Thread: Hypnosis Misconceptions

Well, the one hypnotizing you is basically more or less just a guide and you
are hypnotizing yourself - that's why it won't work if you don't want it to.
But I don't really see a big misconception about it, especially in the scientific
community.

Who thinks hypnosis is the devil? Anyone?

People like to use it in writing and on tv and stuff, and make it seem a lot stronger than it really is as a plot device, however I think most people know that is an exaggeration.

Take a look at DJ Gyvers videos. He's a street hypnotist and teaches a class on it at a night school in Florida.

http://www.youtube.com/user/XxXGyverXxX

I've been in contact with him over youtube for some time now, he's a pretty cool guy, and he knows his stuff.

Originally Posted by dajo

Who thinks hypnosis is the devil? Anyone?

Speaking of misconceptions of hypnosis, some jehovah witnesses once told me that if you underwent hypnosis you were opening up yourself to demonic possession.

Argh. Browser glitches the last post. I'll delete it when I get to an actual computer. Anyways, I certainly don't think that hypnosis is the work of the devil, but even so, I don't particularly like the idea of subjecting my mind to any practicioner. Even if they are proffesionals, hypnosis can sometimes be recieved the wrong way, and give you false impressions. If I ever underwent hypnosis, I would seriously look into self hypnosis.

But in a way all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The hypnotist is nothing more than a guide.

Originally Posted by dajo

But in a way all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The hypnotist is nothing more than a guide.

Yep. Studies have shown that you can't be hypnotized to do something you don't want to do. So it's just a tool to help your resolve.

Originally Posted by khh

Yep. Studies have shown that you can't be hypnotized to do something you don't want to do. So it's just a tool to help your resolve.

Right, because it requires your participation which would require will. Without participation, the hypnotist would just be talking to his/her self.

No, you're mixing it up:

You cannot enter hypnosis against your will. Once entered, your subconcious is subjective to any kind of suggestion. Even a well meaning proffesional can goof. In fact, even if he says everything perfectly right, it may ruin things for you personally, as your mind may interpret it wrong. THe mind is not a computer. It's very unpredictable.

I would just feel much more safe if I were performing self hypnosis.

Originally Posted by Noogah

You cannot enter hypnosis against your will. Once entered, your subconcious is subjective to any kind of suggestion. Even a well meaning proffesional can goof. In fact, even if he says everything perfectly right, it may ruin things for you personally, as your mind may interpret it wrong. THe mind is not a computer. It's very unpredictable.

No, it's been shown that if someone tries to make you do something you don't want to under hypnosis, it won't work.
Though I guess it would be possible to make someone with a low self esteem doubt themselves more, or so.

Originally Posted by Noogah

I would just feel much more safe if I were performing self hypnosis.

Ok, so you believe that professionals who've perhaps spent years learning hypnosis can screw your mind up accidentally, but you're totally comfortable about reading something on the internet and trying yourself?

Originally Posted by khh

No, it's been shown that if someone tries to make you do something you don't want to under hypnosis, it won't work.

Your thinking about something else. You cannot ENTER hypnosis outside of your will, and chances are, you won't be subjective to a command of murder either. However, subconcious suggestions are different from direct control, which is what I'm talking about.

Originally Posted by khh

Ok, so you believe that professionals who've perhaps spent years learning hypnosis can screw your mind up accidentally, but you're totally comfortable about reading something on the internet and trying yourself?

To tell you the truth, yes. I would rather perform hypnosis on myself than with someone else. Because, unlike something delicate and physical like surgery, hypnosis is sort of a personal thing, as it messes with your mind. For this reason, I believe that hypnotizing myself would be much more efficient, and effective than being hypnotized by a different person.

Alsom who said anything about using the internet? I could just as well go to the library and find a book on the subject.

Originally Posted by Noogah

Your thinking about something else. You cannot ENTER hypnosis outside of your will, and chances are, you won't be subjective to a command of murder either. However, subconcious suggestions are different from direct control, which is what I'm talking about.

No, I am saying that after you have ENTERED hypnosis, studies have shown that you cannot be induced to do something you don't want to do, you cannot implant subliminal suggestions that the person isn't open to receive. So, if you go to a hypnotist to get help stop smoking, they can't make you pay them more than the fee or any such non-sense.

