I love a good thriller so with Netflix new movie Hypnotic hitting our screens this week I had to watch it. The plot follows a lady turning to a mysterious hypnotherapist to help her overcome previous trauma in her life only to get caught in some deadly mind control!
Although this doesn’t sound like an average day in the office for me, I wanted to keep an open mind at least for the entertainment value knowing that Hollywood is full of myths and misconceptions when it comes to hypnosis.
Broadly I’d give the movie a 6/10. It has a predictable plot with me shouting at the screen. “Has the victim never watched a movie before, does she not know what will happen if she goes rogue and doesn’t wait for the police!”
If you have nothing else to do I’d recommend watching however I was feeling veerrry verrryy sleeepy by the end of it.
6 Hypnosis Myths Busted.
Myth 1 – Hypnosis is a form of mind control
Hypnosis doesn’t just happen. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Unless you are willing to be hypnotised, unless you allow a hypnotist to help you achieve the hypnotic trance state and your subconscious mind allows it then it won’t happen.
Allegedly the CIA & KGB experimented with hypnosis to create the perfect assassin and although there have been many stories about it, the evidence has never stacked up.
In short, a hypnotist cannot make you do anything against your wishes. ***Movie Spoiler alert*** You’re not going to find yourself trying to kill a Detective in the middle of the night without any knowledge, recollection or will.
Myth 2 – Hypnosis is like being put to sleep, knocked out cold or losing consciousness.
There is no loss of consciousness. In Hypnosis you are still aware of your surroundings, any sounds and what the hypnotist is saying. Whilst the eyes may be closed, you are still firmly in touch of your thoughts and feelings. Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness not unconscious.
Myth 3 – It’s possible to become stuck in hypnosis
It’s not possible to be stuck in hypnosis. Hypnosis puts you in to a normal and natural state so if for some reason the hypnotist walked out of the room, the internet connection cut off or God forbid he fell ill mid-session, you would naturally come out of trance.
As mentioned before, you are always in control and aware of what is going on around you and that part of you is paying attention to bring you back to conscious awareness anytime you need or want to.
Myth 4 – Hypnosis can help in just 1 session
Hypnosis isn’t a magic bullet nor are hypnotherapists magicians. Quite often people will notice a significant shift after the first session, but often lifelong habits and behaviours can’t be resolved in just one hour. The subconscious needs time to take on board the learnings between sessions.
Myth 5 – Not everyone can be hypnotised
Everyone can be hypnotised. You go in to trance multiple times throughout the day whether you are reading a book, daydreaming or driving on the motorway. We make these transitions in and out of trance without even realising. Modern research shows that hypnotisability is correlated with intelligence, concentration, and focus. Successful subjects often show high creativity, are cooperative, and usually have less fear and suspicion of the process. Actually, about 95% of all people are susceptible to hypnosis, to one degree or another.
You have already been hypnotised many times before!
Myth 6 – Hypnosis doesn’t work
Hypnosis may be used to ease or remove pain, overcome fears, phobias, addiction, weight loss and other problems. Apart from anecdotal evidence, studies have also shown hypnosis to be an effective tool. Many health insurers around the world accept Hypnosis as a valid modality on their plans. Still unsure if hypnosis is real or just a placebo effect? Does it really matter if you are getting the results you desire.
When choosing a hypnotherapist speak to people who may have had experience using one, research the therapist and see if they have any verified reviews through Google or social media. Check to see if they are registered with an appropriate body. It’s important you feel comfortable working with the right person so don’t be afraid to pick up the phone for an informal chat to see how you may be able to work together.
