Hypnosis myths in popular culture

Trance and especially hypnosis have been given a bad rap due to their depiction in popular culture. Hypnosis is usually portrayed as mind control used by vampires, witches, and weirdos in horror movies. Because of this it has gained a perception of being in the realm of the occult, despite the increasing amount of scientific progress in the field. In addition, most people’s first experience with hypnosis comes from stage shows, where the effects are intentionally amplified to an unbelievable level to be more entertaining and the hypnotist selects only the most receptive subjects. This has led to the false belief that the hypnotist has all the power and puts the hypnotic subject under some sort of spell. We now know that the hypnotic subject actually puts themselves into trance by following the guidance of the hypnotic facilitator.

Can anyone achieve hypnosis and trance?

Everyone experiences trance in their daily life. As for hypnosis, there are varying studies as to the “hypnotizeability” of people. Unfortunately, most studies use one recording, whereas much greater results were found with an in-person hypnotic facilitator (hypnotist) who could calibrate to each hypnotic operator (hypnotic subject). People with some medical or psychological impairments may find it difficult to go into trance. Outside of that, most people can enter hypnosis if they fully and openly participate, and the session is facilitated by a skilled hypnotist.

How do I know I’m in trance?

The spectrum of trance varies so greatly and so can your experience. The feeling can range from simply feeling very relaxed, to being in a deep meditation, or even daydreaming. A lot of people experience a forward head tilt and a sagging of the shoulders as they become deeply relaxed, and their eyes will close without being given the direction to do so. There is often an associated time distortion, like the trances you've gone into where you were so engrossed in what you were doing that when you snapped out of it and checked the time you were surprised by how much time had passed.

Can I be put into trance against my will?

No, you cannot be put into trance against your own will, provided the attempt to hypnotize you is in the field of your awareness. We are all covertly hypnotized daily by advertisements, propaganda, and other forms of subliminal communication in the media. If you go to see a hypnotist however, they are overtly helping you facilitate it for yourself. Therefore, they cannot hypnotize you against your will, because you will resist their attempts by putting yourself into a psycho-dynamic loop of your own.

Will I do whatever I’m told in trance/hypnosis?

No. You still retain your sense of judgement in a trance state. It is a matter of your own personal boundaries. For example, if you are the type of person who could be peer pressured into getting on all-fours and barking like a dog when you are not hypnotized to get a laugh from your friends, you may be persuaded to do so in a hypnosis stage show to entertain the audience. But, if you are seeing a hypnotist, hypnotherapist, or change worker, it is very unlikely they would ask you to do anything uncomfortable for you. It is not in their best interest, since they want to keep you as a client!

Can I get stuck in hypnosis or trance?

No. Even if the trance facilitator walks out in the middle of the session, you will come out of the state on your own.

Is there anything I can do to have the best hypnosis session possible?

Yes! All you need as a subject to be successfully hypnotized is the ability to relax and be receptive to the hypnotist’s instructions. The tips below will make your sessions even better.

• Relax as much as possible.

• Understand that the hypnotist has your best interest in mind.

• Trust that the process will work if you let it.

• Pay close attention to what the hypnotist says and follow instructions to the best or your ability.

The easiest thing to do if you are unsure it to pretend you are being hypnotized. With hypnosis, you really can fake it until you make it! Because trance is a naturally occurring state rooted in belief, anyone fully committing to acting “as if” they are being hypnotized will find it easy to drift into trance.

Is trance effective on “strong-minded” people?

This question usually gets asked by people that believe a person can be hypnotized against their will, which is false. They believe it is a test of their mental strength to not become hypnotized. Almost like an “I bet you can’t hypnotize me!” So, if by “strong-minded” you mean “resists being coached into a nice relaxing trance,” then the answer is no. No one can hypnotize you against your will. However, people who have a strong mind in the more accurate sense of having good focus and a vivid imagination make the best hypnotic subjects.

Can I put myself into trance?

Yes! As noted above, you do this all the time unintentionally. It is easier once you have been coached a few times before successfully. Most hypnotists or hypnotists can show you how to do this and provide instructions customized to what works best for you.

What are the benefits of trance?

Outside of entertainment, trance has many benefits. The relaxation and focus you can experience during a guided trance session can be enjoyable and rejuvenating. Hypnotic trance also allows you to access parts of your mind that you regularly could not during regular non-trance consciousness. These parts of your mind that deal with your dreams, core beliefs, emotions, and embedded thought patterns. Often people find their outlook and attitudes can change after trance. It can be immensely valuable to have access to these parts of your mind to help free you thought patterns your subconscious mind has accumulated over time that are limiting or no longer appropriate for your current situation.