Whilst I very much enjoy ITV's Wire in the Blood, last nights episode unfortunately showed another stereotypical Hypnotherapist. The guy was going on about writing books and thought a murderer was innocent because "I regressed him back to childhood and there were no issues there", or words to that effect.

Two things, people.

Myth 1 - Hypnosis can be used to establish if someone is lying.

Truth 1 - Hypnosis can't be used to establish if someone is lying. No-one will say or do anything that they don't want to say or do while in a state of hypnosis. If it were possible, then I would be working for MI5 and MI6 and simply find out if people were lying or up to no good by asking them. "Are you a spy?" Yes, I am!" Defence of the Realm achieved, hurrah! The newspapers would carry the headline "Super Dave". But they won't. Because I can't. And nor can any other hypnotherapist.

Myth 2 - To overcome or improve upon existing thoughts, feelings or behaviours, you have to be regressed back to your childhood.

Truth 2 - No, you don't have to. Every client I see is unique, and so are their "issues". Working with what needs to be overcome or improved upon is a bit like trying to get rid of a weed. Sometimes we can pull the head off it and the weed dies. Other times it may be necessary to get to the root of the issue, which sometimes involves a bit of regression. But please note that not every "root" is located back in childhood.

There we go, another bee let out of my bonnet.

Be happy,

Dave.