Homeby Hypnoboth
Lady Julia has asked me to chime in about myths concerning hypnosis, which I am happy to do. I warn you, some of my myths and realities will be controversial.
Myth: Hypnosis is sleep.
Fact: Hypnosis is very different from sleep, and if you look at an EEG of the same person when that person is in trance and is asleep, the differences are clear.
Myth: Hypnosis is associated with “alpha” or “theta” waves; the slower the primary wave, the deeper the trance.
Fact: Hypnosis can occur with virtually any EEG profile. “Hyper-alert” trances occur in high beta states.
Myth: Hypnosis is something that a powerful person can inflict on a weaker one.
Fact: Hypnosis requires interaction between the hypnotist and the client. It is not inflicted, but entered into together. The best metaphor for a hypnotic trance is communication on multiple levels, many on a subconscious level.
Myth: Hypnosis can’t make you do anything that you would not normally do.
Fact: True as a technical statement, this is extremely misleading. The range of behavior that is “normal” for the unconscious mind is much broader than that of the conscious mind, and broader than most people suspect. However, this is not limited to hypnosis. A large majority of people will torture and kill a stranger upon a simple (insistent) request from someone in authority.
Myth: Hypnosis happens to weak minded people.
Fact: trance happens to everyone, every day. Hypnosis just lets you enter into trance when you wish to.
Myth: Hypnosis means losing control.
Fact: Trance is an everyday event. Hypnosis gives you *more* control, as it allows you enter and leave trance when you choose. You may experience the feeling of being controlled, but in fact your subconscious is in control.
I may post some more of these later. Questions and comments are welcome.