Will you make me cluck like a chicken? Will I remember what happened? Do you have control over me?
These are just some of the common questions pondered by many when entertaining the possibility of participating in hypnosis. However, hypnosis is not just for entertainment purposes. In fact, hypnosis has been used by medical professionals dating back to 1400BC. In addition, the American Medical Association has found hypnosis to be a viable treatment option, and many insurance companies are beginning to include hypnosis as a covered service.So, where are these misconceptions about hypnosis and the power the hypnotist has over the “subject” coming from? The most prominent comes from what we have seen in stage shows. We have all heard or witnessed the silly and seemingly embarrassing things that happen to the participants when on stage.
Allow me to awaken you to the mystery of how stage shows really work. First, the hypnotist calls anyone in the audience forward that would like to get on stage and be hypnotized. Of course, only those that like to be the center of attention will come forward. Also, it is assumed that the audience already knows what happens in stage shows. The hypnotist already has part of the show managed by knowing that only “performer” type personalities will come forward. The more introverted folks will stay in their seats.
The next thing that makes stage shows believable is the positive response the now hypnotized participants offer after being acknowledged. The hypnotist tells the participants that when they hear applause and clapping that they will be compelled to keep doing the same funny and entertaining behavior, such as clucking like a chicken. What the general public does not understand is that when we are hypnotized, our subconscious mind, akin to the hard drive of a computer is very open to suggestions. This is the child like part of us. This is the part where all information is stored. This is the only place in our mind that change can happen, where we can alter our perception of things. While our conscious mind, the gatekeeper, is protecting us from new information entering our mind. Think of the conscious mind as analytical and skeptical, not completely open to new ideas. What’s important to know is that, while in hypnosis, meaning a deep state of physical and mental relaxation, our conscious mind is not as active, it is resting just like the physical body. Therefore, when the participant is instructed to respond favorably to acknowledgment, the participant joyfully complies. While, the audience is instructed to be generous with applause in order to encourage the participant.
We all learned in psychology class about positive reinforcement. If you want a behavior to continue, keep rewarding. Remember Pavlov’s dog? The audience keeps cheering and the participant, who enjoys being the center of attention, continues to be rewarded. In addition, the hypnotist already told the participants that when they hear acknowledgment that they will be driven to continue performing, and thus the audience keeps cheering.
There it is, the mystery has been revealed. The hypnotist is not in control. He is not making the participants do anything they don’t want to do. The participant enjoys performing. In addition, the participant leaves the stage feeling rejuvenated and refreshed after emerging from the deep state of mental and physical relaxation called hypnosis. Next time there is an opportunity to see a stage show, notice the big smiles on the faces of the participants. Also, notice how heavy and agile their bodies appear. It will become very obvious how much both the audience and the participant have enjoyed themselves.
