The Dangers of Self-Hypnosis

The massive amount of information available online and the desire most people have to do things their own way has created a generation of DIYers. DIY can often be a good idea, but it can also backfire. The internet is unregulated and much of the information available is inaccurate, incomplete and often downright wrong. Also, each individual has his or her own strengths and weaknesses and to presume that your DIY efforts will succeed just because the internet says they will is a huge mistake. Nowhere is this truer than in the case of self-hypnosis.

Self-Hypnosis Is Not the Same As Self-Help

Self-help is using your internal physical and mental resources to get things done. Hypnosis means bypassing the critical mind that controls your everyday activities to access the subconscious mind that controls habits. With hypnosis you are not using your resources to achieve an end, you are changing yourself and your resources. That is something that is not easy to do yourself. You need guidance to control the process and get the kind of results you want. Without it, there could be negative consequences.

What Could Go Wrong With Self Hypnosis

The innumerable website and e-books that extoll the virtues of self-hypnotism conveniently ignore some critical facts.

• When hypnotized, the doors of your mind are open. This enables behavior patterns to change. You have to be sure that once that happens, the doors are closed again. Or the changes may not be for the better.
• Not coming out of the hypnotic trance correctly could cause a variety of problems like headaches or the hypnosis being ineffective.
• A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. You may be able to hypnotize yourself, but the experience may not provide you with the results you need. A qualified hypnotherapist knows exactly how to use hypnosis as a tool for the betterment of the person under her care.
• When you are in a state of hypnosis, you disassociated from the world around you. If something should occur that requires your response, your soul or inner being will react instinctively to bring you back so you can do what is required to protect yourself. That being said, having another person present to help you deal with any emergency is always a good idea.
• If you think that self-hypnosis is something you want to try, contact a professional hypnotist who will guide you on how to do it properly and the precautions that need to be taken to keep you safe and derive the maximum benefits from the experience. Hypnosis is a serious matter. It can change your life for the better, but it must be done correctly.

Consult A Qualified Specialist

Hypnosis is a complicated subject and if not done correctly, the results can be at best disappointing. At worst, the problems you tried to resolve could remain the same or perhaps even get worse. The best way to ensure that hypnosis gets you the results you want and expect is to consult a Certified Consulting Hypnotist. She will evaluate the nature or the condition and decide if hypnosis can help you, if self-hypnosis is right for you and if so, how it should be done. She will be able to use her experience and skills to take you through the process, keep you safe at all times and protect your interests so that you emerge from the hypnotic state in the right way. Hypnosis is not something you do every day. When you need to use it, be safe with a professional.

Common Myths about Hypnosis

Despite its widespread acceptance as an important tool in physical and mental healing and well being, there are still many myths about the subject that often discourages people from getting treatment that could help them. Here are a few of the most common ones.

• The weak minded are the easiest to hypnotize: Not only is this not true, the converse is where the reality lies. Generally speaking, people with high levels of intelligence and self-control are usually more easily hypnotized. This is because entering a hypnotic state requires concentration, which is more difficult for the weak minded. Of course, this is a generalized statement. Being difficult to hypnotize does not mean that a person is weak minded. Research shows that about 30% of adults are fairly resistant to hypnosis.
• Being hypnotized is being helpless: This is also false. A persons inhibitions are reduced while under hypnosis and they are more open to suggestion. However, they remain in touch with and are bound by their moral beliefs and standards of behavior.
• Being hypnotized is like being asleep: Although people under hypnosis may appear to be relaxed with closed eyes, they are not asleep. They are in a state of higher concentration and the brain wave patterns show that they are alert, awake and responsive.
• Hypnotism works miracles in minutes: This is a myth born out of stage hypnosis acts which are intended to be dramatic. The truth is that a professional hypnotherapist will often need multiple sessions with a patient to achieve the desired results. Professionals know that lasting change does not occur overnight and trying to do it that way never produces good results.
• Hypnotists are strange people: This too is a myth from the stage and TV shows. Strange lighting, weird noises, outlandish clothing and odd makeup are all part of a show. A real hypnotherapist does not need to put on a show and will dress and appear to be normal in every way.
• A person cannot lie while hypnotized: As already said, a person’s moral or immoral sensibilities remain in force while under hypnosis. This means that if the truth is to be hidden, the person can lie as fluently as if he or she were not hypnotized.
• Being hypnotized is unusual: Almost everyone has been in a mild state of hypnosis at some time or another. For example, many find that going for a long drive helps them to think and solve problems. That is because after a time the mind becomes dissociated from the physical environment similar to being in a state of hypnosis. The mechanical action of controlling the car continues but the conscious mind is free to expand its boundaries and find solutions.

If you want to know if hypnotism can help you overcome the problems you face or if it can improve the quality of your life, consult a professional hypnotherapist. She will, after discussing your case, tell you if being hypnotized will help you and if so, how and why it will work. Forget the myths and remember that you are consulting a serious professional who will use the science of hypnotism to help you.