Misconceptions about hypnosis Debunked!
“I can’t be hypnotized” I admit I hate hearing these words from people because I know it means there is too much misinformation out there about hypnosis. If you will permit me a moment on my soap box, I would like to clear this one up for everyone.
Most of the time when I hear those words, it’s from someone who thinks that being open to hypnotic suggestions means they are somehow LESS intelligent than the average person. These people often assume because they see right through the lies of a professional sales person or a commercial that they are not easily influenced. That is true; they likely aren’t. However, hypnosis doesn’t belong in the same category.
The truth is, the more intelligent you are, the MORE easily you are hypnotized. Our minds created the alpha state (a light state of hypnosis) in order to help us absorb information more easily. You know when you are focusing so intently on something (like the World of Warcraft) that the whole world just fades away and time seems to stop. That’s the alpha state. It is also known as being in the zone. The average person puts himself/herself into that state all the time, even more so if you are a scientist, engineer or someone who performs work that requires intense focus. In fact, scientists now believe the ability to get into that state of mind for long periods of time either results in or is created by higher intelligence. It is well known that people of lower intelligence have a harder time creating or maintaining this state of mind.
Debunking common misconceptions about hypnosis:
“But I’ve never been picked for a stage show.” Neither have I, nor will I, and not just because I know what they are up to and won’t go along with it; I don’t want to. It’s not my thing, but it is what those people on stage like doing which is why it works on them.
“Somebody told me I couldn’t be hypnotized.” I bet that person was a new hypnotist and didn’t know that you use a slightly different processes on scientists and engineers than you would use on artists. Give me their number, and I will set them straight.
“I went to a hypnotherapist once, and I don’t think I was hypnotized even though she said I was.” Did you see the results in your life? For example, if you went in to stop smoking, did you quit smoking? You probably were hypnotized, but it wasn’t properly explained to you that being in a state of hypnosis doesn’t feel that different from regular waking consciousness, just more relaxing. Even a very light state of trance can create profound change, particularly for someone who is very intelligent.
“But I have ADD OR ADHD.” Great, you are in good company! Most people with ADD or ADHD are actually more intelligent than the average person. No big deal. It will still work very well on you.
“But I am afraid my mind will fight it.” If I tell you to jump off a bridge, your mind won’t fight it. Your mind will ignore it. Listen, our minds fight things we don’t understand all the time, and yes, sometimes the second session goes better than the first because you know what to expect. Don’t worry about fighting the process. There is nothing to fight. If you fought going to sleep for a period of time, eventually you would fall asleep. Hypnosis is a bit like that.
Hypnosis is fun. Relax and enjoy the process. You will remember everything unless you fall asleep, and if you do fall asleep, don’t worry about it. Most hypnotherapists (including me) record the fun part so you can do it again if you like.
So bottom line, unless you aren’t very bright, and I am sure if you are reading this you are, then you can be hypnotized. So feel free to call someone for the help you need. If you are afraid of your phone, send an email. Hypnosis can help with that too.
Jill Thomas CHT
Soul Connect Hypnotherapy
760-803-2841
www.soulconnecthypnotherapy.com
https://www.facebook.com/soulconnecthypnotherapy/
Author of the book “Feed Your Real Hunger” & “30 day weight loss Jumpstart” Hypnosis CD