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Myths,
Misconceptions and Facts
When
people think of hypnosis, images of clucking like a chicken,
taking off articles of clothing in front of a live audience or
revealing long held secrets come to mind. However, a hypnosis
stage show and a therapeutic setting share few similarities and
the old myths and misconceptions about hypnosis are gradually
giving way to proven, scientifically sound applications. Today the
use of hypnosis is seen in a variety of fields including medicine,
dentistry, law enforcement, professional sports, business and
education. Most people have a limited knowledge and understanding
of hypnosis and the dramatic results that can be achieved through
hypnotherapy. I would like to dispel some of the myths and answer
some of the most frequently asked questions about hypnosis.
Will
hypnosis make me say and do stupid and silly things?
No
one can force you to do something that you don't want to do. A
stage show hypnotist has been trained to recognize and call upon
the people who are willing participants. That means they really
want to be part of the show. If they didn't, the hypnotist would
never ask for their participation because the show would be
compromised. In a therapeutic setting, the focus is on helping the
client to overcome obstacles that stop him from reaching his goals
and teaching new skills that replace old, unwanted or destructive
patterns.
Isn't
hypnosis really mind control?
The
truth is you cannot be forced to say or do anything that is in
conflict with your own moral, ethical or personal belief system.
If a therapist makes a suggestion that you do not like, you will
reject it. Hypnosis is a hyperaware state of mind. You are aware
of everything that is going on around you at all times and will
remember everything that is discussed. You cannot get
"stuck" in a state of hypnosis and can't be made to do
anything against your will. Hypnosis is simply a tool that can
help you gain control over your own thoughts, ideas and behaviors.
It is a safe, relaxing and enjoyable experience.
I
don't think I can be hypnotized.
Generally
speaking, the more intelligent the person being hypnotized, the
easier it is for the therapist to put that person into a trance
state. There are two categories of people who should not be
hypnotized; those with an IQ of 70 or below and those who suffer
from severe mental disorders. Believe it or not, we all go in and
out of hypnosis on a regular basis. Have you ever been driving on
a freeway and realized that you just passed your exit? This is
because you were in a state of hypnosis. Your mind was so focused
on something other than the exit (i.e. your own thoughts, an
accident, or a piece of music on the radio) that you drove right
past. You were "hyper-focused" on something other than
your physical reality. We call it "zoning out" or
"spacing out" and it feels a little bit like a daydream.
How
will I know if I was hypnotized?
Most
people experience no more than a relaxed feeling. Some feel a
lightness or heaviness, but most can't tell the difference between
a hypnotized and waking state. There is no specific
"feeling" attached to hypnosis. What people do notice is
an unexplained and positive change in their behaviors.
Does
it really work?
The
American Medical Association approved hypnosis as a therapeutic
tool in 1958. It has been proven effective with many different
medical and emotional problems including pain reduction, anxiety
disorders, stress, high blood pressure, learning disorders,
post-traumatic stress, panic, addictions and many others. However,
the desire for change must be genuine before progress can occur.
This is true for any therapy, not just hypnosis. When the client
takes an active role in his or her therapy, hypnosis can effect
change in a much shorter time (months vs. years) than traditional
psychotherapy. It is not magic, but positive results can be
achieved in professionally controlled hypnosis sessions for
virtually anyone who is ready for change.
(818)
415-3092 or toll free (877) 752-5700
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