Magazine
for Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis:
Dispelling the Top Ten Myths
by
Alanna F. Fox, C.Ht. & Terril D. Starks, C.Ht.
Myth
#1. The Hypnotist will be able to control my mind.
Fact: No one can control your mind, unless you let them.
Your
Hypnotherapist will give you suggestions that you want to be given,
based on the Pre-Hypnotic Interview. At no point during your session
will you lose control of your mind. If you hear a suggestion that
you
don't agree with, or don't understand, your subconscious mind will
automatically reject it.
Myth
#2. I will be made to perform embarrassing acts, such as bark like
a dog, or walk like a duck.
Fact: This assumption is based on Stage Hypnotism and Hollywood
fiction. The truth is, these people volunteer to act on stage,
and they
allow themselves to participate in silly suggestions. Hypnotherapy
is a
serious process of self-improvement, not entertainment.
Myth
#3. Hypnosis comes from "Black Magic" or is "Supernatural".
Fact: Hypnosis is a natural state that has been studied
scientifically. Hypnotherapists are not Psychics or Palm Readers
with
"special powers". Hypnotherapy is based on many years of clinical
research by famous Psychologists such as Dr. Sigmund Freud and Dr. Carl
Jung, and more recently, by Dr. Milton Erikson and Dr. John Kappas.
Myth
#4. If I become Hypnotized, I may not be able to snap out of it,
or Hypnosis is Dangerous.
Fact: Hypnosis is very safe, and is in fact, a state of
hyper-awareness. Any time there is an emergency, a person would
naturally be able to come out of the Hypnotic state by opening their
eyes, and stretching or speaking.
Myth
#5. I have never been in Hypnosis before.
Fact: Every person naturally enters a state of hypnosis at least
twice
everyday: just before falling asleep at night, and upon awaking every
morning, before getting out of bed. Most people easily enter
'Environmental Hypnosis' while at the movies, watching TV, driving on
the highway, or while reading a good book.
Myth
#6. Hypnosis is a "Miracle Cure".
Fact: While Hypnosis is a relatively quick method of making permanent
improvements, there is no such thing as a one-time "Hypno-Miracle"!
Every individual makes progress at his or her own rate. Be weary
of
those who make wild claims of overnight success.
Myth
#7. Hypnosis is a great tool to get someone to "confess".
Fact: Hypnotherapy sessions are kept private and cannot be used
for
court testimony. It is not an alternative to lie detector tests.
Hypnosis cannot force anyone to "tell the truth" or to confess.
Myth
#8. When Hypnotized, I will lose all sense of my surroundings,
and
will have no memory of the session.
Fact: Hypnosis is not an unconscious state of sleep. In
fact, most
people report having a heightened sense of awareness, concentration
and focus, and can even hear more acutely during a session.
Myth
#9. Self-Hypnosis is safer, better, or more effective than going
to a trained professional.
Fact: Self-Hypnosis can be detrimental when not taught by a trained
professional, as a negative attitude or belief about oneself will be
reinforced regardless of suggestions given. This can cause more stress
and problems in the long run. Hypnotherapy directly accesses the
subconscious mind, while Self-Hypnosis cannot.
Myth
#10. I can't be hypnotized because my mind is too strong/ disciplined.
Fact: This is an archaic belief that has, in recent times, been
proven
untrue. It was thought, long ago, that only 50% of the population
could
be hypnotized. Over the last 30 years, Dr. John Kappas developed methods
to induce hypnosis in 100% of the population. During your first
session, we utilize Dr. Kappas' methods, and will be able to determine
what type of suggestibility you have, and hence, how to Hypnotize you.
Because it is your decision to use Hypnosis for self-improvement, your
mind has already accepted the idea of Hypnotherapy.
Alanna F. Fox,
C.Ht. and Terril D. Starks, C.Ht. own their own practice, Partners
For Progressive Change, in downtown Grass Valley, California. They both
graduated with honors from Hypnosis Motivation Institute, the first and
only nationally accredited school for hypnosis in the United States.
Currently, they are participants in Blue Cross of California's
Healthy Extensions program. Ms. Fox is an award-winning published
poet, and works also as a freelance writer. Mr. Starks is
a Licensed Nurse, and is currently attending the International University
of Professional Studies for a degree in Transpersonal Psychology.
Web: http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/7117
e-mail hypnosis@cheerful.com
ARTICLES
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