What is Hypnosis Really? Separating Fact from Fiction

While it might seem like something out of the ordinary, the truth behind hypnosis is surprisingly natural, practical and effective.

In this post, I will address some myths and commonly asked questions about hypnosis (like the bark like a dog question) and shed some light on why this powerful tool is such a catalyst for positive and lasting change. 

Many people's understanding of hypnosis comes from the media’s portrayal of it being used to take over the world or someone’s will or in stage performances, which can often look embarrassing to those involved… all in all, it paints a misleading picture…

When I am bringing someone into hypnosis, what we are doing is working together to slow their brain waves down.  In the same way your brain waves naturally slow way down when you fall asleep.  We go from Beta, through Alpha and Theta, to Delta every night when we fall asleep. 

Beta: Awake, alert

Alpha and Theta: Deep relaxation, daydreaming, meditation and hypnosis

Delta: Asleep, loss of awareness

Understanding these brain waves helps us see this is a totally normal and surprisingly familiar state. 

In my sessions with clients, we are working together to bring them into that Alpha/Theta state on purpose, that halfway between awake and asleep state, and keeping them there for the session. 

Hypnosis is a natural state of heightened, focused attention - and relaxation - where the critical mind is quieted, allowing access to the subconscious.

You could think of it this way:

Hypnosis can be understood as trying to introduce helpful ideas into the "castle" of your subconscious mind. Your conscious mind acts like a "guard" at the gate, and for suggestions to enter, this guard needs to be in a state of relaxed trust, willing to let them in. Whether the guard is attentively watching or taking a mental break, as long as there's an underlying trust and agreement with the suggestions, they are more likely to reach the subconscious. For a more detailed explanation of how the conscious mind acts as a 'guard,' you can read this.

This state of mind that you enter is a far more familiar state than people expect. It is the same state that you go into when you daydream, when you drive on automatic pilot, when you get lost in a good conversation or in the emotions of a good movie or book.  

It’s where my mind goes when I am getting a massage… My mind is drifty and dreamy and I am not super focused on what is going on but I am still aware enough to know I am getting a massage and that I looooove it!

Here are some things people have said about the feeling and experience of hypnosis:

“I followed everything you said”

“I think I drifted away for a bit...”

“like a guided meditation...”

“that was soooo relaxing”

“I didn’t want it to end!”

“it felt so good”

“it felt like I was floating”

“It is like a massage for my mind...”

Myths Busted: 

Let’s talk rumours and myths….I’ll clear up some common hypnosis misconceptions.

True or False? Hypnosis is mind control: I will lose my willpower and become a puppet doing whatever the hypnotist says. 

That’s False! Hypnosis isn’t mind control, all I can do in hypnosis is help your subconscious mind agree with what is already in your conscious mind.  You are in control.  You decide on the goals, you decide if you trust me enough to go into hypnosis with me, you decide if you like the goals enough to take them in, you decide if you want to share what’s going on for you while you’re in hypnosis.  

Technically, you can choose to lie in hypnosis, I mean, I don’t really recommend it. But that is the level of control you have.  If something comes up for you that you don’t want to talk to me about, or you want to wait until you are out of hypnosis to talk about it. That is totally fine.  You can just say that. It won’t wreck anything.  You won’t say anything in hypnosis that you don’t want to and you won’t do anything in hypnosis that you don’t want to. 

True or False? You are unaware when you are in hypnosis. 

False. You are focused, aware, observant, and thinking. In hypnosis you can still notice that you are thinking. And you can even wonder if you are in hypnosis while in hypnosis. 

Sometimes it feels pleasantly daydream-y. Usually my clients will start pretty present in sessions, they will be following along and tracking everything; and then as they get familiar and comfortable with hypnosis and with me, and as long as what I am saying sounds good to their subconscious minds, they might drift in and out.  

It doesn’t affect the efficacy of results to follow along or be super deep, it just changes how you experience it in the moment. 

True of False? Hypnosis is mystical, magical or woo.  

False: Hypnosis is natural and totally legitimate. 

I’ll be the first one to say that sometimes it can seem too good to be true, I whisper sweet somethings in your ear and you finally become the person you always wanted to be. It is true, but there is no magic wand and there is some work involved..the work is just easier with hypnosis. 

The fact is that hypnosis is real, natural and effective and it can feel like magic.... but it isn't. 

To me it is like  how plants growing or the stars shining in the sky can seem like a sort of magic... but it isn't. 

True or False: Stage hypnosis is real

True!  It is a matter of consent and slowing down brain waves again, for both scenarios. 

But it is important to remember the objective in each scenario: when a stage hypnotist selects a volunteer from the crowd (and stage hypnotists often select volunteers who are naturally suggestible in a particularly extroverted way, with the primary goal of entertainment and amusement for the participant and audience) or when a person decides to use hypnosis to support their goals (hypnosis in our sessions focuses on achieving specific personal goals like shifting mindset or changing habits).

So, could I make you bark like a dog?  

I guess I could, but only if you wanted me to. 

But the other relevant truth is,  I wouldn’t do it, even if you wanted me to… 

Now you know that hypnosis isn't about barking like a dog, but rather a natural state that can be a catalyst for empowering, positive growth and lasting change. 

Are you considering the benefits for yourself? If you're looking to overcome limiting beliefs, reduce stress, and achieve your goals and you are intrigued by the possibility of experiencing that "massage for your mind," I encourage you to book a Consultation today!