Frequently Asked Questions

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Patients fear that they may lose their inhibitions or indulge in behavior that may cause embarrassment since they may have seen similar behavior in a movie. However, clinical hypnosis is designed to increase the level of control the patient experiences over hihis life and behavior (Fox et al., 2004; Pratt et al., 2009; Yapko, 2015; Zur, 2015).

Patients may think that hypnotherapy is sleep, probably because they do not have adequate knowledge of how hypnosis works. However, the electroencephalogram (EEG) of a patient under hypnosis presents similar to that of a person who is awake. An altered, focused state where a patient is in complete control of all his/her senses is therefore different to sleeping – one might explain being fully awake as being conscious and being asleep as being unconscious, whereas being under hypnosis refers to an altered state of consciousness (Fox et al., 2004; Pratt et al., 2009; Yapko, 2015; Zur, 2015). Additionally, the brain images of people in hypnotic states demonstrate unequivocally that the brain is in an altered state under hypnosis (Solms 2018, personal communication)

 Patients may fear being taken advantage off as a result of films and fiction often depicting such tales. However, individuals need not 530 Integr Psych Behav (2021) 55:527–540 fear exploitation, as hypnosis is only as powerful as the subscription of the patient (Fox et al., 2004; Pratt et al., 2009; Yapko, 2015; Zur, 2015).

 Patients fear that the therapist may have total power over them, which may leave them vulnerable. Patients most likely come to this conclusion as a result of stage shows where hypnotists control individuals; however, hypnosis is not mind control and cannot be applied to extract secrets or control minds – a patient will only follow suggestions that are in line with his/her belief system (Fox et al., 2004; Pratt et al., 2009; Yapko, 2015; Zur, 2015).

Patients fear that they may become trapped in a hypnotic state and not wake up. However, the patient is always aware of his/her surroundings and able to terminate the process at any time (Fox et al., 2004; Pratt et al., 2009; Yapko, 2015; Zur, 2015).

Patients fear becoming involved in supernatural practices or black magic. Hypnosis is not witchcraft and the notion that hypnosis is some form of spiritual witchcraft or practice that goes against religion by seemingly making use of dark forces is probably the greatest misconception (Fox et al., 2004; Pratt et al., 2009; Yapko, 2015; Zur, 2015).