Top 3 Hypnosis Myths

Pretty much everyone who's never been hypnotized has at least one of these worries on the mind. So, without further ado... let's destroy some myths!

1. You Lose Control When Hypnotized

This one comes mostly from watching comedy hypnosis shows. People in the audience see people on the stage doing such ridiculous things (like my rendition of Britney Spears' "Hit Me Baby, One More Time" while hypnotized on stage in Las Vegas in '07)... they think "Well, they would NEVER act like that if they knew what was going on!"


Hypnotized high school students during one of my shows

Well, well... let's hold on there just a minute.

Yes, it's true that, while hypnotized, people do things they wouldn't otherwise do. However, they will only do what they feel is appropriate given the situation. For example, you behave differently when you're around your best friend than you behave in an elevator, right? Most people do. Being hypnotized makes you feel very comfortable and relaxed, which allows you to goof around and take things less seriously. It also allows you to focus on what the hypnotist says, while forgetting about problems or distractions.

Sounds terrible, right? Ask me again why I do this for a living...

2. You Forget Everything You Do Under Hypnosis

Sometimes in the comedy shows, the hypnotist will suggest people forget what they did on stage. Pay special attention to the word "suggest." It's not a command. If the person chooses to accept the suggestion, they can forget most of what happened. Basically, it can be like a dream... that while vivid, disappears from awareness upon awakening.


This hypnotized subject remembered everything, and he wasn't a bit upset!

However, most of the time, you'll remember every detail. I know I do... and I've been hypnotized on stage many times. I've also spoken with people who volunteered during my own comedy shows, and they are usually surprised at how much they remember.

Hypnosis isn't like going to sleep at night. It's more like daydreaming. So yes, you can forget things... but it's not required.

3. Some People Can't Be Hypnotized

A Stanford Psychologist named Ernest R. Hilgard did some studies on hypnosis in the 1950's, and one of the conclusions he came up with was that certain people were "unhypnotizable." Not that his studies were ill-intentioned, but the findings ended up being a statement about the hypnotist, not the subjects being hypnotized.


Stanford psychologist Ernest Hilgard (left)

There's a famous story about psychiatrist and hypnosis pioneer Milton H. Erickson, in which he takes three subjects described as "unhypnotizable" by Hilgard and very quickly puts them into a trance.


Psychiatrist Milton H. Erickson

The induction used by Hilgard in his experiments on "hypnotizability" was a slow, monotone voice on a tape recorder. Naturally, some people responded to it, while others did not. This is why some people don't get hypnotized during comedy shows. This is also why, with a trained hypnotherapist, anyone can be hypnotized very easily.

The trick is to have enough flexibility as a hypnotist to notice how the individual is responding and alter the induction accordingly. When that's the case, anyone can do it... but only if you want to!

The key thing to remember about hypnosis is that it takes place though cooperation, not control. You don't "give up" anything and no one can "make you" do anything.

Now go watch The Manchurian Candidate (the original version) and have yourself a good laugh...

Hypnobirthing: It's for Real

After a lifetime of programming and reinforcement that childbirth MUST be an excruciating, terrifying experience, some women have a hard time accepting this as a possibility. Well, that's why we're here...

Take a look at this article, do a bit of research and see for yourself. Hypnobirthing isn't new... and yes, it works.



By Vicky Eckenrode | Staff Writer

When Gina Policari had her baby last year, she came to the hospital at 8 centimeters dilated, spent the morning in labor and had a healthy, baby girl after 15 minutes of pushing.



Her doctors were amazed, the Wilmington resident said.

There wasn't much remarkable about the delivery, except that Policari smiled through most of it – without drugs.

'I had the epidural without having the epidural. I didn't feel the pain,' she said. 'People say it's mind over matter, and I think that's what hypnosis ends up being.'

Click here for the full article.

Fear of Flying

In today's world, having a fear of flying is not only inconvenient, it's debilitating. It can cause you to lose a business deal, a job, a friend, or precious time that is wasted driving on interstates. If you'd like to visit other countries and see the world, having a fear of flying will bring your plans to a halt.

The Experts All Agree... and They're Wrong

If you enter "fear of flying" into Google, you'll find more than two million results on the subject, including countless articles in USA Today, The New York Times and other respected publications. These articles include the opinions of doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and even some people who run "fear of flying" workshops.



Sometimes they'll mention hypnosis as a footnote, but it's never really given the time of day. They either try to force these poor people to buy tickets for flights and "conquer" their fears with will power and rationalizations, or they ask them to talk about their fears week after week with the hope that if they discover the origin or "cause" of the fear, it will magically disappear.

While I believe these people to be honest and well-intentioned, I have to say "Where have they been the past few decades?" The techniques I use (a combination of hypnosis and NLP) aren't new, and they work so well and so quickly that I am often stunned that these intelligent people haven't heard about them. I didn't invent these techniques, but I've used them to help my clients to get over their fears quite literally in less than an hour. That's not an exception - it's the rule.

