of heightened awareness, not sleep. When someone is hypnotised, they are fully awake, aware of their surroundings, and able to interact with the practitioner.

The key difference is the level of focus. In hypnosis, you’re focused intently on your thoughts or a suggestion, whereas in sleep, you’re disconnected from your thoughts and your surroundings. So, don’t worry, you won’t be snoring away when you’re hypnotised. Instead, you’re likely to feel deeply relaxed, alert, and in control of your experience.

Myth 4: Only the weak-minded can be hypnotised

There’s a myth that only weak-minded people can be hypnotised, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, people with strong imaginations, creativity, and an ability to focus tend to be the best candidates for hypnosis. Hypnosis is not about weakness of character; it’s about the capacity to enter a relaxed and focused state.

Studies show that susceptibility to hypnosis is a skill that anyone can develop, regardless of personality or mental strength. And in fact, many high achievers - including athletes, executives, and performers - use hypnosis to enhance their focus, performance, and well-being. So, don’t worry about being “weak-minded.” Hypnosis is for anyone who is open to exploring its benefits.

Myth 5: Hypnosis can make you reveal secrets

Another common myth about hypnosis is that it will make you spill your deepest secrets. The idea is that under hypnosis, you’ll be forced to reveal personal or embarrassing information. However, this is just a myth. Hypnosis does not act as a truth serum. You won’t suddenly find yourself blurting out your innermost thoughts or secrets.

In fact, hypnosis allows you to be in control of what you reveal. Just as you wouldn’t tell a therapist your deepest secrets unless you’re comfortable, the same applies during hypnosis. You are not under the influence of a “truth-telling” spell. Hypnosis simply helps you access a relaxed state where your unconscious mind can more easily absorb positive suggestions for change.

Myth 6: You open yourself up to demonic possession

This is perhaps one of the most dramatic myths surrounding hypnosis, and it’s understandable why some people might worry. The idea that entering a hypnotic state makes you vulnerable to possession by supernatural entities has been circulated for years, often fuelled by movies, folklore, and certain religious beliefs.

Let’s be clear: hypnosis is not a mystical ritual or a gateway to the unknown. It is a natural state of focused attention that we all experience in everyday life; like when you’re completely engrossed in a book, lost in thought while driving, or daydreaming. At no point during hypnosis does a person lose control of their mind, their soul, or their free will.

Scientific studies and professional hypnosis organisations affirm that hypnosis is a psychological process, not a spiritual one. There is no evidence to suggest that entering a hypnotic state makes someone more susceptible to external influences, be they supernatural or otherwise. You don’t “open yourself up” to anything except your own unconscious mind, which is already a part of you.

Interestingly, hypnosis has even been used within religious communities as a tool for deep meditation, self-reflection, and personal growth. Many religious figures throughout history, from monks to pastors, have used trance-like states to enhance prayer and spiritual connection. This is a topic worth exploring in more detail, which is why I’ll be dedicating a future article specifically to the use of hypnosis in religious organisations.

For now, rest assured, hypnosis won’t summon spirits, invite possession, or alter your spiritual beliefs. It’s simply a powerful tool for self-improvement, personal development, and healing.

What about the chicken?

Let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the chicken. Stage shows often depict hypnosis as a tool for making people perform silly antics, like clucking like a chicken. While this can be amusing, it’s important to remember that these are theatrical performances. In a therapeutic setting, you’re much more likely to explore your thoughts and behaviours than impersonate a farm animal.

So don’t worry, no one is going to make you break out in song or dance. Unless, of course, you choose to!

Hypnosis in various fields: NLP, Coaching, Psychology, and even Churches

Now that we’ve debunked the myths, let’s take a look at how hypnosis is used in different fields. It’s not just for entertainment and therapy, hypnosis is a powerful tool used in various professional settings, including coaching, psychology, and even in some religious organisations.

Hypnosis in NLP

NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) is a popular method used in coaching, therapy, and self-development. It’s based on the idea that our thoughts, language, and behaviours are interconnected and can be changed by altering how we perceive them. Hypnosis is often used in NLP to help individuals access their unconscious mind, where deeper thought patterns and behaviours reside. By using hypnosis in combination with NLP techniques, individuals can break free from limiting beliefs, overcome phobias, and even improve their performance.

Hypnosis in Coaching

Many coaches use hypnosis to help clients achieve personal goals, enhance motivation, and overcome obstacles. Through guided relaxation and focused attention, hypnosis allows clients to enter a state where they can visualise success, reinforce positive beliefs, and align their unconscious mind with their conscious goals. Whether it’s breaking bad habits or boosting self-confidence, hypnosis can be a game-changer in the coaching process.

Hypnosis in Psychology

In the field of psychology, hypnosis is used as a tool for treating various conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and trauma. By helping individuals access their unconscious mind, hypnosis practitioners can guide clients to reframe negative thought patterns and adopt healthier behaviours. Hypnosis can also be used in conjunction with other therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to enhance the overall effectiveness of treatment.

Hypnosis in Religious Organisations

Yes, you read that right! Hypnosis has also found its way into some religious contexts. In certain churches, hypnosis is used to facilitate deep meditative states, enhance spiritual experiences, and help individuals achieve personal transformation. While the practice is not universal, some religious leaders believe that hypnosis can help individuals connect with their spiritual selves in a profound way.

In a future article, we’ll explore the role of hypnosis in religious organisations and how it’s used to promote healing, growth, and spiritual development.

To Conclude

Now that we've debunked the myths and explained what hypnosis really is, it’s time to consider how it could help you. Whether you want to manage stress, break a bad habit, or improve your performance, hypnosis could be just the tool you need. If you’re curious, why not book a session with a qualified hypnosis practitioner and experience it for yourself? It might just be the change you’re looking for.

Hypnosis isn’t about losing control, it’s about gaining control over your thoughts, habits, and behaviours. So, let go of the myths and take the first step toward unlocking your potential.

Remember, the mind is a powerful thing, and with hypnosis, you can tap into that power for positive change.