MYTH 1: Loss of Consciousness

The client does not lose consciousness. In fact, he/she is alert and aware of everything going on. My voice, sounds, movement. Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness . It is not sleep. EEG of a hypnotized person is the same as in a person who is awake. Hypnosis bypasses the CONSCIOUS mind to access the SUBCONSCIOUS mind. Consciousness is not lost.While in deep hypnosis, a person will hear and respond to the hypnotist's suggestions though seemingly oblivious.

MYTH 2: Hypnotized people always do crazy things!

Stage hypnosis can and do invoke in some subjects crazy behavior for entertainment. These volunteers are open to be the center of attention and the hypnotist is skilled in learning who is most suggestible. Hypnosis for the purpose of improving health will never involve bringing about crazy behavior! You will not crow like a rooster or sing like Elvis unless you want that suggestion to be made!

MYTH 3: Loss of Control

Movies, Hollywood, TV , wild magazine stories have perpetuated this. The Hypnotist is not all powerful and cannot control you. Though I am a guide and will help you achieve that hypnotic state, the ability to be hypnotized rests within you. All hypnosis is self- hypnosis. You are always in control.

MYTH 4: Only the weak-minded can be hypnotized

Contrary to this, there is a correlation between intelligence and hypnotizability. It is difficult and may be impossible to hypnotize those with psychosis, very low IQ, or severely detached people.

MYTH 5: Secrets revealed !

Hypnosis is not a "truth serum." You will not reveal any secrets that you would not tell in a waking state. Hypnosis will not render you incapable of keeping private what you want to keep private.

MYTH 6: Fear of getting "stuck" in Hypnosis

You are in control so there is no difficulty with this . If a hypnotist would walk out of the room, you would either fall asleep or emerge from the hypnotic state. . There are some occasions where hypnosis may be so pleasurable that suggestions to emerge are ignored. Suggestions may need to take on a firm tone. You cannot be stuck in hypnosis. It is not a "zombie state."

MYTH 7: Hypnosis is addictive

Clients can resist hypnosis at any time no matter how many times they have been hypnotized. There is no "withdrawal" when sessions are completed.

MYTH 8: Hypnosis against will

I cannot hypnotize you if you are not in agreement to being hypnotized. Hypnosis is a process that demands trust and cooperation bewteen the client and the hypnotist

MYTH 9: Criminal or Antisocial Acts

There have been studies rergarding this concept . Can immoral or criminal acts be induced by hypnosis? Data indicates if the client perceives a suggestion for what it is ( in this case one that violates his/her moral , ethical code or one that is dangerous ---he/she will not carry it out. If suggestions are used to distort a clients perception so that a requested act appears justified, the client may carry it out. Most studies indicate that a hypnotized client cannot be induced to commit antisocial or criminal acts .

( the above information is paraphrased from the Hypnotism Certification Manual of NGH, Inc. copyright 1991,2004.)