Unveiling Hypnosis: Debunking Top Myths and Unveiling Fascinating Applications
- May 1, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: May 24, 2023
Written by: Nadija Bajrami, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
"You're the only one who can unlock your true potential & hypnosis is the key." – Juliet C. Obodo
Discover the truth about hypnosis as we debunk common myths and explore its intriguing applications. Hypnosis, often misunderstood, has captivated minds for centuries. Let's delve into the world of hypnosis, separating fact from fiction, and uncovering its potential.
Let’s debunk the nine most common myths about hypnosis.
Myth 1: Hypnosis is the same as sleep.
Fact: The hypnotized person is an active participant who remains responsive and aware of their surroundings.
Myth 2: Hypnosis is the same as meditation.
Fact: There are similarities between the two, but the main distinction is how focused hypnosis is on changing and updating your thoughts, unlike meditation which is generally about noticing, observing, and accepting your thoughts.
Myth 3: A hypnotherapist might pull some embarrassing tricks on you or make you act against your will.
Fact: A fully trained clinical hypnotherapist would never do this. People often confuse a stage hypnotist with a therapeutic or clinical hypnotherapist. A stage hypnotist will do this because that is what is expected of them. You agree to this by stepping on stage and joining the show. However, you will easily return to your normal state at the end of the performance. In a clinical setting, you only agree to the therapeutic goals for the session, so that is all that will occur.
It is important to remember that Stage and Clinical hypnosis are two very different disciplines. The hypnotherapist is merely a guide or facilitator. They cannot "make" you do anything against your will.
Myth 4: Hypnosis can be dangerous in the event of an emergency.
Fact: A person in a hypnotic trance is just as aware, if not more so, of any potential danger. Should an emergency happen during a session, a person would easily come out of the trance state and deal with the situation immediately, and in an appropriate way.
Myth 5: Some people can’t be hypnotized.
Fact: Everyone has the ability to be hypnotized because it’s a natural, normal state that each of us enters at least twice each day, upon awakening and falling asleep. Not everyone is equally susceptible to hypnosis, but research has found that about two-thirds of adults are. It is also very important to mention that since no one can be hypnotized against their will, the real question is whether a person wants to be hypnotized rather than whether they CAN BE hypnotized.
Myth 6: One of the risks of hypnosis is getting stuck in a trance.
Fact: No one has ever been stuck in a hypnotic trance when working with a trained practitioner.
Myth 7: You are not hypnotized if you can hear the hypnotherapist
Fact: This is not true at all. Each person has a unique experience with hypnosis. Some people consciously hear the hypnotherapist, whereas others do not. This has no bearing on the success of the session whatsoever. It is usually down to choice. You can choose to allow your mind to drift away, or you can choose to listen carefully to what the hypnotherapist is saying. Some people may be prone to drift away, just like daydreaming, or you might be concentrating on the therapist’s voice.
Myth 8: Hypnotherapists have special powers
Fact: I have heard this quite often over the last couple of years. A hypnotherapist is a normal person who eats, sleeps, feels happy and sad, and loses their car keys. There is nothing special or magical about them at all. As hypnotherapists, we have simply been trained, and have honed this training with experience, to help guide people into a hypnotic state and help them make sustainable changes.
Myth 9: Hypnosis is not an effective modality
Fact: Results of a 2007 Comparative Study by American Health Magazine:
Hypnotherapy Service: 93% success after 6 sessions
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: 72% success after 22 sessions
Psychoanalysis: 38% success after 600 sessions
What hypnosis can help with:
Hypnosis is a powerful modality that can help with a wide range of issues. I have listed some of them below.
Confidence and self-esteem boost
Phobias, Fears, Anxieties management (social phobia/anxiety, fear of flying, fear of driving, fear of water, fear of public speaking, insomnia and sleep issues...)
Easing symptoms of traumatic experiences
Past Life Regression and Future Life Progression
Breaking bad habits
Panic attacks
Grief and loss management
Relationship issues
Increasing your motivation and overcoming procrastination
Stress management
Anger management
Pain management
Performance-related issues (exam nerves, improving your performance at work...)
Inner child, attachment, and core wounds healing
Fertility and IVF
Weight management and weight loss
Reduce / Quit smoking
Hypnosis is a powerful tool for personal growth, behavior modification, and therapeutic interventions. By dispelling common myths surrounding hypnosis and exploring its fascinating applications, we can embrace the potential of this age-old technique. Whether you seek self-improvement or wish to overcome challenges, hypnosis offers a unique path to unlocking the power of your mind.
Nadija Bajrami, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
French by birth, Nadija has lived in Scotland for 7 years and has traveled the world. After recovering from some serious health issues, Nadija had a wake-up call and came to Ireland to find her path. She has been living in Dublin since 2017.
Nadija is a multi award winning trauma, empowerment specialist and holds a double diploma in Hypnotherapy, Mind Coaching, and online therapy.
She is dedicated to helping her clients get empowered, supercharge their confidence and self-esteem, overcome their limiting beliefs as well as manage anxiety, and symptoms of traumatic experiences and help people on their grief and healing journey through her therapy, coaching, and spiritual work.
