Hypnosis Is Not a Loss of Control, But a State of Intense Focus

Experts note that hypnosis is not a "sleep state" as commonly believed in society, but rather a trance state created through intense attention and focus. During hypnotherapy, experts emphasize that while a person becomes more open to suggestions, they do not lose control, and stress that the individual will not perform any behavior contrary to their own values.

İhsan Öztekin, Clinical Psychologist at Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital, answered frequently asked questions about hypnosis.

Hypnosis is not sleep, but a trance state
Clinical Psychologist İhsan Öztekin stated that hypnosis cannot be defined as a sleep state, saying "In hypnotherapy, a trance state occurs when a person's attention is concentrated at the highest level, and the person becomes more open to suggestions."

Noting that each individual's response to hypnosis may differ, Öztekin said that some people can easily enter a hypnotic state, while in others the process may take longer. Öztekin explained that in a light hypnotic state, the person relaxes and can remember what is said, while in a deeper hypnotic state, a trance condition develops and the person may not remember the suggestions after the session.

No loss of control occurs during hypnosis
Emphasizing that beliefs about a person performing unwanted actions during hypnosis do not reflect reality, Öztekin said, "A person under hypnotic influence will not engage in behavior they do not wish to perform, will not say anything they do not want to say. A suggestion that contradicts a person's beliefs, moral values, and value judgments will be rejected even in the deepest hypnosis."

Noting that some stage performances featured in the media have no connection to medical hypnotherapy, Öztekin stated that such performances are conducted for attention-grabbing purposes.

There is no situation of being unable to exit hypnosis
Explaining that during hypnotherapy a person's unconscious mind becomes more open to suggestions, Öztekin said that a situation where a person cannot exit hypnosis is not possible.

"Even if the hypnotherapist leaves before ending the session, the person will return to normal consciousness on their own after some time and continue with their daily life," said Öztekin, stating that hypnotherapy is a safe psychotherapy method.

Hypnotherapy is considered a safe method
Emphasizing that hypnotherapy carries no physical or psychological risk during or after the session, Öztekin stated, "No adverse effects are observed in a person's blood pressure, circulation, respiration, or other vital functions. In fact, after hypnotherapy, these values are seen to become more stable."

Drawing attention to the fact that hypnotherapy is a safe and effective support method when applied by qualified professionals, Öztekin added that especially misconceptions about hypnosis cause unnecessary anxiety in society.