10 myths about hypnosis, debunked and explained
The Psychoanalysis it is a complex discipline, and it has received praise and criticism in equal measure over the past centuries. One of the things in Psychoanalysis that generates the most concern is the Hypnosis: What could happen to the person who is under a state of hypnosis?
10 myths about hypnosis, explained
Unfortunately, today there are myths and misunderstandings about what hypnosis is and how it works. Television shows have helped instill a certain fear and misgivings about the practice of hypnosis. The stereotypes created lead people to have false beliefs and to be reluctant to hypnosis-based therapy.
Today, we will solve The 10 Most Common Myths About Hypnosis.
1. Are people in a hypnotic state in a state of unconsciousness?
It is not like this. In reality, the person in a hypnotic state experiences an improvement in their concentration and manages to focus in an unusual way. The patient is conscious at all times during the hypnosis process.
2. Is hypnosis a dream-like state?
This myth is widely spread thanks to the idea, also erroneous, that to enter a hypnotic state the patient must have his eyes closed. Closing the eyes, effectively, can help improve concentration and therefore is something that favors the state of hypnosis, but a patient who keeps his eyes open can also become hypnotized. In these cases, it is often called "active hypnosis."
3. During hypnosis, can the therapist "manipulate" the wishes or actions of the patient?
Without a real willingness on the part of the patient to undergo the hypnosis process, hypnosis cannot exist. It is impossible to induce the attentional focus state of hypnosis if the patient does not collaborate in the process.
In any case, the therapist has no control over the will of the subject. The patient has at all times the attentional capacity to make their own decisions. In case the therapist “orders” the patient to do something against his will, he would leave the hypnotic state.
4. During the state of hypnosis, is it true that the patient can accurately remember everything that happened during his life?
No it's not true. What happens is that, on some occasions, the patient can develop stories about moments in his life that do not adhere to what really happened.
5. What "power" must the hypnotist possess to be able to hypnotize the patients?
It is not about having any supernatural powers or gifts. Any properly trained and qualified professional can make use of the hypnosis process to treat patients.
6. Do patients remember what has happened while they have been hypnotized?
The vast majority of people are able to remember everything or almost everything that took place during the hypnosis process.
7. Is hypnosis a therapy?
Not quite. Hypnosis is not a therapy in itself. Hypnosis is a specific technique that can be used with good results and to encourage certain changes in the subject. We could say that patients are not treated 'with' hypnosis, but rather 'under' hypnosis and always with the support of other techniques, processes and tools that the therapist handles.
8. Are the people most susceptible to being hypnotized less intelligent or something similar?
No. In fact, it is rather the other way around. There is a positive correlation (although not a very strong correlation, actually) between the intelligence of the patient and her "hypnotizability". Therefore, it is the most intelligent people who can achieve the state of attention focus more easily.
9. Is hypnosis dangerous or does it involve some kind of risk?
No case has been reported of someone suffering physical or psychological harm caused by a hypnosis session. Many people are hypnotized every day by hundreds of professionals, and most not only do not declare any harm, but just the opposite.
10. Could the hypnotized patient remain in a trance state permanently if the therapist does not awaken him?
As already mentioned, people who undergo the hypnosis process can come out of this state whenever they want. It should be remembered that the state of attention focus is not synonymous with falling asleep. Consequently, it is impossible to wake someone who is not asleep, because he is already awake!
The truth is that, during the hypnosis process and due to the subtraction of relaxation reached, the subject could fall asleep, but this would be a completely conventional state and could wake up on their own without the need for help from the therapist.
