Unfortunately, there are a number of common misconceptions about hypnosis. Many people think of hypnosis as a side-show act at a carnival. The hypnotist waves a pendulum around and murmurs, “You are getting sleepy,” before making the person dance like a chicken. In reality, hypnosis is a type of therapy that can be used for many medical conditions. From chronic pain to addictions, hypnotherapy is a proven technique that works.

Hypnosis Is Not Sleep

One of the common misconceptions about hypnosis is that it is the same as sleep. While people look like they are asleep, this is only because they are relaxed. If you look at the person’s brain waves, the brain is definitely not asleep. In EEG studies, the brain registers a high level of alpha waves. Basically, this shows that the person is alert, awake and has a high level of concentration.

Strong Minds Can Be Hypnotized, Too

Another one of the misconceptions surrounding hypnosis is that only a weak mind can be hypnotized. Actually, the opposite is true. Someone who has more self-control and a higher IQ is more likely to be hypnotized. You have to be able to concentrate to be hypnotized. Because of this, it can be hard to hypnotize a person with a low IQ. Keep in mind though that there everyone responds differently to hypnosis. Some people take to it easily and others require more time to get comfortable with the process.

Hypnosis Myths About Fast Cures

While hypnosis can cure or treat many problems, the cure does not happen immediately. One of the most common misconceptions about hypnosis is that you will walk into the office and leave totally cured. The truth about hypnosis is that it normally takes time to cure a problem. For most people, it will be several sessions before you stop smoking, feel less pain or cure your phobias. Reputable hypnotists generally push for 6 to 20 sessions because they want the client to have enough time to actually be treated.

No One Is Helpless

In Hollywood movies, it looks like the client is completely helpless. They bark like a dog or dance like a chicken to rounds of laughter. In reality, hypnosis will never make you do things that you would not normally do. Unless you already wanted to rob a bank, a hypnotist cannot make you do so. You still have your moral compass intact. Hypnosis can help you make changes like quitting smoking that you wanted to do, but it cannot force you to do something.

You Have Been Hypnotized Before

Surprise! Even if you have never seen a hypnotist, you have been hypnotized before. Think back to the last time you drove past your freeway exit. Mild hypnosis happens when you are in this state. You experience mild hypnosis when you get lost in a book or a movie. Even meditation is a specific kind of hypnosis.

In reality, hypnosis is a useful tool for helping many medical conditions. From getting over a relationship to resolving a