Hypnosis was first used in medical practice in the 1840s by Franz Mesmer. The media has shown us that hypnosis involves the patient being under complete control of the hypnotist and obeying the weirdest commands. 

 

Although media has severely damaged hypnotherapy’s reputation, it’s still widely used in medicine today. It’s used for pain control, to treat patients with PTSD, ease side effects of chemotherapy, and much more. 

 

Let’s debunk some of the most common misconceptions about hypnotherapy.

Myth #1: Clients Are Forced to Obey Commands from the Hypnotherapist

Clients maintain their free will throughout the entire process. They are completely aware and can come out of the hypnosis induced trance whenever they wish. 

 

Our brain is prone to be swayed by external thoughts all the time; that’s precisely how marketing works. People who opt for hypnotherapy have something they wish to achieve, whether it’s to uncover a repressed memory or overcome their anxiety and stress. Patients already have the intention to follow the suggestions of the hypnotherapist.

 

If there’s a suggestion from the hypnotherapist that doesn’t make sense or is inappropriate, the client is free to refute it and break this trance.

Myth #2: Hypnotherapy Is Magic or Fake

Hypnotherapy is recognized as a clinical practice by the American Medical Association. It’s used to enable patients to control physical pain as a result of medical treatments. Just because there are no physical tools needed in the treatment, it doesn’t mean there is no quantifiable evidence of hypnotherapy’s effectiveness.

 

Myth #3: People Give Away Their Secrets 

People can discover repressed memories that they could never tap into before. If patients learn new things about themselves, they always have the right to their confidentiality. 

a girl whispering in a boy's ear

Most importantly, a hypnotherapist would never force patients to give away information they don’t want to.

Myth #4: Hypnotherapy Is a Health Hazard

Hypnotherapy is a very authentic medical practice that has been in use for centuries. People are often told to relax or just magically come up with solutions to their stress and sleep problems. 

 

Hypnotherapy plays a vital role in coaxing patients to relax and empowering them to conquer their issues. It can help ease pain, battle addiction, and even treat insomnia. 

 

Are you looking for experienced hypnotherapists for anxiety treatment, stress management, and insomnia treatment in Naples? Look no further! Check us out on our website to find out more information. 

 

Contact us to schedule an appointment for individual therapy. 

 

Written by

Peter Williams CHt. CHI