There are many common misconceptions of hypnosis. Hypnosis is not sleep, but is actually a natural mental state that people drift in and out of all day long. Daydreaming is an example of a state of hypnosis. Hypnosis is a state of mind, which can be useful for self-suggestion. It can be used for a wide field of personal improvement, from quitting a smoking addiction to chronic pain management.

The human mind is wide open to suggestion. Unfortunately, our own subconscious, packed full of guilt, past experiences, and hidden or repressed desires shackles us all. Negative mental vibrations effect all of us, but fortunately hypnosis can help mask this unproductive self-doubt and help us achieve our true potential.

Generally, 80-90% of people can be hypnotized, with 5-10% being highly susceptible to hypnosis, and approximately the same percentage for people who are not susceptible to hypnosis at all. A common misconception of hypnosis is that anyone can be hypnotized, which is simply not the case.

There is no danger to the therapeutic use of hypnotism. Worst case scenario for hypnosis is that it simply will not work for some people in some cases. Individuals can not be hypnotized against their will. Entering hypnosis requires a state of consent, in which the hypnotist assists the individual in hypnotizing him or herself. Some people fear that they will "stay hypnotized," after the hypnotist has ended the hypnosis. There are no documented cases of someone being unable to come out of hypnosis.

Individuals can enter a state of self-hypnosis and gain complete relaxation under stressful conditions. Like meditation, or yoga, self-hypnosis can program the sub-conscious mind to be open to therapeutic suggestions.

Some people doubt whether hypnosis works, or worse, think it can be used to take away their free will. These are common misconceptions of hypnosis. Most people can be hypnotized, but hypnotism works best on the open mind. Hypnosis can not be used to over-ride our core values. It can not be used to make an individual do something they wouldn't do normally. It can help a smoker who wishes to stop smoking end their addiction, but wouldn't make a non-smoker start the habit.

There are many common misconceptions of hypnosis. Most of these are simply due to a lack of knowledge concerning hypnotism. Hypnosis can be a useful tool to enhance positive behavior and positive life outcomes.