Hypnosis is Sleep: Those Hypnotized are Unconscious
FALSE

While a client may look asleep in the hypnotic state, hypnosis is not sleep and it is not a state of unconsciousness. Most clients can hear and remember 50-100% of the session. Clients generally experience a pleasant heightened awareness of sensations in the light to medium level of hypnosis. In the deeper levels of hypnosis, the client may remember very little of what is experienced. Even in the deep levels of hypnosis, the client is not asleep or unconscious. Many deeply hypnotized clients can converse with the hypnotist, can remain deeply hypnotized with their eyes open, and can even walk and freely move.

Hypnosis Renders the Client Out-of-Control
FALSE

From its earliest days, hypnosis has been used as an amazing tool to facilitate healing and self-improvement. Unfortunately, stage hypnosis often creates the false impression that the participants are under the control of the hypnotist. In reality, those on stage truly want to be a part of the show. Through hypnotic suggestion, individuals who would normally never step on stage gain the confidence to perform.

Hypnosis is Part of the Psychiatric Profession
FALSE

Hypnosis is a separate and distinct profession from all other healing modalities. While it is true that some psychologists and other mental health professionals employ hypnotism as a part of their practice, it is not necessary to seek out a psychologist or psychiatrist to receive excellent clinical hypnosis. Psychology and hypnotherapy are two totally different fields of learning and practice.

Only Certain Types of People Can Be Hypnotized
FALSE

Anyone who wants to be hypnotized can be hypnotized. Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state that everyone experiences daily. It is the professional hypnotist's job to facilitate the client's natural ability to enter into the hypnotic state. Once the client is hypnotized, the hypnotist then employs the most appropriate and helpful techniques and suggestions to ensure an ideal outcome for the client. In the past, it was erroneously believed that deaf people, and people who could not adequately focus their minds, could not be hypnotized. Fortunately it has been shown that if the hypnotist is highly skilled and willing to use alternative hypnotic techniques, that even special needs individuals can enjoy the feeling and benefits of hypnotism.

Hypnosis Only Works if the Client is Deeply Hypnotized
FALSE

In many cases, a light or medium level of hypnosis is all that is necessary for a successful outcome. In fact, many hypnotists agree that behavior modification hypnotherapy is most successful when the client is in a light to medium level of hypnosis, because it allows the hypnotist to access both the client's conscious and subconscious minds simultaneously.

Hypnosis is Magic
FALSE

Hypnosis is an art, science and practice that enables you to access your subconscious mind. It is not a trick; nor is it magic. Successful hypnotherapy relies on your desire to be hypnotized, your active participation, and your true intention to achieve the stated outcome. No one can force you to go into hypnosis or to accept suggestions that you don't want to accept.