Truth About Hypnosis - Can You Hypnotize Anyone?

A common question for Hypnotists: "Can you hypnotize anyone?"
or "Can anybody be hypnotized?"
The simple answer is yes, but the more honest answer tends to surprise people.
The truth is, you are already hypnotized!
Just to be clear, let's start with some definitions.
Hypnosis: hyp·no·sis [hip-noh-sis] noun, "an artificially induced trance state resembling sleep, characterized by heightened susceptibility to suggestion."
(definition from Dictionary.com)
This is a pretty good basic definition. I might question the use of 'artificially induced', but it's not a bad start. Here's where it gets interesting.
We all experience 'heightened susceptibility to suggestion'
all the time, depending on the source of the suggestion. One can learn a great deal by examining the sources from which you accept suggestions with little or no question. Notice what groups, authors, political figures, teachings, etc. that seem correct or incorrect automatically... without reflection or pragmatic application. Remember, immediate presumption of correctness or incorrectness is a sure sign of being hypnotized. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but you definitely want to be aware of it.
It is very useful to make a point of recognizing what suggestions (from which sources) you resist and which ones you accept.
If you are a Catholic (which is to say you identify yourself as Catholic, or you see yourself as a Catholic), you develop a 'heightened susceptibility to suggestion' from all things Catholic, and likely the Pope as well. If you are a Buddhist, on the other hand, you might view all things Catholic with a certain amount of suspicion, but generally trust the statements of the Dalai Lama (now mentally review your inner reactions to the last paragraph... what did you resist?... what did you accept?... how exactly are you hypnotized, and is that hypnosis getting you where you want to go?).
Now, with this new perspective, let's take another look at our question: "Can you hypnotize anyone?"
The real question becomes a little more complex:
Can you recognize how someone is already hypnotized?Can you then make a statement that acknowledges their hypnosis or view of the world?Can you then add a suggestion that directs or redirects them in a useful way?
These refined questions lead us to a simple process of hypnosis.
3 simple steps to hypnotize anyone (including yourself)
Recognize how they (or you) are already hypnotized.Make a statement acknowledging that hypnosis.Say 'and...' or 'and that's why...' followed by your suggestion (whatever helpful direction you want send the client toward).
Here's an example many hypnotists have used: If a client comes in and says "I can't be hypnotized.", the hypnotist may respond with something like "That's right... you can't be hypnotized... and that's why you'll know when you accept all these suggestions completely, it is because you choose to accept them completely, don't you."
In this scenario, the client gets to keep their beliefs, and the hypnotist gets to gently take control and guide the client in a more useful direction that is supportive of the client's goals.
It is useful to note that many hypnotists are also 'life coaches', and they might also lead guided meditations. This gives the hypnotist other options for clients that don't want to be hypnotized. The tools and concepts of hypnosis still apply, but they are used in a context with which the client is comfortable.
We'll end with a cautionary note: Many people like the idea of hypnotizing someone else as a power trip. Statements like "I can make people do things against their will!",
"I can control the minds of others!", and other such nonsense are signs of an egotistical would-be manipulator pretending to be a sincere hypnotist.
The best long-term practice for hypnotizing others is learning and applying self-hypnosis. When you become a skillful leader of yourself, you will naturally become a leader of others as well. Practicing self-hypnosis will also help you to recognize your desire for control of others, and gradually remove it to reveal your desire for the well-being of others. This is the mark of a sincere hypnotist. Once you have learned to gently and firmly guide yourself, you will automatically do the same for your clients.
Godspeed on your journey!
Benjamin Langley has been studying meditation, self-hypnosis, energy work, and other healing methods for over 15 years, and he has written over 400 articles on these subjects, as well as numerous podcasts and videos.
If you want to learn a simple meditation system that will reduce stress and improve health in just minutes a day, go to http://PeacefulProsperity.com/Meditation-Techniques/ for more information.

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