FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HYPNOTISM

 What is hypnosis?

Don Mottin of the National Guild of Hypnotists defines hypnosis as "an altered state of consciousness where the subconscious level of the mind is in a state of hyper-suggestibility."

Will I lose consciousness?

An individual in hypnosis is alert and aware of everything at all times and hears everything the hypnotist says.

Do hypnotized people do odd and crazy things?

While you might see people at a hypnotism show performing outrageous and farcical behavior, be aware that a stage hypnotist is primarily an entertainer. In the setting of clinical hypnotism, the hypnotist will work with the client strictly for their benefit in order to reach their desired goal. Clinical hypnosis is a serious subject, and all clients are treated with the utmost care and respect.

Will I surrender my will or lose control?

Contrary to the representation of  hypnotism in popular culture, clients never lost control of themselves. Most experts agree that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The hypnotist acts as a guide to develop the hypnotic state, while the ability to be hypnotized rests solely with the client. The client is always in control.

If I can be hypnotized, does that mean I am weak minded?

Nothing could be further from the truth. There is a direct correlation between intelligence and hypnotizability. The greater the intelligence, the better the hypnotic 

client.

Will I tell any secrets while I am in hypnosis?

Hypnosis does not act as a truth serum. A hypnotized person will not spontaneously begin talking or reveal intimate secrets they would not tell while in the waking state.

Can I get "stuck" in hypnosis?

You cannot get "stuck" in hypnosis. Since the client is in control, there is no difficulty in terminating the hypnotic state. Even if the hypnotist suffers a medical emergency, the client will have no trouble coming out of hypnosis.

Does hypnosis weaken the will?

Absolutely not. Since the client is always in control, they cannot be made to do anything against their will. The hypnotists does not dominate the client with their own will.

Is hypnosis habit-forming?

Hypnosis is not a drug. Clients can resist hypnosis at any time, no matter how many times they have previously been hypnotized.

Can I be hypnotized against my will?

A person cannot be hypnotized against their will. It is a condition of trust and cooperation between the client and the hypnotist.

Can I be forced to perform criminal or immoral acts through hypnosis?

Most authorities agree that a hypnotized person cannot be induced to commit criminal or immoral acts. A hypnotized person will not do anything he or she would not do in the normal waking state. Remember, the hypnotized person is always in control.

*The preceding information was adapted from the National Guild of Hypnotists Training Manual I.