This FAQ page answers some of the most common questions about hypnosis, touching on its many applications, including:
Stage Hypnosis: The fun and engaging art of hypnotizing volunteers on stage for entertainment purposes.
Street Hypnosis: A spontaneous and interactive form of hypnosis practiced in casual, public settings.
Hypnotherapy: The use of hypnosis as a therapeutic technique to help people overcome issues like anxiety, phobias, and bad habits.
The Year Franz Anton Mesmer introduces Mesmerism.
James Braid coins the term Hypnosis.
The year James Esdaile proved how effective was when used for surgery.
The year the AMA approved Hypnosis as a viable therapeutic modality..
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility. It’s a condition we all experience in everyday life. Whether it's highway hypnosis, where you drive on "autopilot" without recalling specifics of the journey, or becoming so engrossed in a movie that you forget the world around you, these are all forms of natural hypnosis. When we focus intensely on one thing to the exclusion of everything else, our mind enters a light trance, and we're more open to suggestions.
From a scientific perspective, neuroimaging studies such as fMRIs have shown changes in brain activity during hypnosis. For instance, research from Stanford has found reduced activity in areas like the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (responsible for self-awareness) and increased connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and insula, which enhances the connection between the brain and the body.
These shifts explain why hypnosis can produce strong mental and physical effects, including deep relaxation, pain control, and amnesia for events. In this state, whether for entertainment or therapy, individuals can access their subconscious mind, allowing them to make positive changes. For example, hypnotherapy uses these processes to help people quit smoking, reduce stress, or overcome phobias. In contrast, stage hypnosis showcases these effects in a fun and comedic setting, where volunteers showcase demonstrations of hypnotic phenomena in an improvisational setting under the hypnotist's guidance.
Driving a familiar route without remembering the details.
Becoming so engrossed in a movie or book that you react emotionally to fictional events.
Simply imagining biting into a lemon can cause you to salivate.
Your brain can focus so deeply on something else that it "overlooks" obvious objects, causing temporary blindness or amnesia to things directly in front of you.
Scientific Insights:
Modern research supports the idea that hypnosis is more than just imagination. Neuroimaging shows that it changes brain activity, especially in areas related to executive control, memory, and body awareness. This scientific evidence helps debunk the myth that hypnosis is merely a placebo or only for the highly suggestible
Full source link: Stanford Study on Brain Activity During Hypnosis (Stanford Medicine Magazine).
Additional resource: MDPI Study on Hypnosis (Welcome to Bio-X).
"There are approximately 30,000 High Schools and Colleges in the USA. These institutions frequently host hypnosis shows for events like graduations, proms, and student orientations."
" There are around 6,000 certified hypnotherapists in the U.S., with the National Guild of Hypnotists and the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners being two of the major certification bodies."
Fact:
While hypnosis does not grant absolute control over someone’s actions or thoughts, it does increase suggestibility, making individuals more open to influence. In everyday practice, a hypnotist cannot force someone to act against their morals, ethics, or religious beliefs. However, in skilled hands, hypnosis can increase the depth of suggestibility to a significant degree.
Hypnosis is not mind control, but it does increase suggestibility significantly, especially when conducted by a skilled practitioner. While it cannot make people act against their deeply held values, hypnosis allows individuals to be more open to suggestion and influence. This is why it’s essential for hypnosis to be used responsibly, whether in therapeutic settings or entertainment. Understanding its power as a tool, both for good and potentially harmful manipulation, underscores the need for ethical practice by those trained in its use.
"In 1956, Pope Pius XII endorsed the use of hypnosis for pain management during childbirth, affirming that it could be morally acceptable under medical supervision. This approval marked a significant m oment, showi ng that hypnosis had gained recognition even within religious institutions as a legitimate therapeutic tool."
Fact:
It’s impossible to get "stuck" in hypnosis because all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The hypnotist is simply a guide, helping the person access a natural state of focused attention and relaxation. Hypnosis is a state that we enter and exit multiple times throughout the day—like when you're engrossed in a book or daydreaming. In some cases, a person may be so relaxed and comfortable in the hypnotic state that they’re reluctant to return to full awareness right away. However, they will eventually emerge on their own, or they may even drift into a light sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. Hypnosis is not a “trapped” state, and the mind will naturally bring itself back to full awareness when ready.
