Clinical Hypnotherapy vs Stage Hypnosis - Busting The Myths!

When most people think of hypnosis, they imagine dramatic scenes from TV, movies and stage performances: a mesmerist swinging a pocket watch, subjects clucking like chickens, people seemingly losing control of themselves, or being controlled to act out evil deeds. It makes for good entertainment, but stage hypnosis is a world apart from Clinical Hypnotherapy, which is a professional practice rooted in therapeutic science. Let’s dive into the key differences and bust some of the myths surrounding hypnosis.

Myth #1: Hypnosis is Mind Control

One of the biggest misconceptions about hypnosis, largely fuelled by stage performances, is that it involves mind control. In Clinical Hypnotherapy, nothing could be further from the truth. Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that induces a natural, focused state of concentration to help people access their subconscious mind, where they can better explore and address personal issues. It’s essential to understand that even in a hypnotic state, the person remains in control. A hypnotherapist cannot make a client do anything against their will or moral code. Instead, the client remains aware and actively participates in the process, using their own insights and responses.

Stage hypnotists, on the other hand, rely on suggestibility and showmanship. Stage hypnosis participants are often pre-selected for their willingness to play along or demonstrate a high degree of suggestibility during the audience selection phase. Stage hypnotists are very skilled in choosing who they work with to ensure a show with maximum impact. Unlike clinical sessions, people in stage shows are generally ready to put on a performance for the audience, knowing it’s all in good fun. Despite the seemingly dramatic responses, stage hypnosis has little to do with the therapeutic application of hypnosis.

Myth #2: Hypnotherapy and Stage Hypnosis Are the Same Thing

Another common myth is that stage hypnosis and Clinical Hypnotherapy are the same or serve a similar purpose. Clinical Hypnotherapy is a valid and research-backed therapeutic practice used to address various issues, such as managing pain, reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing confidence, removing dependencies, and treating phobias. Practised by trained professionals, Clinical Hypnotherapy is safe, structured, and tailored to each individual’s needs. By accessing the subconscious mind, clients work on understanding the roots of their concerns and problems, developing effective strategies to change unhelpful behaviours or beliefs.

Stage hypnosis, meanwhile, is solely for entertainment. While it might seem that the hypnotist has a “magical” ability to make people act in bizarre ways, the reality is that stage hypnosis involves a mix of crowd psychology, suggestion, and participants’ willingness to be part of the spectacle. In a clinical setting, no hypnotherapist would ever approach hypnosis with this kind of sensationalism.

Myth #3: You Can Get “Stuck” in Hypnosis

Many people worry that they might get “stuck” in a hypnotic state, unable to wake up or return to normal consciousness. This idea is a myth. In Clinical Hypnotherapy, hypnosis is a natural state of focussed attention, similar to daydreaming or meditation. Even if a hypnotherapy session were to end abruptly, the client would naturally and safely return to full awareness within moments. The hypnotherapist acts as a guide, helping the client enter a state of relaxation and focus, but the client is always in control of their experience.

The Real Value of Clinical Hypnotherapy

While stage hypnosis can be fun and entertaining, Clinical Hypnotherapy has a powerful therapeutic purpose. It’s a tool that can empower people to address deep-seated issues, develop coping skills, and improve their quality of life. By debunking the myths and understanding the true nature of hypnotherapy, people can make informed choices about using it as a beneficial therapy.

Clinical Hypnotherapy and stage hypnosis might share the word “hypnosis,” but they couldn’t be more different in application and intention. Clinical Hypnotherapy is about healing, self-improvement, and real transformation, while stage hypnosis is simply an act designed to entertain. By separating the facts from the myths, we can better appreciate hypnotherapy as a legitimate, effective, and respectful therapeutic practice that exists at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology and wellness.