How To Tell If Someone Is Hypnotized

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Hypnosis is an admirable tool used to help people address and overcome a host of life's issues. D.R. Patterson assures us that hypnosis can even help relieve chronic pain. So why would anyone want to fake going under? And is that even possible?

Incidentally, there are signs which suggest hypnosis does take place. One of the most interesting is the neural change evidence as reported by David Spiegel. But is there conclusive proof?

Does Hypnosis Work Anyway?

The confusion around hypnosis is usually because of stage hypnosis - and the hype surrounding it. Although entertaining, it has nothing in common with clinical hypnosis.

Hypnosis itself is best described as a heightened state of awareness. Here the subject is more able to concentrate. As a result, they're open to suggestions made by the hypnotist. And even more so than in their usual conscious state.

It's as though hypnosis clears away the client's mental clutter. And it provides the opportunity for better-informed choices.

When answering if hypnosis works on anyone, it depends what you mean by this. Are you solely concerned if the client has gone under or not? Or are you more interested in the benefits of the session?

You can call these session results: posthypnotic suggestions.

For example, a young man visits a hypnotist to help remove his fear of flying. Does he respond well and enter the trancelike state? If so, can he now fly freely without so much as a sweaty brow when boarding an airplane?

1. Does everyone go under? Firstly, the client must want to be hypnotized and not resist it. And a certain amount of 'hypnotizability' must also accompany this. But anyone can go into a trancelike state. All that's needed is the right hypnotist and the correct communication.

The adage: Everybody is different holds true, though, even in this instance. Susceptibility to hypnosis varies from person to person. This is because the brains of those who are highly susceptible vary from those who are less so.

2. Posthypnotic suggestions. Suggestions made by the hypnotist enter and take root in the subconscious mind. However, most treatments need several sessions. This is necessary as it helps to reinforce the initial suggestions. It is then the positive effects become long-lasting.

Can You Tell If Someone Is Hypnotised?

There are signs which indicate the subject has been hypnotized:

· They tend to move slower and more purposefully

· They tend to blink slower

· They're warm to the touch

· They relax and are free from muscular tension

· Their eyes tend to water or become red

· They are less distracted by outside stimuli

· There's a steady pause between a suggestion made and the time it takes for the subject to carry it out

There are problems with these signs, though. They're similar to someone relaxing deeply or meditating. This makes it difficult to tell if someone is in a trancelike state or not.

But well trained hypnotists with experience would tend to know if the subject is faking it. And give neuroscientists free rein. They'd likely figure the matter out with their expertise and equipment.

As for the Average Joe?

They wouldn't know for sure either way.

Can You Prevent Being Hypnotised?

If the subject is highly stressed or anxious, they will be unable to relax enough to go under. They would be unable to listen to the hypnotist or focus only on what was being suggested.

Likewise, anyone can fake hypnosis. If you have no intention of entering a trancelike state it won't happen. And this is doubly so if you're resistant to the hypnotist's suggestions.

Additionally, it's also beneficial if you know how the hypnotic process works. You can then use your willpower and self-discipline to resist any suggestions made.

So - if you're unwilling then it's a no go.

Likewise, you could fake going under. You could make others think you've been hypnotized. Some people manage that with stage hypnosis. Perhaps they're embarrassed by the hypnotism 'not working'. They may remain to participate in the act for social inclusion's sake.

In this instance, it's only hypnotists who might catch on to this. With their training, experience and observation skills, they could pick up on this. It would be easy for them to challenge the subject and stop the session.

And if you were attending an expert to get help for some physical or psycho-emotional issue - why would you bother faking it?

It would be such a waste of time and money to fake not going under, and to what purpose?

To prove what?

Can You Protect Yourself from Hypnotism?

Look into my eyes!!!

There's an aspect of hypnotism which you should know about. A hypnotist can put you into a trancelike state without your knowledge. Experts call this covert hypnotism.

And they could use their techniques during everyday chit-chat to achieve their purpose.

Here are a few of the tricks they employ. They:

· Use particular gestures

· Pause at the correct times during the conversation

· Utilize persuasive language

· Apply the necessary body language

If you see an expert giving you their undivided attention and if they're in total agreement with you - beware!

Also, take note if you find yourself drifting off in your thoughts while the hypnotist is speaking to you. Chances are, they could be gaining your trust and finding a doorway to your subconscious.

You certainly wouldn't be faking that. You might not be aware it happened to begin with!

Can a Hypnotist Order You to Do Something Without Your Knowledge

Do you remember the film The Manchurian Candidate? It involves the brainwashing of captured soldiers during the Korean War. The Communists used them as Sleeper Agents, trained assassins, and without their knowledge.

But hypnosis is different from this kind of scenario.

When under, your morals and personal boundaries act as a safeguard. So no one can make you do anything outside of your ethical framework.

No Jedi mind trick is possible.

Phew!

Moreover, you don't surrender your free will into another's hands. And if a hypnotist causes confusion by what they say, or you don't agree with it your mind automatically rejects it.

Do You Have to Speak the Truth When Hypnotised?

You can deceive others when you're hypnotized. In other words, you can lie. This is because you remain in control of your mind even when in a trancelike state.

Likewise, the hypnotist can't make you tell the truth. And they can't force you to lie either.

But one benefit of hypnosis is that it helps you delve into your emotions. It helps you recognize your feelings and if you've avoided some issue you've buried deep inside.

For example, this could be a memory from a past event which has scarred you. Or maybe it's something more immediate.

Whatever it is, hypnosis can help you confront the truth. It also does this concerning relationships – including the relationship you have with yourself. It permits you to be more open to change – but only if you're ready for it and want it.

Also, there's something worse than faking it while under.

Not being willing to face the truth about yourself. Self-deception is the biggest lie of all.

Either way – who's the one losing out?

You are!

Everyone Gets Hypnotised Without Realising It

It's accurate to say everyone is hypnotized every day, even if only mildly. It's called daydreaming. And who doesn't do that?

Many a worker acts this way when their boss is giving a superiority speech. And the same thing happens when we become immersed in our favorite T.V. shows – we zone out.

This is a normal part of everyday living. So think of clinical hypnosis as building on what's natural and already there.

The hypnotist adds to this by using guiding techniques. They evoke the necessary heightened state of attention. Also, as the mind becomes more pliable, peripheral awareness fades into the background. The subject is now open to the hypnotist's suggestions.

This link to normality is what makes it so beneficial to people looking for help with issues like:

· Weight loss

· Wanting to stop smoking

· Various phobias

· insomnia

Indeed, it's a marvelous tool for helping people mentally, emotionally and physically. But don't trifle with it, and respect the therapist and the hypnotic process for the help they give.

And most of all respect yourself and don't fake it!

And So

Hypnosis is an amazing therapy which, over the years, has helped millions across the globe. It's possible to fake being hypnotized. But that serves no real purpose and it'd be senseless to do this.

Hypnotism happens for most people if they're willing participants. And it's a more intense and specific version of what we do naturally every day.

Likewise, you can use it to help make significant changes to your life. So be open to it. Face the truth about yourself and your situation. Accept the changes you need to make and move forward with hypnotism.

If you're willing – accept the challenge of hypnotism for real.

I dare you!