Have you ever had the experience of driving along the motorway and suddenly realized that you passed your exit several miles back?

Or have you ever been so caught up in a TV program, a book, a film or computer game that you've lost track of time, or not realized that someone has been talking to you?

These are all everyday examples of a change of consciousness and an altered state of awareness. Hypnosis is just another example of an altered state of awareness. The difference being hypnosis is unique in that it can be utilized for self-change.

 

 

When in hypnosis, you can be made to say or do something against your will.

Wrong! Generally, hypnosis is a state of heightened suggestion. Generally, people won’t do anything which goes against their personal values or beliefs. What you have to remember about hypnosis is that it’s not sleep and you’re aware of everything that’s happening around you. If someone tells you to do something that is really against your values then you won’t do it. You’ll come out of the state of hypnosis, and in fact it would you’d almost be shocked out of hypnosis. It’s as simple as that!

 

You can get stuck in hypnosis and be unable to wake up.

Wrong! No one ever gets “stuck” in hypnosis. Remember that hypnosis is a natural and normal state to be in from time to time. It’s not a state which is completely alien to us. Of course hypnosis is a subjective experience and everyone will experience it differently but the worst that could possibly happen is that you drift into natural sleep, and after 5 or 10 minutes you wake up naturally. Some people may use hypnosis as a bridge into natural sleep. I’ve had it before with people in my private hypnotherapy sessions, where they’ve been so stressed, that they have actually fallen asleep. This is not a problem. But remember, you’ll never get stuck in hypnosis and be unable to wake up.

 

You’re asleep or unconscious when in hypnosis.

Wrong! You’re not asleep and you’re not unconscious, you’re fully aware of what’s happening around you. Of course everyone’s experience is slightly different, some people feel light, some people feel heavy, but almost everyone feels extremely relaxed. Generally, when people are in a deep state of hypnosis, they feel as if their body has gone to sleep but the mind is still alert, awake, and aware. If you do fall into a natural sleep then don’t worry. I’ve always maintained my belief that if people feel they’re drifting off to sleep when listening to a self hypnosis session, then it’s fine, it’ll still do its work.

 

Hypnosis will only work on certain people.

Wrong! Whilst it’s true that hypnosis can be more useful for some people, I would say it’s mainly down to the person’s motivation, their willingness, and their ability to concentrate. As far as I’m concerned everyone is suggestible to some degree. If you’re interested in something and it’s something that you want, generally you’re open to its effects. That’s the same with hypnosis. If you want it to work and you co-operate, then you’ll reap the benefits of hypnosis.