Many of us have learned about hypnosis from what we have read
in books or seen in movies. Hypnosis
has been featured in many movies such as: The
Manchurian Candidate (1962 & 2004),
Stir of Echoes (1999), Zoolander
(2001), Donnie Darko (2001), Office Space (2001), and Shallow Hal (2001). In The Manchurian Candidate and Zoolander, individuals become
sleeper-agent style assassins that kill without memory or remorse. In Stir
of Echoes, the main character becomes hypnotized to see a girl’s ghost and
solve the mystery surrounding her.
Lastly, in Donnie Darko and Shallow Hal, the main characters
utilize hypnosis to improve themselves.
Hollywood exists to entertain people, not to educate
people. The “popular” image of a
hypnotist swinging a pocket watch and telling someone that they are getting “very
sleepy” does not occur in modern hypnotism and modern hypnotherapy. The concept of a “weak” subject bending to
the will of the hypnotist and mindlessly obeying orders is also a complete
fiction without a basis in reality.
This unfortunate stereotype showcases a host of
misconceptions. Few, if any, modern hypnotists use a swinging watch. Although most hypnotists attempt to calm
subjects during the induction, relaxation is not necessary. People have even been hypnotized during
extreme duress to reduce blood flow from injury and during vigorous
exercise. Electroencephalographic (EEG)
studies confirm that during hypnosis subjects are not in a sleep-like state but
are awake. Clients can always resist a suggestion and are always in control while in the state of
hypnosis. In an office setting,
hypnotists can assess hypnotic state and depth by asking questions and
performing tests utilizing muscle response.
Take charge of your life.
Leave all of the Hollywood fairy-tales behind, and join the growing
number of people who benefit from hypnosis.
