Let’s be honest. When you hear the word hypnosis, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a swinging pocket watch, someone saying, “You are getting very sleepy,” or maybe a magician making people cluck like chickens on stage. You’re not alone in feeling skeptical about hypnosis, especially when it’s talked about as a medical treatment. After all, with all the showmanship attached to it, how can hypnosis be a serious therapeutic tool?
If you’ve ever dismissed hypnosis as little more than entertainment or a mind-control trick, I understand. I used to be skeptical too. But as it turns out, medical hypnosis—often called clinical hypnosis—is far from the hocus-pocus many of us imagine. It’s a legitimate, science-backed practice used by trained professionals to help treat a range of conditions, from chronic pain and anxiety to IBS and even trauma.
In this post, we’ll unpack some of the biggest myths surrounding medical hypnosis and clear up the misconceptions. You might just walk away with a fresh perspective on what hypnosis really is—and more importantly, what it’s not.
Myth #1: Hypnosis is Mind Control or Brainwashing
One of the most common misconceptions about hypnosis is that it’s some form of mind control. People think the hypnotist takes over your mind and makes you do things against your will. This idea has been perpetuated by movies, TV shows, and stage hypnotists who make volunteers do silly things like dance or act like animals. It’s no wonder people are wary of it.
But here’s the truth: Medical hypnosis is nothing like that. A clinical hypnotherapist cannot make you do anything you don’t want to do. In fact, during a hypnosis session, you remain fully aware and in control of your actions. Hypnosis is more of a deeply relaxed state, similar to daydreaming or being fully absorbed in a book or movie. Your therapist simply helps guide you into this relaxed state, where your mind is more open to suggestions for healing or positive change.
Think of it this way: Your therapist is more like a guide, and you are the one in the driver’s seat. If your mind is set against something, you won’t accept the suggestion. You cannot be forced to act in ways that go against your values or desires, and you certainly won’t lose control of your mind.
Myth #2: You Can Get Stuck in Hypnosis
This one always made me pause—what if I go under hypnosis and can’t wake up? That sounds terrifying, right? This myth likely stems from a misunderstanding of what hypnosis actually is.
Hypnosis isn’t some mystical trance you get trapped in. When you’re in a hypnotic state, you are deeply relaxed and highly focused, but you’re still fully aware of your surroundings. You can snap out of it anytime you want. If your hypnotherapist were to stop speaking or you were left alone, you’d simply drift back into a normal waking state, much like waking up from a nap.
In fact, many people report feeling refreshed and relaxed after a hypnosis session, even if they were working through difficult emotions or memories. So, rest assured—there’s no risk of being “stuck” in hypnosis.
Myth #3: Hypnosis Only Works on Weak-Minded or Gullible People
Here’s another myth that might make you roll your eyes: the idea that hypnosis only works on people who are weak-minded, easily influenced, or gullible. This misconception suggests that only certain people are “susceptible” to hypnosis, and it’s often viewed in a negative light.
In reality, hypnosis is not a sign of weakness or gullibility. It’s actually a natural state of heightened focus and concentration that most people can enter with the right guidance. Being hypnotizable doesn’t mean you’re easily controlled; it means your mind is capable of achieving a deep state of focus and relaxation.
In fact, people who are highly intelligent and imaginative often respond better to hypnosis because they can fully engage with the process. It’s not about being weak-minded—it’s about being open to the experience and willing to allow your mind to enter a focused, relaxed state. If you’re skeptical but willing to give it a try, you might find it works far better than you expected.
Myth #4: Hypnosis is Just Placebo or Fake Therapy
As someone who’s always been a bit skeptical, I can understand why people might think hypnosis is nothing more than a placebo. After all, if hypnosis just involves someone talking to you, how can it possibly have real therapeutic effects? Isn’t it just the power of suggestion?
While the placebo effect is real and powerful, medical hypnosis has been studied extensively and proven to have benefits beyond mere suggestion. In fact, hypnosis can actually alter the way your brain processes information, especially pain signals. Numerous studies have shown that hypnosis can help reduce chronic pain, alleviate anxiety, improve sleep, and even speed up recovery from certain medical conditions.
For example, medical hypnosis has been used in cancer treatment centers to help patients manage pain, nausea, and anxiety. It’s also used to treat conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even skin conditions like psoriasis. These aren’t just placebo effects—they are real, measurable changes in how the body and mind respond to stress, pain, and trauma.
Myth #5: You Can’t Be Hypnotized if You Don’t Want To
This one has some truth to it but needs clarification. Yes, if you’re completely opposed to hypnosis and go into a session with a closed mind, you’re unlikely to get much out of it. Hypnosis isn’t something that can be forced upon you. But here’s where the myth gets it wrong: Just because you’re skeptical doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from hypnosis.
If you’re open to the possibility, even if you have doubts, you can still experience the benefits of medical hypnosis. You don’t have to believe in hypnosis for it to work—you just need to be willing to give it a shot. Many skeptics have found that once they let go of their resistance and allowed themselves to relax, hypnosis was far more effective than they ever thought possible.
So, if you’re on the fence, remember that being skeptical is okay. Just be open to the process. You might be surprised at how effective it can be, even if you weren’t a believer at first.
Myth #6: Hypnosis is Dangerous or Unregulated
This myth feeds off fear. Some people worry that hypnosis could be dangerous, maybe because they’ve seen Hollywood portrayals of hypnotists controlling minds or because they’ve heard of unethical practitioners. While it’s important to choose a qualified professional, the practice of medical hypnosis is safe when conducted by a trained and certified hypnotherapist.
In fact, medical hypnosis is used in reputable hospitals and medical centers worldwide. It’s regulated in many countries, and many hypnotherapists are also licensed healthcare providers such as psychologists, counselors, or doctors. These professionals undergo extensive training in hypnosis as part of their broader medical or therapeutic practice.
Like any form of treatment, it’s crucial to do your research and find a practitioner with the appropriate qualifications. But in the hands of a trained professional, hypnosis is a safe and effective tool for improving mental and physical health.
Myth #7: Hypnosis is a Quick Fix
If you’re hoping that hypnosis is a magic solution that will fix your problems in one session, I hate to break it to you—but that’s not how it works. While hypnosis can produce quick results in some cases, especially for things like pain management or anxiety relief, it’s not a one-and-done treatment. Like any therapeutic approach, it often requires multiple sessions and consistent effort on your part.
Hypnosis works best as part of a broader treatment plan. It can help you uncover and address underlying issues, change unhealthy behaviors, and reframe negative thought patterns. But lasting change takes time. Think of it as a tool in your toolbox for self-improvement, not a silver bullet.
The Bottom Line: A Skeptic’s Take on Hypnosis
Look, I get why you’re skeptical. I was too. Hypnosis has long been misunderstood, thanks to its portrayal in popular culture as some kind of mind-control gimmick. But when you strip away the misconceptions, you’ll find that medical hypnosis is a legitimate, scientifically supported form of therapy used to help people with a wide range of issues.
Is hypnosis going to solve all your problems overnight? No. But it’s a powerful tool that can help you tap into your mind’s natural ability to heal and change. If you’re open to giving it a try, you might just find that your skepticism starts to fade—and that hypnosis works far better than you ever thought possible.
