Although curious about hypnosis and the potential benefits of hypnotherapy, lots of people are convinced that they cannot be hypnotised.  For some it is like you need to be wired up in a certain way to be hypnotised whereas for others it is a question of will.  So the question-can I be hypnotised is one of the main stumbling blocks for people 

Hypnosis-A Common Misconception

In general it seems to be the “I am too strong willed to be hypnotised” that is popular.  Yet for many this originates from what they have seen during stage hypnosis shows which would easily put many people off.  As these are for entertainment and the showman hypnotist picks certain “types” out of the audience, it is understandable that the rest of us are not keen to be turned into some kind of idiot.  However this is not a true reflection of the core practice as used in hypnotherapy.

There is often the suspicion that being hypnotised could label them as being unintelligent or weak.  Also the reverse can be true where some people feel that a person has to be strong to be hypnotised.

Specific Qualities Can Be Seen In Those Who Go Into Very Deep Hypnosis

What we call hypnotisability, in the capacity of the depth achieved, shows trends in studies that those who go deeper easily have greater focus and intelligence. However most people can be hypnotised it is only an issue as to how deep they can go.  To help achieve this a good hypnotherapist will work according to the client’s suggestibility.

Suggestibility refers to the way people learn.  Some people respond better to direct suggestions whereas others respond better to inferred suggestions.

Therefore during the hypnotic induction it is the hypnotherapist’s job to work according to the person’s prominent suggestibility type.  In other words communicate in the way that is most in tune with the client.

Most people fall into either the physical or emotional suggestibility categores, with the physical responding best to direct suggestions and the emotional to inferred suggestions.  There are a small percentage who are equal in both and these are called somnambulists.  It is these people who the stage hypnotist wants to get his hands on as they are easy to get into a deeper hypnotic trance.

Hypnotic Depth-The Different Levels

Hypnoidal – This is the lightest stage of hypnotic sleep and is characterised by REM (rapid eye movement).

Cataleptic – The medium stage where they eyes are moving from side to side.

Somnambulism – The eyes are rolling upwards under the eyelids as the subject is in the deepest hypnotic state.

Hypnotherapy-Clearing Up Some Myths

So let’s say you now realise that with your permission you can be hypnotised, but you still have other concerns which need to be allayed before you would consider hypnotherapy.  Let’s look at some of the common myths.

Will I Fall Asleep?

When a person is hypnotised they are actually in an alert state, which enables communication with the subconscious mind.  It would not make any difference if you were to fall asleep, but more than likely it is the case that the subject is benefitting from being in a very relaxed state.

In Hypnosis Can The Hypnotist Get Me To Tell Him Secrets

Even though you will be in a very relaxed state during hypnosis, you are still in total control.  Therefore unless you wish to reveal personal details you will not.

Will The Hypnotist Make Me Do Silly Things?
During hypnosis you are in full control, so unless you feel like doing silly things you will not.

What If I Don’t Come Back From Hypnosis?

A hypnotist will bring you out of hypnosis at the end of the session.  Even if something happened to the hypnotist you will come out by yourself.  Some people may have a natural sleep first and then come out whereas others will come out after opening their eyes.

In conclusion most people can be hypnotised to various depths.  It is in fact a state of heightened awareness.  If you think of hypnotherapy as accessing your subconsicous, remember that 88% of your mind is there, and only 12% is the conscious mind.  Hypnotherapy has a diverse range of uses and could help improve your life.