Hypnotic Myths

Even though hypnosis has been around officially since the 1700s (Franz Anton Mesmer), there are still questions as to its validity and benefits. For the most part, these questions stem from fear and ignorance. Regarding this subject, it is generally assumed that what you don't know can hurt you. People's viewpoints on hypnosis vary according to what their experiences have been and what they've heard.

I am a stable, responsible, levelheaded, intelligent person. I am also a licensed hypnotherapist. One of the requirements for finishing hypnotherapy training was to go out and practice what you've learned; my obvious targets in this endeavor were primarily my family and friends.

My oldest child staunchly refuses to have anything to do with hypnosis, even now (I've been a hypnotherapist for 6 years.). She is not a child; she is in her early 30s and is a successful video producer. Still, she says that she's not going to do something that might get her "lost somewhere and unable to return."

My second child has volunteered to be hypnotized by me numerous times. He loves the experience. He enjoys how relaxed it makes him feel, and he believes that he derives great benefit from it.

My third child is aloof about the whole subject. He doesn't validate or discount it one way or another. He's just 'to busy' to give it a try.

I am curious about people who draw conclusions about hypnosis when they haven't actually experienced it in some way. It baffles me how a person can discount it when hypnosis has not negatively impacted them or someone they know.

I've had people tell me that hypnosis is "the devil's work", yet I know of pastors who practice hypnotherapy in their counseling practices. I've had professionals say to me, "Yes, but does it actually work?" Well, does dieting actually work? Does imagery actually work? In order for something to "actually work" the user has to have a certain amount of belief in it. So, whether or not hypnosis actually works depends on the belief of the subject and to some degree, the skill of the hypnotherapist.

-You cannot "get lost" while hypnotized. There is no place to "get lost" to. You do not leave your body or your mind behind and go off somewhere.

-No one can "put thoughts into your head" or make you do things that you would not ordinarily do. Your own core values cannot be violated by another; if, under certain circumstances, you could be moved to bark like a dog or cluck like a chicken, then a hypnotic suggestion to do so would not violate your core values.

-Others cannot take over or control your mind. Your mind has 2 components: the conscious mind, which is the objective part, assists you in making daily decisions and analyzing data. The subconscious part is subjective, and this is where your creativity and abstract thinking lie. The subconscious is inclined to believe what you tell it. For instance, if you think something, then to your subconscious mind, that is so. It does not analyze facts; if you think it, then it accepts it as fact. If you think that others can control your mind, then for you, that is true. But only because you allow the idea to be a fact for you.

-Anyone can be hypnotized. What happens when you're watching television and someone tries to get your attention? Have you ever been driving down the road, only to look around and see that you've gone much further than you thought? When you focus your concentration to the point where everything else is screened out, then you are in a state of hypnosis. Hypnosis narrows your focus and concentration. You do that when you are intent in a conversation, or performing any activity that decreases your awareness of things outside of yourself.

Hypnosis is not a mystery. It is not evil, and it is not mind control. It is simply a way to temporarily bypass the rational mind in order to facilitate desired changes. Many, many people have successfully undergone hypnosis and achieved their goals.

Copyright 2004, All Rights Reserved. You may use this article in part or in its entirety as long as you include the resource box. Please notify me if you reprint. Thank you.

About The Author

Rita Ballard, C.Ht. is a hypnotherapist licensed in the state of Washington. Trained in the Erickson methods, Rita uses hypnotherapy to assist others in achieving their goals. Of primary importance are the spiritual aspects of a person: who they are and what they mean to themselves. The movement towards self actualization is the passion behind Rita's work. Visit her website at www.ritaballard.com, or email to: hh@ucmax.com.

philonoist@earthlink.net

---

How Big of a Problem is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - "ADD" or "ADHD" - affects... Read More

Metaphors of the Mind (Part I)

The brain (and, by implication, the Mind) has been compared... Read More

The Iron Mask - The Common Sources of Personality Disorders

Do all personality disorders have a common psychodynamic source?To what... Read More

The Offspring of Aeolus - On the Incest Taboo

Incest is not such a clear-cut matter as it has... Read More

Parapsychology: Maximizing Effectivity Of Targeted Controlled Remote Viewing Techniques

Individuals with a solid working knowledge of Controlled Remote Viewing... Read More

A Case for Multiple Intelligences Based Classroom Instruction

Although many high school age students tend to think and... Read More

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Nightmare After The Ordeal

Sarah is a 28 y/o accountant who had a traumatic... Read More

The Cultural Narcissist - Lasch In An Age Of Diminishing Expectations

"The new narcissist is haunted not by guilt but by... Read More

Creating A Winning Mindset

Do you know anyone who always wins? Sure you know... Read More

Nature VS Nurture - Theories of Personality in 21st Century

Nature vs Nurture theories have wasted a lot of energy... Read More

You, I and We

Our life in society hovers around the concept of 'You?I?... Read More

Dredging the Truth

To seek and find truth requires that we communicate within... Read More

Solution Focus Process: Solution Talk vs. Problem Talk Pt I

Solution Talk vs. Problem TalkProblem talk, of course, is talk... Read More

Artificial Intelligence - What Have We Learned Through Natural Ignorance?

During the late '80s and early '90s, I had the... Read More

I?m Sorry! Blame-Game or Accountability?

A powerful tool for health as we approach the new... Read More

Robotic Bonding Thru Human First Love Memory Replication

Many Science Fiction authors have discussed in many works the... Read More

The Mind, Information, and Attitude

Information is flowing to us at a great rate. The... Read More

Gender and the Narcissist

In the manifestation of their narcissism, female and male narcissists,... Read More

Time Out of Mind

Let us first consider the role of time in our... Read More

Four Cognitive Skills for Successful Learning

The word "cognition" is defined as "the act of knowing"... Read More

An Easy Cure For Math Phobia

Why is it that one person enjoys math, while another... Read More

Eating Disorders and the Narcissist

Patients suffering from eating disorders binge on food and sometimes... Read More

Animal Cruelty: The Key to Serial Minds

What makes a common person a Serial Killer? According to... Read More

Gay Men Psychology

Gay men are said to be usually third or further... Read More

Treatment Modalities and Therapies

Narcissism constitutes the entire personality. It is all-pervasive. Being a... Read More

What is the Theory of Multiple Intelligences? Part 2: Cultural Influence

Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences developed as he worked... Read More

Insighting Human Behavior thru Gravity Wave Simulations of the Moon

Every police officer will tell you that when there is... Read More

Hypnotic Myths

Even though hypnosis has been around officially since the 1700s... Read More

Establishing Trust in Grief Management Groups

Trust is the basis of all human relationships. Trust can... Read More

Precognition or Circadian Rhythm?

The bodies natural clock or circadian rhythm seems to have... Read More

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is Not Related to I.Q.

It's important to know that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and... Read More

What is Narcissism?

A pattern of traits and behaviours which signify infatuation and... Read More

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) At a Glance

Most narcissists (75%) are men.NPD is one of a "family"... Read More