Are You Going to Turn Me Into a Chicken? Questions & Answers About Hypnosis!

Recently, I heard someone describe hypnosis as brainwashing.

That idea spreads fast.
It is also wrong.

Let’s clear up a few of the biggest myths people still have about hypnosis.

Q. Is hypnosis brainwashing?

No.

You stay aware during hypnosis.
You choose what you accept.

A trained hypnotist asks what you want to change.
The session is built around your goal.

If you hear something that does not align with what you want, your mind rejects it.
You can open your eyes.
You can speak.
You can end the session.

Hypnosis works because you are willing to change.
Your mind protects you.

If you ever feel uncomfortable, leave.
Your safety matters more than the session.

Q. Am I asleep?

No.

If you were asleep, no change work could happen.

You are deeply relaxed.
Focused.
Calm.

You can move.
You can talk.
You can get up and use the washroom and return.

It is not sleep.
It is a heightened state of focus.

Q. Can everyone be hypnotized?

Most people can.

Research places people into three broad groups:

• High responsiveness, about 10 percent
• Medium responsiveness, about 80 percent
• Low responsiveness, about 10 percent

Most people fall into the middle.

Nervousness and misinformation can reduce responsiveness.
That is why the first session often includes education.

When you understand the process, you relax.
When you relax, your focus increases.

Q. Can I get stuck in hypnosis?

No.

There is no evidence of anyone being stuck.

At worst, someone might drift into sleep.
They wake up naturally.

Q. What about stage hypnosis? People act like chickens.

There are two main uses of hypnosis:

• Entertainment
• Personal change

A stage hypnotist wants a show.
Volunteers want to participate and have fun.

The suggestions are temporary.
They are removed at the end.

A hypnotherapist has a different goal.

The focus is change.

• Stop smoking
• Sleep better
• Build confidence
• Release habits
• Reach personal goals

The suggestions are meant to support change beyond the session.

One is performance.
The other is personal development.

If you are curious, ask yourself this:

What would you change in your life if you trusted your mind to support you?

That is where hypnosis begins. ✨