Confronting the Chicken in the Room: Debunking the Myths About Hypnosis

If you’re reading this, the chances are that you’ve heard about hypnotherapy but may still be on the fence about giving it a try. Maybe you’ve seen some dramatic depictions in movies where a hypnotist swings a pocket watch and people immediately start clucking like chickens.

Hypnosis has become shrouded in myths, but once you peel away the fiction, you’ll find something quite ordinary and utterly human — a therapeutic tool grounded in relaxation and focused attention. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths that might be holding you back from trying hypnosis for yourself.

Myth 1: “Hypnosis means losing control.”

There’s a persistent fear that being hypnotised means surrendering control, leaving you vulnerable to whatever the hypnotist suggests. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. You remain in control and you won’t do or say anything you don’t want to. In fact, hypnosis is about helping you regain control. By accessing the subconscious mind — where deeply rooted habits and patterns reside — you can begin to make positive changes in your life.

Myth 2: “I can’t be hypnotised.”

Some people worry they’re too sceptical or strong-willed to be hypnotised. In fact, with the right guidance, almost anyone can be gently led into the focused, relaxed state of hypnosis and experience the benefits. One 2017 study did find that the more openness to experience Individuals have, the more hypnotisable they are. So, bring an open-mind!

Myth 3: “Hypnosis is a form of mind control.”

This one has to be one of the most enduring myths, fuelled by stage shows where participants seem to lose all sense of autonomy. Let me assure you: therapeutic hypnosis is nothing like that. It’s not about manipulation or control — it’s a collaborative process where you and the therapist work together to achieve your goals.

Your therapist makes suggestions during the session, but you have the ultimate say in whether you accept them. If something feels wrong or doesn’t resonate with you, you’re perfectly capable of rejecting it. You’re always in the driver’s seat.

Myth 4: “I could get stuck in a hypnotic trance.”

Let’s put this one to bed. No one has ever been stuck in hypnosis. Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation and heightened focus and, just like coming out of a daydream, you can naturally return to full awareness whenever you want. Even if, for some reason, your hypnotherapist were to stop speaking mid-session, you’d eventually rouse yourself without any problems. It’s not a magic spell— you’re in control at all times.

Myth 5: “Hypnosis will make me act like a fool—like turning into a chicken.”

Let’s confront the chicken in the room! The infamous “chicken myth” is probably one of the biggest misconceptions people have about hypnosis. Stage hypnosis, designed to entertain, often involves people being encouraged to behave in exaggerated or silly ways. But this is miles away from what happens in a professional therapy, which is entirely focused on your well-being. A hypnotherapist’s role is to support you, not to make you do anything daft. You won’t be clucking like a chicken, barking like a dog, or dancing like a robot. You’ll simply be deeply relaxed and working on making positive changes in your life.

Myth 6: “Hypnosis is dangerous.”

Some people worry that hypnosis could be harmful or lead to unexpected side effects. In fact, hypnosis is a safe, natural process that’s been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries. It’s no more dangerous than meditation or mindfulness, both of which involve entering a state of deep focus and relaxation.

Now that we’ve cleared up the myths, you can feel reassured about what hypnosis really is—and, more importantly, what it isn’t. If you’ve been intrigued but hesitant, remember this: hypnosis is simply a tool to help you make the changes you want in your life, with you in full control every step of the way. And I can promise you this — there will be no chickens involved.

If you're ready to explore how hypnotherapy can support you, why not get in touch and book a session?

References

Zhang Y, Wang Y, Shen C, Ye Y, Shen S, Zhang B, Wang J, Chen W, Wang W. Relationship

between hypnosis and personality trait in participants with high or low hypnotic susceptibility.

Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2017