Myths & facts
about hypnosis.

You are asleep during hypnosis

You are not asleep during hypnosis. You are simply in a relaxed state, and fully awake the whole time.

You are not aware of your environment while in hypnosis

You are completely aware of your surroundings. You can hear, talk and come out of the relaxed state at any time you choose.

You must be weak-minded if you can be hypnotised

Everyone can be hypnotised. In fact we all drift into trance-like states every day, whenever we use our imagination, engage our emotions or become absorbed in something. Strength of mind has little to do with it. What matters is willingness to cooperate, a person who resists makes a poor subject, whether strong or weak-minded, while anyone who cooperates makes a good one.

People sometimes become stuck in hypnosis

This simply is not true, despite what the tabloids occasionally claim. Very rarely someone may not come out of the relaxed state straight away, usually because they are enjoying it so much they are in no hurry. A few gentle prompts are always more than enough.

You will become stuck if something happens to the hypnotist

Again, not true. A person would simply become bored and get up when they felt like it. The hypnotist holds no special power over you. People can even hypnotise themselves, this is called self-hypnosis, and wake whenever they choose.

You can be made to reveal your deepest secrets

Because your mind is fully aware and awake throughout, this is not possible. If you do not want to talk about something, you are under no compulsion to do so. People can easily stay private, which is exactly why courts will not accept testimony given under hypnosis.