Can Anyone Be Hypnotized?

This is one of my favorite questions. Every week someone tells me, with conviction, that they can’t be hypnotized. They really believe they can’t be hypnotized—but they’re usually reacting to what they think hypnosis is. In just about every case, they are unfamiliar with what hypnosis is or what it can be used for.

Sometimes people are fearful because they think they will be giving up control of their minds. In other cases, a person might have difficulty relaxing because of current physical pain or emotional trauma. And some people simply doubt the power of suggestion, believing that only weak minds can react to hypnotic suggestions.

It is a myth that people lose the power of their own will when hypnotized, or that hypnosis is a way of finding out someone’s secrets. The truth is that hypnosis is a wonderful, powerful modality for attaining clarity and making important decisions. Through hypnosis, we can identify what’s most important to us and find out how to obtain and maintain those things.

So, what kind of person can be hypnotized? Anyone who has an IQ of at least 70, and is willing try it. That’s it. Of course, some people can go into trance more easily than others, and it’s possible to block or stop the process.

In the state of hypnosis, clarity of thought and hyper-awareness are achieved easily, so that change can occur right there during the session. I’ve seen this happen many times. Clients come into my office stressed and confused, and leave an hour later—calmer, clearer, and with a renewed sense of direction. When that happens we know that it was the client’s powerful mind that achieved their success.

Here’s another fact: Hypnosis is science. It has nothing to do with belief or spirituality or physical conditioning. Using the proper technique according to the individual, hypnosis is achieved easily. When a person is hypnotized repeatedly, the induction becomes easier each time.

The fact that you are reading this article to the end indicates that you are open to being hypnotized and that you would be a good subject. You can learn to use self-hypnosis to improve your condition and become happier and more contented in life. The art and science of hypnosis are advancing rapidly, and a qualified hypnotist can help you change your mind—literally.