Extract from "Powerful Mind through Self-Hypnosis" www.therapists-on-call.com
By Irish Author Cathal O'Briain
A number of B-grade movies misrepresent hypnosis, promoting the idea that hypnosis is about mind control rather than mind strengthening. This article discusses some of the common myths and misconceptions created by this misrepresentation.
I Will Lose Control of My Will (Svengali Effect)
This myth evolved as a result of negative exposure, e.g. stage shows, T.V, films, books etc. The work of the stage hypnotist is largely the result of a very careful selection of subjects and the expectancies of these subjects while on stage or in the audience. The hypnotist will only pick those who are ready to think, imagine and comply with his/her requests and demands. In real hypnosis nobody can be made to do something against their will. If a suggestion was to be given in hypnosis that went against the belief system of an individual, they would automatically awaken from the hypnotic state. The idea that a person’s will can be controlled is known as the Svengali Effect, and gained its name from an old John Barrymore film called ‘Svengali’. In this film a deranged old man hypnotises women to go out and commit crimes under his spell. It’s a good example of how misconceptions can develop over time through unhelpful exposure to films like this. The truth is the subconscious will ignore a command if it is not within its interest. A hypnotised person will automatically arouse into normal wakefulness if they are being asked to do something that goes against their will. World renowned Hypnotherapist Roy Hunter once bounced out of deep hypnosis simply because the hypnotist asked him to shave off his beard.
A Person is Unconscious While in the Hypnotic State
In hypnosis you are fully aware and even more receptive than normal. The five senses are also at an increased level of receptivity, so should an emergency arise, you can open your eyes and automatically come out of trance. There is never a loss of consciousness while in hypnosis, no matter how deep into trance you go.
A Person May Get Stuck in Hypnosis
This is completely false. There has never been a recorded case of anyone ‘getting stuck’ in the hypnotic state. Hypnosis is a pleasant state of relaxation which one can be easily aroused from. However, if your body required natural sleep, you could go from hypnosis into a comfortable sleep state if not awakened by the hypnotherapist. You would awaken later, just as you would after a nap (or a full night’s sleep).
Only the Weak-Minded can be Hypnotised
False. Self-hypnosis requires a level of understanding and intelligence. Anyone who desires to hypnotise themselves can do so, but the level of trance we achieve depends largely on our skill and intuition. A gentleman once said to me, “You won’t be able to hypnotise me.” To which I replied, “Yes you’re right, I won’t.” The late Charles Tebbetts, a legendary hypnosis instructor, taught that people can resist hypnosis if they want to (Hunter, 2000). Myron Teitlebaum, M.D., author of Hypnosis Induction Technics, taught: "The hypnotist is merely the guide who directs and leads the subject into the trance." (Teitlebaum, 1980, page 18)
The Underlying Principle
The use of hypnosis establishes a climate for healing because it creates a relaxed atmosphere. In this relaxed atmosphere there is an increase in motivation and energy because you are the active participant in your own positive, mental and physical treatment. Hypnosis can raise the pain threshold and provide one with an opportunity for self-mastery. Within each and every one of us are the necessary resources for personal development, but change must happen at an unconscious level first before we can create new behavioural patterns for maximum living. This is where hypnosis plays its part; for it is the connection that links us to our deeper mind.
This article is an extract from "POWERFUL MIND THROUGH SELF-HYPNOSIS" by Cathal O'Briain.
You can find this book at www.amazon.com and in all good bookstores throughout the world.
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