5 Myths When You Hypnotize Someone

There are many reasons to hypnotize someone. They range from entertainment to overcoming phobias or bad habits. Regardless of it's use, there are at least 5 myths about hypnotizing someone.

1. Hypnotists Have Special Powers

Some people believe that you have to have some special power to hypnotize someone. Otherwise it would be difficult to get someone into a trance, right? Wrong! all you need to do is understand the techniques to hypnotize someone and make the person more receptive to suggestions. Anyone can learn these techniques with study and practice, so no special powers are needed.

2. Mind Control

Another misconception is that when you hypnotize someone, you're brainwashing them or practicing mind control over them. You can't control someone through hypnosis because people won't do something they don't want to - even when hypnotized. You can't erase their moral code or get them to do something they wouldn't do when awake. All hypnosis does is break down objections and make a someone more likely to follow suggestions.

3. Only Weak People Can Be Hypnotized

Some people believe people who can be hypnotized are too weak to resist. This couldn't be further from the truth. You can hypnotize someone regardless of intelligence, gullibility, age, race or sex.

4. You Lose Awareness When Hypnotized

When you hypnotize someone, they are actually in a relaxed trance but they are always alert and aware at some level. It's been shown that people go in and out of hypnotic trances on a regular basis during the day. Think of the last time you "got lost" in a book or movie. Another example is getting in your car and suddenly realizing you're at your destination but don't remember the trip. In both instances, you were still alert and aware of your surroundings but in a self induced hypnotic trance.

5. Hypnosis is Imaginary

Another common belief is that when you hypnotize someone, everything that happens is a result of an over active imagination. Actually, research has shown the opposite. People who have very active imaginations do not do as well with hypnosis.

As you learn more about how to hypnotize someone, keep these myths in mind. They will help you understand what you can and can't do when someone is under hypnosis.