Contents
Introduction
Swaying clocks, dramatic magicians and total blackouts. If that’s what you thought being hypnotized looked like, you are not alone. Thanks to psychological thrillers and pop culture, it is a common misconception. The reality is very different, though. Hypnotic therapy is not some sort of a mind game that makes you lose control. Instead, you are fully awake and always in charge of what’s happening. So, do people remember being hypnotized? Yes, but let’s take a look at how and why this happens.
Hypnotherapy Is Not What You See in the Movies
Tik Tik, ‘You are falling asleep’—and boom, suddenly you are hypnotized and clucking like a chicken. Yup, we took that one straight out of a movie and that’s not what clinical Hypnotic therapy looks like. The real experience is calm and grounded. Hypnosis is a collaborative process where the therapist uses techniques like deep breathing to help you shift your attention from what’s going on around you to what’s happening inside you. In this state, they are able to not only access your subconscious thoughts but also reframe them with positive suggestions.
Do People Remember Being Hypnotized?
Yes, most people absolutely remember being hypnotized. You are awake and in control throughout the session and retain complete memory of what happened. It is possible to feel a little fuzzy immediately afterwards but the details usually come back in a short time. And here’s why it all happens:
You are Relaxed but Still Awake
Consciousness during hypnosis shifts, meaning that your overthinking-conscious mind doesn’t just disappear. Instead, it settles into the background, allowing your subconscious to take the floor. It is much like when you are zoned out in a deep conversation with your best friend. You are absorbed but not asleep. Hence, you do remember everything that happens.
Theta State Feels Dreamy, Not Foggy
Once you are under the trance, the Theta state of your brain is activated. Think of it as a middle ground between being awake and asleep. You are relaxing but still alert. This is why the memory of being hypnotized can feel like a dream when you initially exit the trance. Some parts you remember clearly, while others are just a bit blurry. But this is only temporary as full recollection of the session should emerge shortly.
Trance Depth Matters
How clearly can you remember hypnosis? This depends on the depth of your trance, which you enter during the first stage of hypnotic therapy.
- In a light trance, you will be able to vividly recall the whole session.
- For those in a deeper trance, their experience can be just a little blurry. They will remember all the important details of what happened but may find it hard to recall everything word-for-word.
You Are Always in Control
The hypnotherapist can only give post-hypnotic suggestions, like asking you to forget something when it is helpful and ethical. They may ask you to forget the distressing thoughts that resurfaced (to protect you from emotional overwhelm), so you can focus on healing. But, then why do people remember being hypnotized? because the memory will still remain stored in the subconscious. Hypnotherapy cannot delete or alter your experiences. It can, however, shift how we process and perceive them.
What Do You Remember After Hypnosis?
You will typically remember most of the details of your session a short while after exiting the trance. For most people, they will easily be able to play back all the important stuff. This includes the positive affirmations that were given and the major emotional breakthroughs that occurred. Think of it as sitting through a long and detailed lecture. You will remember all the significant details, but little things may slip your mind.
Remembering After Hypnosis: Ways to Stay Clear
Do people remember being hypnotized? Yes, most do and it is extremely rare to experience permanent amnesia. However, you may still want to take these precautions to enhance your clarity:
- Always work with certified professionals, as they are ethically bound not to suggest forgetting something without your consent.
- If possible, ask for audio recordings of your session to ensure full comfort and safety.
- Journal about your experience to jog your memory.
- Don’t stress over fuzzy details that you can’t recall as you will remember everything that’s important with time.
Wrapping it Up!
For safe, ethical and effective practice, we urge you to book a hypnotherapy session in Dubai with certified experts at Home of Wellness. Your comfort and safety are our utmost priority, which is why we offer a free advanced consultation to answer all your queries. Whether you are curious about the process or concerned about what you will remember, our team is here to guide you through it all.