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Misconceptions about hypnosis are often based on inaccurate portrayals in popular media.

Some patients remain wary of hypnosis even after misconceptions are corrected.

It is worthwhile to think about the ethics of using hypnotic techniques while avoiding the term “hypnosis."

When clinicians introduce hypnosis as a possible therapy, they sometimes encounter misconceptions held by their clients about the nature of hypnosis. These are often based on inaccurate portrayals in popular media of how hypnosis might be misused.

Frequent misconceptions include the ideas that hypnosis involves the clinician’s taking control of a patient’s mind, that it induces sleep, and that it is an abnormal or unusual state.

For some patients, the term “hypnosis” feels exciting and they are eager to learn how to utilize it.

However, even after clinicians address misconceptions, and explain that hypnosis involves the use of imagination that is controlled by the patients themselves, some patients and/or their family members remain wary. Reasons for this hesitancy may include:

Religious or cultural beliefs

A past negative experience with hypnosis such as might have occurred during a stage show

A fear that something might be revealed of which they are consciously aware, but that they would rather keep private;

A fear of bringing inner conflicts into conscious awareness, as may occur in patients dealing with traumatic events

Mistrust of health........

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