Unfortunately, the entertainment industry has skewed most people’s perceptions surrounding hypnotherapy. For most, the idea of a ‘hypnotist’ conjures up an imagine of a magician-like character who, with a swing of a watch, can make you cluck like a chicken and do things you don’t want to do.

The reality of hypnotists, like that of Melbourne Hypnotherapy Clinic’s Sonia Devine, is that they are responsible and qualified professionals who, much like a traditional therapist, will aid you in the recovery of your problems.

Hypnosis can help beat addictions, lose weight, stop smoking, and ease anxiety and depression. If you’re still skeptical of the stigma surrounding hypnotherapy, we will address some common misconceptions and myths about the process.

Myth #1: A hypnotherapist can make you do things you don’t want to do

The idea of hypnotherapy being ‘mind control’ is another myth used for entertainment purposes. In hypnosis, your hypnotherapist will make suggestions to you but you have the power to reject anything put forward. You are still in complete control of your mind and body in a hypnotic state.

Myth #2: I can’t be Hypnotised

Any willing person with an IQ over 70 is able to be hypnotized. A hypnotic state is similar to when you’re daydreaming, or when you just wake up or fall asleep - things that we experience naturally every day.

Myth #3: I will be cured after one session

Like most things in life, there is no quick fix when it comes to hypnotherapy. Other therapies also take time and you have to be determined to want to change and put in the effort to do so.

For example, many clients at Melbourne Hypnotherapy Clinic have been able to shed the kilos and keep them off because they were willing to work for it by making lasting changes to their diets, exercise regimes, and lifestyles. Hypnotherapy gives you tools but it’s up to you to use them.

Myth #4: I couldn’t concentrate on what was said so it’s not going to work

This actually means that you are in a very deep state of hypnosis! Your mind might be wandering but you are actually in either a light or deep trance where your subconscious mind is more open to the suggestions given to it, and therefore you are able to be easily hypnotized.

Myth #5: Hypnosis can cure anything

Any ethical hypnotist will never claim that you can cure everything by hypnotherapy. While it is an excellent way to address problems like addictions or provide you with skills to better manage your mental health, you should research your own unique condition and understand what you hope to get out of hypnotherapy.

Some common ways it can’t help are:

• Raising or lowering your metabolism

• Making your hair grow

• Getting rid of cancer or chronic pain

• Curing anxiety or depression

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for anxiety or depression. Much like other therapies or antidepressants, hypnotherapy is just another way to ease your symptoms and give you skills and coping mechanisms to handle it. You may feel your symptoms subside immensely due to hypnotherapy, but no reputable hypnotherapist would claim to ‘cure’ your anxiety or depression, or do anything else mentioned in the list above.

Myth #6: You can get stuck in a hypnotic state

Very simply, no one will remain in a trance or hypnotic state if they don’t want to. As mentioned before, you have complete control of yourself at all stages of a hypnotherapy session. Your hypnotherapist will give their full attention to you at all times and at the end of the session, will help you to come out of the hypnotic state. Even if this wasn’t done, you can still bring yourself out of it, much like when you refocus your attention on your surroundings after you’ve been daydreaming.

Fact: Hypnosis can help you

If you’re ready to be willing and open, and you find a trusted hypnotherapist, hypnotherapy can help you. Sonia Devine from Melbourne Hypnotherapy Clinic recommends doing your research into hypnotherapists and calling up to discuss their processes and how they may best benefit you so you can get the most out of your sessions.