subject: Who Can & Cannot Be Hypnotized? [print this page] Many people have a belief that they cannot be hypnotized. This is in part due to the over blown portrayal of hypnosis within the popular media. Hypnosis has been portrayed as something magical and mystical and sometimes as a form of thought control.
However, this is not actually true - most people can be hypnotized - the key factors that required being belief and expectation.
So what else is required to ensure a successful hypnotic state?
* A Reasonable Level Of Intelligence
Any person with a reasonable intelligence level can be hypnotized. By this, we mean anyone who can follow simple instructions.
* A level of Belief and expectation
That is, that if a person has the belief that she/she can be hypnotized and the expectation that he/she will be - then that person will indeed achieve this every time.
* Who can & cannot be hypnotized?
Basically, if you can follow the particular language in which the suggestions are given, then you can enter a trance state. Extremely young children sometimes cannot be hypnotized because they cannot follow simple instructions or sit still long enough whilst being given instructions.
A technique sometimes used with young children is to utilise sleep hypnosis, where they are given instructions when they are between the waking and sleep states.
People who have a severe mental disability cannot be induced into a hypnotic state because they are not able to understand and apply the suggestions that are given.
As ever, there always exceptions to a rule as long as they are able to follow your instructions and have a basic degree of understanding they can utilise hypnosis.
Those who have a resistance to achieving a trance state will not be able to be 'placed under'. You cannot be placed under a hypnotic state against your will you are under your own control and able to choose to co-operate or not.
It is ultimatly you that decides not the hypnotist, contrary to the message given in much modern media reporting on this technique.
If you are given a suggestion that you do not agree with or one that is against your beliefs, you will not follow it. Indeed no matter what the suggestion is or how deep you may be in a hypnotic state, you will always have the ability to resist.
It is important to research this topic thoroughly so as to allay any fears you may have about hypnosis.
It is a natural state and one in which so much good can be achieved. This article can only begin to scratch the surface, so do research further and discover the power of this wonderful therapeutic tool.