100% Success Rate

I've been practicing hypnotherapy since 2003, and I have worked with people who had been suffering from a fear of flying for 10, 20 or 30 years (see testimonials below). I can honestly say that every single one of them has since shed that fear completely. If I someday experience a failure, I will immediately update this with the correct figures.

The fact is, when it comes to fears and phobias, hypnosis works. It works quickly and painlessly, and it works better than anything else out there.

There's no obligation to buy a plane ticket and no need to rationalize your way out of your fear. When you leave my office, you'll be thinking differently about flying. We'll change your automatic thoughts about flying, and change your automatic response. It's that simple.

It's the Thought that Counts

If you suffer from a fear of flying, you know that you can experience the feelings of anxiety just by thinking about flying. Most people I've met even feel the anxiety while packing for a trip, or while driving to the airport. When you leave my office, you'll know your fear is gone, because thinking or talking about flying will no longer trigger those feelings. Additionally, each of my clients walks away with a hypnosis CD they can listen to for reinforcement... before a flight, on the plane, in bed at night... anytime.

Sure, I'd love to park a 747 outside my office and watch you board it with a big bright smile on your face and all the confidence in the world... but it's really not necessary. After all, the fear doesn't take place on an airplane, it takes place in your mind.

Remember, hypnosis is relaxation... the exact opposite of stress, anxiety and fear. You can't feel stressed and relaxed at the same time.

Case Studies

25-Year Fear of Flying

"I had a fear of flying. No, scratch that. Actually it was a phobia of flying. Just the thought of going to an airport made me sick to my stomach. I was told I needed to travel to L.A. on a business trip and I needed to travel alone. I knew I wouldn't be able to go. A friend gave me Sean's information and told me to call him. I did.

I arrived at Sean's office and he told me he may be able to "cure" my disease in an hour. 'Yeah right,' I thought. That's impossible. I had been dealing with this paralyzing phobia for 25 years.

At the end of the session, one hour later, my mind was relaxed and at ease. My trip to L.A. was scheduled for the next day and not only was the fear gone, but excitement took its place. He told me that the more I flew the more fun I would have each trip. He was right.

I now fly all over the country on trips by myself... trips that I make for myself! I have fun and feel safe. Turbulence doesn't even bother me. It's amazing how liberated and strong I feel now as a result of my therapy session with Sean. I recommend his services to everyone I know. It's the right choice. And best of all, it's an alternative to medication that's everlasting.

Thank you, Sean! You've changed my life."

-Whitney
Atlanta, GA

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20-Year Fear of Flying

"I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your help. I didn't really believe it until I took that flight, but I can honestly say that I really enjoyed it more than I ever thought I would. It's unbelievable to realize that it's really gone for good, but I can't even make the fear come back if I try, which is kinda weird, but good!

Thanks again,

-Juan
Atlanta, GA

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(This testimonial is from a client who never set foot in my office. Communication with the client was made solely through email. After gathering sufficient information, I created and recorded a CD which Kathy used in preparation for her trip.)

"Hi Sean,

I've just returned from my trip to Myrtle Beach and I have to tell you that it was a great trip! After listening to your CD several times, I must say that I wasn't as apprehensive as I've been in the past about getting on the plane. The flights were very smooth and quick and it was so nice to get there quickly for a change!

Your CD was very soothing and reassuring and I really believe that it made a difference. At this time, I would not hesitate to go on another flight again in the near future.

THANK YOU!!! "

-Kathy
Brighton, MI

Panic Attacks: How to Stop Them

When people have panic attacks, they don't come from out of nowhere. There is a specific process by which people take themselves from one state to another. That process has to do with what they're thinking about, and how, specifically, they are thinking about it.

For example, in order to go from a state of complete comfort and relaxation to a state of panic, something has to happen. For most people, it's something they actually see or experience that tells them "Hey! Get ready to fight! Something bad is about to happen!" A wonderful example of this would be witnessing an elephant running through your living room.

Real or Imagined? What's the Difference?

What's different in people who experience panic attacks is that they can go from relaxation to panic without any external stimuli whatsoever. The change is a result of a progression of thoughts, which can be just as powerful as the "real thing."

The subconscious mind can't distinguish between "real" and imagined sounds and images, which is why you can simply imagine a frightening situation and actually feel the fear response in your body. If you disagree, just recall a time when you heard a noise late at night and wondered if someone was breaking into your home. Now ask yourself, was that fear "real?"

From Calm to Panic - One Man's Journey

Here's an example of how a person might experience a panic attack:

Let's say a man is spending a nice, quiet evening at home while his wife is out with a friend. She said she'd be home by 11:00, and it's now 11:30. The man says to himself: "My wife is never late... not unless she calls. She has a cell phone, so why wouldn't she call?" Then he creates an image of his wife stranded by the side of the road, or perhaps in an accident. If he's really good at having panic attacks, he might even create a vivid image of his wife - injured, unconscious, thrown from her vehicle.