Real-Life Insight:
As outlined in professional safety protocols like the Safe on Stage program, there are simple techniques to help someone who is reluctant to emerge from hypnosis, such as creating mild physical discomfort (e.g., adjusting posture) to re-engage their awareness. In every case, the individual always has the ability to wake themselves when needed.
You cannot get stuck in hypnosis. Since hypnosis is self-directed, individuals always have the ability to return to full awareness. Even if someone doesn’t immediately awaken, they will naturally emerge from the state on their own or with gentle guidance.
"In 1958, the American Medical Association officially recognized hypnosis as a legitimate therapeutic tool, acknowledging its use in medical and psychological treatment. This marked a turning point in the public perception of hypnosis, validating its safety and efficacy in various professional fields."
Fact:
Hypnosis is not a sign of weakness. In reality, it requires focus, creativity, and mental flexibility—traits commonly found in intelligent, strong-minded individuals. People with good concentration skills and an openness to suggestion are more likely to experience deep trance states. Hypnosis works because the individual is willing to participate, making it an active rather than passive process. In fact, many high performers, including athletes, actors, and professionals, use hypnosis as a tool to enhance focus, overcome fears, and increase their mental resilience. Rather than being "weak-minded," those who respond well to hypnosis tend to be mentally agile, creative, and open to positive change. Resistance to hypnosis is often more about discomfort with letting go of conscious control, rather than a measure of strength or weakness.
Hypnosis works best on individuals who possess strong focus, creativity, and imagination. Far from being a tool for the "weak-minded," it’s used by some of the world’s top athletes and performers to enhance mental performance and overcome obstacles. Responding to hypnosis is a sign of mental flexibility, not weakness.
"Kevin Costner famously flew a hypnotist to Hawaii to cure his seasickness while filming Waterworld. Hypnosis helped him overcome his fear of water and complete the movie."
The term "hypnosis" was coined by James Braid, a 19th-century Scottish surgeon, who initially believed that hypnosis was a form of sleep because of the physical appearance of those in a hypnotic state. He derived the word from "Hypnos," the Greek god of sleep, as the subjects appeared deeply relaxed, similar to those in a slumber. Later, Braid realized that hypnosis was not a form of sleep, but rather a state of heightened mental focus and attention. He even attempted to rename it “monoideism,” meaning focus on a single idea, but by then, the term "hypnosis" had already gained popularity, replacing earlier terms like "mesmerism.
In reality, while hypnosis can involve deep physical relaxation, the mind remains fully alert and responsive, making it distinct from sleep. Unlike sleep, where the brain cycles through REM and non-REM stages, hypnosis is characterized by focused concentration. In fact, people in a hypnotic state are often hyper-aware of their surroundings and can respond to suggestions and instructions from the hypnotist.
When you’re deeply absorbed in a book or a movie and everything around you fades into the background, that’s a more accurate comparison to the hypnotic state than sleep. You’re fully awake, but your focus is directed inward.
Brain scans during hypnosis show that different areas of the brain are engaged compared to sleep. The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, responsible for attention, shows increased activity during hypnosis, while other areas involved in self-awareness are less active. This indicates that people are aware and focused, not unconscious.
Hypnosis may look like sleep on the surface, but it’s a state of heightened awareness, concentration, and focus. Unlike being asleep, you are responsive, fully in control, and can emerge from hypnosis at any time.
"In 1784, Benjamin Franklin led a commission, at the request of the King of France, to investigate Franz Anton Mesmer's theory of 'animal magnetism.' The commission concluded that the effects attributed to Mesmer's techniques were the result of imagination and suggestion—laying the groundwork for the later development of hypnosis."
The ability to be hypnotized is not limited to certain personality types or specific individuals. Anyone who can follow directions can enter a hypnotic state. The key to hypnosis is focus and the ability to engage in the process, not relaxation or "susceptibility." A common misconception is that hypnosis requires deep relaxation or a particular mindset, but this isn’t true. In fact, hypnosis can be achieved in active or high-energy settings, such as street hypnosis or stage shows.
