Let’s test your knowledge.

Answer the following true/false questions:

1. Hypnotized participants display blind obedience to the clinician, such that participants respond to suggestions irresistibly.

2. Hypnosis can help us recall repressed childhood memories and "past life" events.

3. Hypnosis is a sleep-like trance state of consciousness.

4. Hypnosis is a state of focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion.

5. Hypnosis is just fakery and pretending.

The correct answer to all these questions is “false.”

How did you do?

Full Article Here: Psychology Today — Dispelling Myths About Hypnosis

Common Misconceptions

1. Loss of Control: The myth that under hypnosis, people lose control of their actions and will do things against their will.

2. Magic or Mind Control: The belief that hypnosis is a form of magical power or mind control that can make someone do things they wouldn't normally do.

3. Unconsciousness: The misconception that being hypnotized means being unconscious or asleep.

4. Memory Loss: The idea that people forget everything that happens during hypnosis.

5. Weak-mindedness: The stereotype that only weak-minded or gullible people can be hypnotized.

6. Permanent State: The misconception that once hypnotized, a person remains in a trance indefinitely until someone "wakes" them up.

7. Revealing Secrets: The myth that hypnosis can make people reveal their deepest secrets against their will.

8. Instant Behavioral Change: The belief that hypnosis can instantly and permanently change behaviors without any effort from the individual.

9. Entertainment Stereotype: The association of hypnosis primarily with stage shows and entertainment, rather than as a legitimate restorative technique.

10. Lack of Scientific Basis: The misconception that hypnosis is not supported by scientific evidence or is purely pseudoscience.