Hypnosis
Myths
đ€ Myth #1: Hypnosis Is Sleep or Unconsciousness
Reality: Hypnosis is not sleep. Although hypnotic inductions may use the word âsleep,â itâs a metaphor. In reality, hypnosis is a state of focused awareness. Most people report feeling deeply relaxed, yet more mentally alert than usual. Research shows increased attention during hypnosisânot unconsciousness.
đ Learn more: Your Brain on Hypnosis
đ§ Myth #2: You Wonât Remember Anything
Reality: You remain aware during hypnosis unless amnesia is specifically suggestedâand even then, it only occurs if you’re willing. At Hoosier Hypnosis, we never use amnesia without discussing it with you first. Youâll remember as much as you choose to, and youâll never be forced to forget.
đ Related: Signs of Hypnosis
đ§ââïž Myth #3: You Can Be Hypnotized Against Your Will
Reality: Hypnosis is a collaborative process. You canât be hypnotized unless youâre willing to engage with the hypnotist. Youâre always in controlâand can stop the process at any time.
𧷠Myth #4: Youâre Under the Hypnotistâs Control
Reality: A hypnotist doesnât take control of your mind. In fact, much of the process involves you coming up with ideas, solutions, and insights. Hypnosis helps you harness your own inner resourcesâit doesnât override your free will.
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𧏠Myth #5: Some People Canât Be Hypnotized
Reality: Everyone can experience hypnosis. Some people drop into trance easily; others need more time or practice. Difficulty usually comes from a lack of trust, fear of losing control, or misunderstanding the process.
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đ€ Myth #6: Hypnosis Only Works on the Weak-Minded
Reality: Hypnosis has nothing to do with gullibility. Research shows that people with above-average intelligence and strong imaginations are often the best subjects. Hypnosis works through focused attention, not weakness.
đ Myth #7: Deep Relaxation Is Required
Reality: While many inductions promote relaxation, itâs not necessary for hypnosis. The real goal is focused attention. Some people enter trance while highly alert, especially in performance enhancement or study skills sessions.
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đ Myth #8: Hypnosis Forces You to Reveal Secrets
Reality: You wonât confess anything under hypnosis that you wouldnât say otherwise. You are always in control of what you share. Many of our techniques donât even require you to tell us the content of your thoughts.
đ§ Myth #9: Hypnosis Improves Memory Accuracy
Reality: Hypnosis may help recall detailsâbut those memories arenât always reliable. Misuse of hypnosis can lead to false memories. Thatâs why we always follow ethical guidelines and ensure you understand whatâs happening.
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â±ïž Myth #10: You Could Get Stuck in Trance
Reality: Itâs impossible to get stuck in hypnosis. Even if left alone, you would either return to full awareness or drift into natural sleep. Hypnosis is a temporary state that you already enter naturally each day.
đ©ș Myth #11: Hypnosis Is Dangerous or Unhealthy
Reality: Hypnosis is not only safeâitâs beneficial. Relaxation, emotional balance, and reduced stress all promote better health. Hypnosis can support physical and mental wellness by guiding your mind into a restorative state.
đ Explore more: Stress Management, Sleep & Insomnia Support
đ€ Myth #12: Youâll Become Dependent on Your Hypnotist
Reality: Our job is to empower youânot to make you reliant on us. We work collaboratively and teach tools you can use long after your sessions end. A good hypnotist guides you toward self-reliance and growth.
đ Related: Hypnosis-Based Life Coaching
đ Myth #13: Hypnosis Is âThe Devilâs Workâ
Reality: Hypnosis is a natural mental stateâsimilar to prayer or meditation. Itâs not supernatural or religious. You canât be made to do anything against your beliefs. In fact, many religious individuals use hypnosis as a tool for healing and clarity.
đ A Note on Stage Hypnosis
Stage hypnotists are entertainers. They select the most responsive volunteers, set strong expectations, and use suggestibility and social pressure to put on a show. Clinical hypnosis is something entirely differentâfocused, ethical, and tailored to you.
đ Curious how it works? Visit: About Hypnosis
Still Have Questions?
If you’re ready to explore what hypnosis can do for your health and wellbeing, explore our Service Pages.