For example, rapid or instant inductions are commonly used in street hypnosis because they need to be quick and efficient, often achieving deep trance states in seconds. Techniques like fractionation—where the subject is brought in and out of trance repeatedly—can lead to somnambulism (a deeper trance), even in fast-paced environments. Similarly, hybrid inductions (3-5 minutes) are used in stage hypnosis to achieve rapid results while still inducing deep states of hypnosis.
In therapeutic settings, Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is often used, but rapid inductions are also effective, particularly in situations like childbirth, accident trauma, or where immediate hypnosis is necessary.
Skepticism doesn’t prevent someone from being hypnotized either. As long as the person follows instructions, they can enter a trance. In fact, skeptical participants can be some of the most entertaining and responsive subjects in stage hypnosis, often proving to themselves that hypnosis is real by simply engaging with the process.
Anyone who can follow directions can be hypnotized. Whether through rapid inductions in street hypnosis, hybrid methods in stage shows, or traditional relaxation inductions in therapy, hypnosis is accessible to a wide range of people.
"In 1774, Franz Anton Mesmer was introduced to Father Maximilian Hell, a Jesuit priest who used magnets in his medical treatments. Inspired by Hell’s use of magnets, Mesmer developed his theory of 'animal magnetism,' believing that a magnetic fluid within the body could be manipulated to restore health. This led to breakthroughs in what he called Mesmerism and giving rise to the terms Animal Magnetism, Mesmerize, & Mesmerized; all of which are terms still in use today."
While hypnosis doesn’t force people to divulge secrets against their will, it can be used to recover memories, passwords, or details that may be buried in the subconscious. However, this process is not foolproof, and there is a risk that false memories can be implanted or that the hypnotist’s suggestions might inadvertently alter the person’s recollection of events. This is why forensic hypnosis, once used to gather information, has largely fallen out of favor in legal contexts due to the unreliability of the memories retrieved.
In therapeutic and stage settings, people remain in control of what they say and generally won’t reveal anything they wouldn’t normally share. However, when hypnosis is used as a tool to access deeper memories, there’s a fine line between recollection and suggestion.
Example:
Hypnosis has been used to help people recall passwords or forgotten details, but the danger lies in the operator accidentally guiding them toward inaccurate information. This is why forensic hypnosis has been questioned for its reliability in criminal investigations.
Hypnosis doesn’t automatically make you spill your secrets, but when used to recover memories, there is a risk of false recall. In everyday use, you are still in control of what you choose to share.
"In the 1980s, the Texas Rangers frequently used forensic hypnosis to help witnesses recover details of crimes. However, due to c oncerns about the influence of suggestion and the creation of false memories, Texas courts officially banned the use of hypnosis-related evidence in criminal trials in 2023"
Hypnosis is often linked to the occult or witchcraft in certain religious communities, but this belief stems from early misunderstandings of mesmerism and its theatrical practice. Franz Anton Mesmer, the founder of mesmerism, believed that unseen magnetic fluids (which he called animal magnetism) flowed through all living things and could be manipulated to heal illness. His patients would sometimes experience dramatic reactions like thrashing or convulsing, which Mesmer believed was part of the healing "crisis." These intense reactions, often from individuals with mental health issues, fueled the mystical and troubling reputation of mesmerism.
Religious communities like Born Again Christians, Pentecostals, Christian Scientists, and Jehovah's Witnesses often cite biblical passages that warn against witchcraft, and associate hypnosis with losing control of one’s mind, or even possession by evil spirits. However, hypnosis is a scientifically validated practice with no ties to the supernatural. It involves the natural workings of the mind and is used for everything from pain management to therapeutic interventions in medical and psychological settings.
Even the Catholic Church has approved the use of hypnosis for medical purposes, such as during childbirth, as recognized by Pope Pius XII in 1956
While early misconceptions tied hypnosis to the occult, modern science confirms that hypnosis is a legitimate, safe practice. It is widely used in therapeutic and medical settings and has no connection to witchcraft or the supernatural.
"Mesmer's patients believed they were cured by invisible forces, but as Benjamin Franklin's investigation in 1784 showed, it was their own imagination and suggestibility at work—laying the foundation for what we now recognize as hypnosis."
While traditional hypnosis typically requires active participation and awareness, covert hypnosis involves influencing a person's thoughts and behaviors without their conscious awareness. Covert hypnosis uses subtle language patterns, non-verbal cues, and subliminal suggestions to guide someone into a more suggestible state. This type of influence is not as direct as stage or therapeutic hypnosis but operates on a subconscious level, which can lead to changes in behavior or thinking.