Originally Posted by Noogah

To tell you the truth, yes. I would rather perform hypnosis on myself than with someone else. Because, unlike something delicate and physical like surgery, hypnosis is sort of a personal thing, as it messes with your mind. For this reason, I believe that hypnotizing myself would be much more efficient, and effective than being hypnotized by a different person.

It's kinda funny that you first say that professionals can screw your mind up royally without meaning too, and then proceed to imply hypnosis isn't something delicate. But I don't know of any statistics about the effectiveness of self-hypnosis vs. standard hypnosis, so it's possible self-hypnosis is more effective.

Originally Posted by Noogah

Alsom who said anything about using the internet? I could just as well go to the library and find a book on the subject.

All right, but you're still trusting another person to give you good advice in that book.

All right, but you're still trusting another person to give you good advice in that book.

Yeah. How could the instructions steer me wrong?

Step one: Find a nice comfortable chair

Step two: Turn on a fan if it's hot, or if there is noise around.

Step three: Stab yourself through the heart.

It's the process that bugs me, not the afore hand procedures performed in my right mind.

Originally Posted by Noogah

You cannot enter hypnosis against your will.

Haha cliche I know, but there's some truth to it.

Actually I do agree with you though. It takes a willingness to get into a full hypnotic state. Things like television and trance-inductions (like the handshake induction) can open someone up to suggestive states for sure, but it takes much more than that to get someone fully hypnotized.

khh: When they are in that state, theoretically there's direct communication with subconscious processes, which accept any statement as unconditionally true. There's no logical mind to perceive it and make inferences. By that logic people can be convinced of anything in a full trance state. I don't have much experience with it myself though, this is all based on things I've read.

Originally Posted by Speesh

Things like television and trance-inductions (like the handshake induction) can open someone up to suggestive states for sure, but it takes much more than that to get someone fully hypnotized.

Also, it's been proven that you're more likely to respond positively to a favour (like borrowing a cigarette) if asked in one ear (the right I believe), than in the other.

Originally Posted by Speesh

khh: When they are in that state, theoretically there's direct communication with subconscious processes, which accept any statement as unconditionally true. There's no logical mind to perceive it and make inferences. By that logic people can be convinced of anything in a full trance state. I don't have much experience with it myself though, this is all based on things I've read.

The term "subconsciousness" is a very broad and inaccurate one. It's not used by professionals, only by laymen. Also, there is no reason why you should unquestionably accept any and all suggestions while hypnotized. It's just a tool to help you concentrate. Besides, they tested it on Mythbusters and got the result I'm preaching. End of discussion :p

Yeah true, subconscious is a horrible catch-all term. I should stop using it so much. I did try to cover my ass by saying subconscious processes though . It has a lot to do with the language processing part of the brain, which isn't rational when executive function is there to analyze it. A lot of language gets through even when we're not in a trance state, that's why authoritative commands and presuppositions are such powerful language patterns (eg. you wouldn't want to go out on a date with me would you? vs. hey, let's go get dinner sometime!).

I wouldn't accept a Mythbusters verdict as an end-all authority on the matter though. Sure the guys are thorough, but when it comes to something as dynamic and layered as human consciousness there's always a possibility they could leave something out. Still, I'd like to see the episode sometime. Sounds interesting.

Much of the reason I back up this viewpoint is because I've seen fair amounts of evidence around here and there. Once a friend of mine volunteered for street hypnosis once and said afterward he didn't remember any of it. The guy gave him a full-on blackout.

Under hypnosis, it is much easier to believe something is true than in waking. In stage hypnosis, people can act like dogs or they can believe the number six dosen't exist (they may count 1…2…3…4…5…7…8…9…10). This is only done because a person lets it. You can't do anything against your morals. If a hypnotist says 'kill __________' then you will probably reject the suggestion, or even wake up (unless you think it's ok to kill).

Hypnosis isn't the devil. However, what the person does with hypnosis...

Originally Posted by The Invisible Man

Hypnosis isn't the devil. However, what the person does with hypnosis...

Lol yeah well, we're saying no one can make you do anything under hypnosis against your own will basically.

People who argue with science and reality amuse me.

I think every person who uses things through bad would be bad but if it uses through good it would be good!! Hypnosis when uses through good would be a great help to people!!!

So, relaxing your body and self-asserting guiding messages is demonic...

But praying or meditating involving relaxing your body and self-asserting guiding messages is devout.

Ok, religifarts, you lost me.