For him, these images have the same power and impact as if they had actually happened. The longer he waits, and the more he thinks about it, the feelings become stronger. He replays those graphic images over and over again in his mind until he can barely breathe. Eventually, his experience is the same as if the imagined events had actually occurred. As for his wife... well, she was out having fun and simply lost track of the time. It happens.

Change the Path, Change the Experience

The way to deal with panic attacks is to interrupt or modify this internal thought process. There are several ways to do this. One way is by learning to manipulate those internal thoughts and images to lessen their impact.

To try this out for yourself, create a big bright image of something real or imagined which you find particularly frightening, and notice the how your body feels in response to that image. Now make the image black and white, and shrink it down so that you can barely see it in your mind. Now make it dark and blurry. Does that have any impact on the feeling in your body? For most people, the response is a fraction of what it used to be.

This is just one way you can use your mind and your imagination to your advantage. There are many others. With a little practice, you will learn to gain control of your experience and take it in a new direction.

Lose Weight, Not Sleep

I wanted to share an eye-opening story with you that could help jump-start your weight loss.

A recent client of mine responded extremely well to hypnosis. Immediately following her first session, her eating habits improved. She began eating smaller amounts of healthier foods... even planning her meals in advance due to her intense travel schedule and the amount of time she spent on the road in hotels.



Week after week we worked together on various aspects of healthy eating and exercise, and each time she reported feeling better and overall, excellent results.

There was just one problem... she wasn't losing any weight.

To her credit, she maintained a positive attitude. After all, she did realize that she was feeling better, and that her choices were completely different than before.

Once in a while, I'll run into a client like this. What I've learned is that there are often other aspects of one's lifestyle that can have an affect.

I asked her about her workload, and she replied that during the past couple months, she was working 14-16 hour days. Furthermore, she was only sleeping 2-5 hours per night.

Having read many articles and scientific studies that demonstrate a link between sleep deprivation and weight gain or obesity, I suggested that she begin sleeping at least 7-8 hours per night. Now, this wasn't easy, but she did it.

One month later, I saw her again. At first, she spoke about how her last week had been a bit more stressful, and that she could have done a bit better with her food choices. Then she calmly mentioned that, during the previous month, she had lost 11 pounds!

Here are just a few recent articles about sleep and weight loss:

Snooze and You'll Lose: Rest Can Be a Secret Weapon
Sleep May Be the Critical Factor for Weight Loss and Health
Sleep Loss Contributes to Weight Gain

Being healthier is about more than just taking in fewer calories. Your body needs nutritious foods, plenty of water, sunshine, fresh air, rest and sleep. Make these key changes in your life and your body will heal itself... in addition to shedding any excess weight.

You've got nothing to lose but... well, you know.

Got ADHD? Here's an Rx for Bugs, Worms and Snakes!

I've long been an opponent of giving psychoactive drugs to adults, let alone children. Here's yet another reason to find a better solution...

Click the picture below for the full story at WebMD.

ADHD Drugs: Hallucinations Not Uncommon

Fewer Calories, Better Memory?

By "fewer calories," the study in the story below is referring to "an appropriate amount of calories." The subjects were overweight people, and those who cut calories significantly noticed memory improvement.

This is filed as yet another entry in the category of "Eat Healthy and Your Body Will Heal Itself."

Click on the image below for the full story.

Stage Hypnosis Secrets Revealed... or, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Hypnosis"

It's time to put to rest all those worries about losing control while hypnotized. Check out the podcast below where I talk in detail about how stage hypnosis works and why you don't have to worry about clucking like a chicken if you're there to stop smoking.

Video: Hypnosis for Public Speaking

Hypnosis FAQ: "Will I Lose Awareness While Hypnotized?"

This video is taken from my stop smoking hypnosis seminar on World Hypnotism Day - January 4th, 2009. Here, I talk briefly about the state of hypnosis and what it's like... and how you remain aware of what is happening throughout the process.

Check Out the New Website!

For the first time in nearly six years, the Pure Hypnosis Website has received a complete makeover. The new features include a newsletter, YouTube videos and social networking links (Facebook, Twitter).

Check it out by clicking the image below!

Podcast: What's a Session Like?

In this short podcast, I talk about what you should (and shouldn't) expect during a typical hypnotherapy session.

Enjoy-

FREE Stop Smoking Event - How To Sign Up!

There are THREE WAYS to Sign Up for this Event:

1. Phone: (678) 488-7362 (leave name, phone number & mention the FREE event)
2. Email: purehypnosis@mac.com
3. Meetup.com (click this link for the sign-up page)
   

Here are the full details:

Who: 88 Future Non-Smokers
What: Stop Smoking Group Hypnosis Seminar
Where: Doubletree Hotel on Windy Hill Rd (Cabernet Room)
When: January 4th, 2009 @ 4:00pm
Why: World Hypnotism Day
Cost: FREE
Parking: FREE

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... so register NOW to secure your spot!

Any questions? Email purehypnosis@mac.com and I'll respond personally within 24 hours.

See you there!

-Sean Wheeler