There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to
hypnotherapy, or medical hypnosis. Even the American
Medical Association endorses medical hypnosis for some
illnesses and conditions. They do not make that
recommendation because someone hypnotized them to say
that. That's because when it comes to your health hypnosis often works.
You still need to see your regular doctor even when under
medical hypnosis.
Your Mind Remains Under Your
Control
Although we were all raised on tales of evil Svengails (or
cult leaders) who could control their member's minds, medical
hypnosis will not brainwash you. Your inner self is far
more powerful than any hypnotist. If you don’t want to do
it, you cannot be hypnotized into doing it. Unlike
brainwashing, you have to want help from the medical hypnosis
in order for it to have any affect.
Can I Go Into A Trance
Accidentally?
There are persistent urban legends about people who were
hypnotized once, and then went into hypnotic trances at the
most peculiar times, like behind the wheel of a car. You
cannot go into a hypnotic trance at unpredictable times.
You can only go into a hypnotic trance right before falling
asleep, which can happen at a medical hypnosis session.
There is also no sound or vibration known to science that can
automatically trigger a hypnotic trance in anyone.
Can I Be Hypnotized?
You don’t know if you can’t be hypnotized unless you try
it. However, if the thought of medical hypnotism really
makes you so anxious that you can't sleep the night before the
session, then perhaps you should try another treatment.
Some people refuse to be hypnotized. Some will only go to
hypnotist if there is a friend in the room with
them. There's nothing wrong with that and it's a matter of
personal choice.
Will I Become Dependent On Medical
Hypnosis?
Unlike many other forms of medical treatments, there are
very few negative side effects with medical hypnosis.
Each person needs their own number of hypnosis sessions in
order to get any help. For some people, this means only a
few sessions. For others, it can take months.
However, the goal of any reputable hypnotherapist is to give
you the tools to help yourself.
Before you go to your first medical hypnosis session, check
with your health insurance to see if they will cover or
reimburse you for any part of it. You might also need a
written letter from your doctor sent to your health insurance
saying that the treatment is necessary. The rules differ
from company to company.