7 Common Myths About Hypnosis: Busting it & Revealing the Reality!

For decades, hypnosis has lived in the shadows of misunderstanding. There are so many misconceptions about hypnosis.

Thanks to stage shows and Hollywood’s dramatic flair, many people picture hypnosis as a mysterious act where someone swings a pocket watch and takes control of your mind. This image has not only distorted the true essence of hypnosis but has also made countless individuals shy away from exploring its real potential.

But here’s the truth about hypnosis: it is far from the smoke-and-mirrors spectacle you see on stage. 

In reality, hypnosis is a science-backed, therapeutic method that works with your subconscious mind to create meaningful, lasting change. Clinical studies have consistently shown that hypnosis can be a powerful tool in treating a variety of conditions, from anxiety and chronic pain to smoking cessation and weight management. 

Despite this, if you are skeptical and are curious to find out how it works & helps – then this blog is for you. 

Below, we’ll be covering the most common myths about hypnosis and revealing what it actually is—and isn’t.

Let’s get to it.

What is Hypnotherapy? 

Hypnotherapy is a gentle and natural method that works with the subconscious mind to help people make positive changes in their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. It works by guiding a person into a relaxed, focused state, kind of like when you’re daydreaming, where the mind is more open to helpful suggestions. 

In this state, the conscious mind becomes quiet, and the subconscious mind becomes more active, making it easier to change unwanted habits, manage stress, or overcome fears. 

Hypnotherapy is not about losing control; in fact, people remain aware and in charge the whole time. It’s a safe, proven approach used by trained professionals to support emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

7 Common Hypnotherapy Myths – And The Truth Behind Them

1. Myth: Hypnotherapy is mind control.

Reality:
Hypnotherapy is not about controlling someone’s mind. People under hypnosis are fully aware of what’s happening and cannot be made to do anything against their will or values. Hypnosis is a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, not mindlessness.

As Dr. David Spiegel, Associate Chair of Psychiatry at Stanford University, explains, All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The hypnotist is simply a coach or facilitator.

2. Myth: Hypnosis is fake or just for entertainment.

Stage hypnosis shows have created a lot of confusion and hypnotherapy myths, but clinical hypnotherapy is an evidence-based practice used in hospitals, therapy clinics, and by medical professionals worldwide. It’s recognized by organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) and the British Medical Association (BMA) as a valid therapeutic tool.

 A 2016 Stanford study used brain imaging to show that hypnosis changes activity in areas responsible for decision-making, emotional control, and body awareness.

3. Myth: Only weak-minded or gullible people can be hypnotized.

Reality:
Research has shown that the opposite is true—hypnosis requires focus, imagination, and the ability to follow instructions, which are traits found in most people. 

Dr. Irving Kirsch, a leading hypnosis researcher at Harvard Medical School, notes that hypnotizability is not related to weakness, but rather to the ability to concentrate and engage with imagery.

4. Myth: You can get stuck in hypnosis.

Reality:
This is another Hollywood-fueled misconception about hypnosis that someone might enter hypnosis and never come out. In reality, it’s impossible to get stuck in hypnosis. Hypnosis is a natural state, and people would naturally come out of it or fall asleep if left alone.

The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis confirms there are no recorded cases of anyone getting stuck in hypnosis.

5. Myth: Hypnotherapy only works for smoking or weight loss.

While hypnosis is well-known for helping people quit smoking or manage weight, it is also widely used for a variety of mental, emotional, and physical issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, chronic pain, PTSD, sleep problems, fertility issues, and even preparation for surgery or childbirth.

For example, a review published in the journal American Psychologist found that hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for chronic pain management, offering relief and improved coping mechanisms for people with long-term pain conditions.

6. Myth: You will forget everything that happens during hypnosis.

Reality:
Another common misconception about hypnosis is that many people believe it is like being asleep or unconscious, and that they won’t remember anything from the session. But this is not the truth about hypnosis. Most people remain aware of what’s happening throughout the session and can recall the experience afterward. Hypnosis is more like a deep daydream where you are focused and relaxed, but still aware of your surroundings.

7. Myth: Hypnosis is dangerous.

Reality:
Hypnosis, when done by a trained and certified hypnotherapist, is a safe, gentle, and natural technique. It is considered a complementary therapy that can work alongside medical or psychological treatments. It’s not addictive, it doesn’t have side effects, and it cannot harm you psychologically.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists hypnosis as a safe, effective complementary approach for managing pain, reducing stress, and improving mental well-being.

Tip to remember: As with any therapy, the key is to work with a qualified, certified hypnotist who follows ethical practices and ensures your safety and comfort throughout the process. 

To Wrap up! 

It’s easy to see why myths about hypnosis still float around—after all, it has been portrayed as mysterious and magical for decades. But when we strip away the drama and look at the facts, hypnotherapy is a natural, safe, and scientifically backed approach to personal healing and growth.

If you’ve been holding back because of old hypnotherapy myths, now is the perfect time to look at hypnosis through a fresh, open lens. Remember, it’s not mind control—it’s mind freedom.

The key is to work with a certified hypnotherapist who truly listens to you, understands your unique challenges, and aligns the sessions with your personal goals. 

If you’re looking for someone who can help you, I can help you out. I’m Jigeesha Pandya – a best hypnotherapist in San Ramon, California. I understand what my clients want to change or heal, and curate personalized sessions to ensure the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) 

Why do people think hypnosis is mind control?

These hypnotherapy myths often come from movies and stage shows where hypnosis looks dramatic and magical. In reality, hypnosis is a state of focused attention where the person stays fully aware and in control. 

Can hypnosis make you do things against your will?

No, hypnosis cannot force anyone to do something against their morals or values. It is a common hypnotherapy myth. In reality, you stay aware and can reject any suggestion that doesn’t feel right to you. Hypnosis works by cooperation, not control.

Are hypnosis results scientifically proven?

Yes, many studies using brain scans and clinical trials have shown that hypnosis can change how the brain processes information, pain, and emotions. It’s recognized by medical associations as well as an evidence-based therapy.

Does hypnosis work for anxiety or trauma?

Yes, hypnotherapy is used by many mental health professionals to help people manage anxiety, trauma, and PTSD. It helps calm the nervous system, reframe painful memories, and build inner resources for healing.