Covert hypnosis is often linked to techniques like NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), which was developed to influence thought patterns and behavior. These methods can create states of heightened focus or suggestibility without the person realizing they are being influenced
.However, it is important to note that covert hypnosis is not as powerful or direct as traditional hypnosis. It does not involve deep trance states, and the subject maintains a level of conscious awareness. While they may be influenced, they are still capable of making their own choices and can reject suggestions that don’t align with their values.
Example
:
A salesperson might use covert hypnosis techniques, such as embedded commands or mirroring body language, to subtly influence a buyer’s decision without the person realizing they are being guided. However, this influence is subtle, and the person can still resist or reject the suggestions.
While traditional hypnosis requires active participation and awareness, covert hypnosis can influence thoughts and behaviors without direct knowledge. However, it operates more subtly and does not result in the deep trance states associated with traditional hypnosis.
"NLP works by modeling excellence in communication. It’s about subtly influencing how people think, using language and behavior to guide their responses without them even realizing it."
While hypnosis can create temporary memory gaps or amnesia, it doesn’t erase memories permanently. In a comedy hypnosis show, volunteers might experience time dilation, where they believe only a few minutes have passed, but in reality, 90 minutes or more have gone by. This can also happen in therapeutic settings, where people lose track of time under deep hypnosis. These memory effects are temporary and fade over time.
During a show, a hypnotist might use an amnesia induction for comedic effect, making volunteers forget their names or actions during the performance. While many people recall these events on their own after the show, others may not remember until they see a video of themselves on stage. In rare cases, the memory gap can persist for a few days, especially if a post-hypnotic suggestion was given, but this eventually fades.
In therapeutic settings, hypnosis can be used to make painful memories feel distant and less impactful. Rather than erasing the memory, a hypnotist can help disconnect the emotional intensity associated with the memory. Techniques from Ericksonian hypnosis and NLP can help someone visualize placing the memory somewhere far away, making it difficult to retrieve. This process helps to desensitize the emotional response, allowing the person to move forward without being haunted by the trauma.
Example:
In a comedy hypnosis show, a participant might be told they've forgotten their own name or that they’ve spent only 5 minutes on stage when, in reality, it has been over an hour. In therapy, hypnosis can be used to take a painful memory and "store it away" so that it no longer has the same emotional weight.
Hypnosis cannot erase memories permanently, but it can create temporary memory gaps or make certain memories feel distant and less emotionally charged. These effects are reversible, and most people remember what happens during or shortly after a session.
Patients are patients because they are out of rapport with their own unconscious. Hypnosis helps them to reach it. -MIlton Erickson
One of the most common fears about hypnosis is that people will lose control of their actions, but this fear is largely unfounded. In therapeutic hypnosis, the client is always an active participant in their own process of change. The hypnotist uses techniques such as guided visualization and suggestions to help the client focus inward and achieve positive results. The client remains fully aware and in control throughout the session, and they won’t suddenly jump up and start barking or clucking like a chicken. Therapeutic hypnosis is a collaborative process, similar to counseling, where the client can stop the session or reject suggestions at any time.
In stage hypnosis, the situation is somewhat different. Participants may appear to lose control because they are responding quickly and automatically to suggestions from the hypnotist. However, even in this context, they do not truly lose control. Hypnosis increases suggestibility, making it easier for the hypnotist to guide participants to do silly or exaggerated actions, but participants retain their ability to reject suggestions that go against their core beliefs or moral values.
The loss of control seen in stage shows is more about lowered inhibitions than actual control. Participants are still aware of what’s happening and can refuse to act on suggestions if they feel uncomfortable.
Example:
In a stage show, a participant might be hypnotized to believe they are a famous singer and start performing, but if the hypnotist asked them to do something truly against their beliefs, they would resist or snap out of the trance. In therapeutic settings, clients remain in control, and their actions are aligned with their goals for personal growth or healing.
Summation:
Hypnosis does not cause people to lose control. In therapeutic settings, clients are active participants and maintain full control over their actions. In stage settings, participants may appear to act without inhibition, but they retain the ability to reject suggestions that conflict with their core beliefs.