The Misconceptions about Hypnosis

Hypnosis is often misunderstood, so part of the goal of this blog is to help clarify what it isn’t, and then to discuss what it is and the various ways it can be useful in people’s lives.

hypnotistMost of the misconceptions surrounding hypnotism can be attributed to the entertainment industry.

Many of us have seen pictures of a (usually male) Svengali-type character with piercing eyes, as if throwing off lightning bolts, as he stares down at some (usually) helpless female victim. The concept of Svengali came from an 1895 novel, Trilby, by George du Maurier. In it, Svengali hypnotizes Trilby, a young girl, to become a famous singer.

That would be terrific if hypnosis was all that old Svenni used on Trilby, but apparently Svengali also exploited, seduced, and dominated the girl to the point where she became dependent upon him to be able to perform. This tale also made its way into the movies at least twice, and I’m pretty sure we’ve seen this character type show up in a lot of other movies, plus TV shows, and even in real life!

To be very clear right here, right now: part of the mission of Balanced Life Hypnosis is to give our clients the tools to be self-supporting and independent as they first make – and then keep –the positive behavior change(s) they came to us for.

Misconception #1: Loss of Control? Absolutely NOT!

So, one of the misconceptions people have about hypnosis is that to be hypnotized is to lose control. And, adding to the Svengali origins of loss of control, stage hypnosis shows must also be discussed here.

The Reality of Hypnosis for Entertainment

I once attended a five-day stage hypnosis training seminar. I didn’t particularly want to be a stage hypnotist, however I did want to learn as much as I could about how well these women and men perform the art of hypnosis. We were treated to two different hypnosis shows each night. I LOVED it. Stage hypnosis shows are primarily about making the people who volunteer to be up on stage shine. Secondly, it’s a comedy show meant to entertain the people remaining in the audience. I have laughed so much at these shows. They’re a riot. Lots of fun!

HypnotistBUT: not everybody in the world wants to participate in volunteering to go on a stage, in front of friends and strangers (which is worse, I wonder???!?!), fearing that their antics on stage will be laughed at. Most of these non-volunteer folks are probably introverts. Now, I happen to like introverts, particularly the one I see smiling back at me in the mirror. However, I believe a lot of these folks, although they may have a fun time at the show, come away with the idea/misconception that when a person is hypnotized they do humiliating things in front of others and will end up feeling laughed at, embarrassed and possibly ashamed if they were ever to allow themselves to be hypnotized.

AND, that’s not what hypnosis is. Typically, the people who volunteer to be on stage at one of these shows are the more outgoing personality types. They understand ahead of time that they are agreeing to become part of the entertainment. They tend to thrive on the attention, thinking, “OH BOY, I’m going to be making people laugh as I do silly things.” This is a totally different attitude.

But is it Mind Control? No. The people on stage agree to be there and willingly follow instructions to go into hypnosis and then, while they’re in hypnosis, willingly do what the hypnotist suggests. If it becomes too difficult, or too out of character for any individual to continue to comply with the hypnotist for any reason, that person simply takes her/himself out of hypnosis because they are always in control.

If you’ve never been to a stage hypnosis show, I highly recommend them as fun entertainment. And even though seeing one of these shows can seem like a raucous good time, I’ve had people tell me that as a volunteer at one of these shows, they actually felt an overall sense of calm and peace. Many of the hypnotists I’ve watched leading these shows, usually thank the participants by offering feel-good suggestions at the end of the show.

As for Hollywood movies and TV shows that depict hypnosis within the storyline, remember that outlandish stories are typically what sell best, so don’t believe everything you see.

As you continue to read our blog, you’ll learn about other fears and misconceptions people have about hypnosis and also how the purpose of hypnosis at Balanced Life Hypnosis is very different from what those talented stage hypnotists offer.

Misconception #2: I don't think I can be hypnotized

Linda Gilmore

Certified Hypnotist, Instructor and Coach

4914 West Genesee Street
Camillus, New York 13031
   (315) 254-0580

 


Balanced Life Hypnosis Logo

Balanced Life Hypnosis...your best alternative for hypnosis. Kindly call us first at (315) 254-0580.

Ask about our sessions for longer distances. We offer sessions by phone, Skype, Facetime and Zoom.

Serving Upstate New York, and especially Central New York including the Greater Syracuse area and The North Country.

 

Copyright © 2024 Balanced Life Hypnosis. All Rights Reserved.
Site Design: eKamria