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by: JohnB
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Hypnotherapy is a rapidly advancing field that is leaving behind the old Svengali-like mind control image, and proving instead to be an effective treatment for a range of psychological and psychosomatic (physical issues exacerbated or created by the mind) problems.

Hypnotherapy is a powerful technique of human interaction that, when skillfully applied, enables people to shift and overcome long standing negative beliefs, behaviour patterns, and emotions, replacing them with life enhancing alternatives.

However, in spite of advancements many misconceptions about hypnosis still remain, which means that due to a level of apprehension some people may needlessly avoid hypnosis as a potential treatment.

Some of the obvious misconceptions are: -

1."What if I get stuck in hypnosis?"

This is the most common fear that people still have. For the record, there have been no verified and recorded instances of patients just getting "stuck" in hypnosis.

It is very uncommon for people to go into a very deep trance, to the point that they cannot follow the instructions of the therapist to open their eyes. In fact, the patients always remain in control the whole time and can, if they wish, open their eyes if they wish to do so.

2."Could my therapist mind control me?"

This stems from the old portrayal of hypnosis such as the evil Svengali character that was able to use his innate influence to control others. The media and stage hypnosis have also helped to instill the idea that people can be controlled in hypnosis.

You remain in control throughout a hypnosis session, and though you are willfully accepting the hypnotherapists programming suggestions, you could just as easily choose to disregard any suggestions that are somehow unacceptable to you.

3."I do not think I can go in to a state of hypnosis"

The ability to go into a state of hypnosis is a skill that can be developed over time. Some people are naturally more talented at hypnosis, just as they may be more talented at music or arts, but everybody can improve their hypnotic abilities with practice.

A skilled therapist will work individually with each client to make sute that they have the right tools and understandings to get the desired results with hypnosis.

4."Will I lose consciousness?"

In hypnosis you remain fully aware at all times. Indeed, some hypnotherapists believe that awareness is actually enhanced in hypnosis as the mind becomes more relaxed and stilled. A hypnotized person will hear noises, be aware of sensations, and so on.

5."I do not want to unwillingly disclose secrets"

This is simply not true and based on some of the fears mentioned above. As explained earlier, patients are always in control but they may feel more accepting to the positive suggestions that the therapist might tell them.

The reality is, it is just as easy to lie in hypnosis which is part of the reason that material recovered whilst a person is in hypnosis is not admissible in court.

Correcting these common misconceptions helps to resolve any needless fears that people may have, enabling them to get the best results from hypnosis.

Hypnosis has been developed throughout decades and people are finding it to be more effective then conventional routes in many cases.