Clinical Hypnosis is a procedure in which an individual is taught to enter a state of heightened focus, relaxation and suggestibility. This hypnotic trance state becomes the basis for alleviating or resolving medical and psychological symptoms, as well as enhancing performance and creativity. However, for many people hypnosis conjures up images of zombie like states where you are under the control of someone else (a “Svengali”), or of a stage full of fools clucking like chickens. These images are understandable given how hypnosis is often portrayed by the media. As entertaining as these images may be, they also perpetuate myths and misconceptions that prevent many people from pursuing a treatment that can be a valuable clinical tool.
Myth #1: Hypnosis is an unnatural state of mind
Hypnosis is actually a natural trance state that almost anyone can relate to. Here are some familiar examples: becoming absorbed in a good book, day dreaming, driving a familiar route on a freeway but missing your exit because the mind was somewhere else, or watching a movie. Consider the movie example in more detail. The reality of a movie going experience is sitting in a darkened room with several hundred strangers mesmerized by a flickering light on a silver screen. Yet if the acting, writing, and directing are captivating enough, the reality is suspended and whatever is being suggested (amusement, fear, sadness, etc) is what is experienced by the viewer. In this natural trance state you are in full control and could easily get up and walk away if you wanted to. Typically you leave only if what the movie is suggesting to you is not pleasing! All hypnosis is essentially self hypnosis. The hypnotist is only a guide in the process of teaching the individual to bring about the trance state readily.
Myth #2: Hypnosis is sleep
Although hypnosis can produce profound states of deep relaxation it is not sleep. The hypnotized subject is actually aware and in control at all times.
Myth#3: Only the weak minded or gullible people can be hypnotized
Virtually everyone can experience hypnosis. People appear to have greater or lesser natural hypnotic ability. Generally those with higher levels of intelligence, creativity, and fantasy prone behavior (such as day dreaming or being easily absorbed in books and movies) make the best subjects. Typically it is fear and misunderstanding that hinder someone from reaching deeper levels of the trance state. The hypnotic process does not involve pitting the will of the hypnotist against the will of the subject. The hypnotist is merely the guide for teaching the subject how to produce and utilize the hypnotic trance state.
Myth#4: One could end up stuck in hypnosis
Because hypnosis is such a pleasant state, many are reluctant to terminate it. Similarly, we might wish that a soothing massage continues indefinitely. However, even if the hypnotist were to command remaining in hypnosis, or if he/she has left the room, the subject would either fall asleep, or more likely simply open his/her eyes and be wide awake.
Myth#5: Hypnosis can coerce one to engage in immoral or unethical acts
Any suggestion can be rejected in hypnosis, especially those that violate a person s beliefs or morality. The hypnotic subject is actually in full control at all times and will not comply with anything against his or her will.
Myth#6: Hypnosis is like a truth serum
Because the individual is in full control, he or she can also to edit whatever is said to the hypnotist. Just as a psychotherapy client selects his/her own level of disclosure during psychotherapy, the hypnotized subject has the same options. Hypnosis is not admissible in a court of law because distortions and actual lying is possible.
Potential Benefits of Hypnosis:
relaxation stress management help with depression, anxiety, and phobias improved sleep smoking cessation modification of other bad habits improved cognitive functioning enhanced athletic, sales, or academic performance increased self esteem pain management optimization of other mind/body connections
Daniel Galant, Ph.D., CHT, is a clinical psychologist at Practical Recovery (http://www.practicalrecovery.com), where he integrates hypnotherapy into the treatment of addiction and related problems.
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