Clinical and applied hypnosis and hypnotherapy is a growing field. Hypnosis can help treat a wide variety of health problems, such as fears and phobias, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep disorders, chronic illness and more! Additionally, it can help break unhealthy habits, such as smoking or other addictions. Moreover, is effective for releasing weight, sugar addictions and more! Hypnosis is also helpful with trauma recovery, improving self-esteem, and helping reduce anxiety and depression and other mood related issues. Unfortunately, portrayals of hypnotherapy in movies and on stage have created many myths about hypnotherapy.

Many people expect to be sleeping or almost asleep, however alert hypnosis (eyes open and movement) is just as effective as hypnosis if you are relaxed, and eyes closed. Hypnosis is a focused attentive state that leads to suggestibility. My youngest client is three and my oldest client is 77 years old. My younger clients are using doing more alert hypnosis (shorter sessions) while many of my older clients like to settle in to a relaxed space within themselves with their eyes closed in their favorite chair or often sitting semi reclined in their bed (don’t worry I work virtually so we chose a spot that is best for them).   

Here are some of the most common myths about clinical and applied hypnosis or hypnotherapy

MYTH #1: Hypnotherapy or clinical hypnosis is like stage hypnosis.

For most people, their only reference for hypnosis is stage hypnosis. In these stage shows, a hypnotist puts participants in a trance and has them act out silly situations for an audience’s entertainment.

No reputable person will make you quack like a chicken, bark like a dog (unless you really want to, lol). We are here to teach you to use your mind to support success and positive change!  

MYTH #2: Being hypnotized is like being asleep.

“The basis for the word, hypnos, is Greek for sleep. In reality, it is not like sleep it is a heightened sense of awareness,” and not the unconsciousness associated with sleep. You can still hear, see and know what is going on, however most people find they feel so refreshed afterwards it was like sleep, but they are aware of everything going on.

MYTH #3: Hypnosis makes you act against your will or share your secrets.

As a part of Self Determination Theory and positive psychology, we are here to help you—not manipulate you. Many confuse ‘mind control’ with hypnosis. Hypnosis is something you are doing naturally everyday day like if you are anxious and no bear is chasing you, we are just teaching you how to use it to enhance your self-control and use your mind for your own benefit.

Some people liken hypnosis to praying, getting a massage, meditating or playing music, you can stop anytime you like if its not for you.  My clients find it very very valuable and have great success rates.

MYTH #4: Hypnosis doesn’t work on “smart” people.

This is the myth I get the most when people hear what I do, is that you have to be gullible to achieve hypnosis. In fact, researchers who study hypnosis have found the exact opposite. People with low IQ are actually more difficult to hypnotize, “smarter” or those with a higher IQ people actually are easier to hypnotize and often the most successful in their sessions.

MYTH #5: Hypnotherapy helps you lose weight fast.

With the cultural obsession with weight loss, it’s not surprising that many people turn to hypnotherapists for help with their weight, and with good reason as habit change is real and long term with hypnosis.

However it is not fast like the movies No magic wand or miracles, although I do have a play magic wand in my office the kids like, because that is not healthy nor realistic. Slow and steady and permanent is more important than fast and unsafe. Think box turtle, slow and steady wins the race.

MYTH #6: Hypnosis is a “quick fix” for your problems.

While it is true that hypnotherapy is a speedier modality it is not a one and done session to cure all your woes. We layer this work in with other forms of treatment like talk therapy or seeing your medical provider for medication. And yes many of my clients wean off or reduce medication, but it is not a substitute for medical care.

Let’s chat about how hypnosis can help you reach your goals you are setting in this new year more easily ad effortlessly. 804 92HYPNO