Is Stage Hypnosis Real?
One of my students came up to me after a beginning meditation class and started telling me about a stage hypnotist that she and her daughter had seen the previous weekend. Her question, “Was it real? Was it real hypnosis?” Before I could answer she followed with, “Could you do the same with my daughter?” She wanted to experience hypnosis. It looked like fun.
To the first question, the answer was “Yes.” Stage hypnotists are fully trained hypnotists with extra training in hypnosis with groups. Part of that training is learning how to pick the most entertaining, or potentially entertaining participants for the particular audience. They look for extroverts, show-offs, for example, the drama kings or queens. In other words, the ones that enjoy being the center of attention, the Center Stage, and are willing to help make the show a success.
From those, he gives them a test to indicate their susceptibility to suggestion. These first two steps can be reversed. The last step is choosing a manageable number of participants to fill the allotted stage area.
The hypnotist keeps in mind that the persons hypnotized will not do anything that is against their own morality, their own moral codes. However, a person who would not dance in a public place might be led through a visualization that places them in the role of the opposite sex in a situation what a suggestive dance would be appropriate. What happens might be that the person always wanted to dance but 1) didn’t know how and was afraid of being teased, 2) had been socially conditioned not to (some religions frown on dancing), 3) needed an excuse (I was hypnotized. I didn’t know what I was doing).
Another kind of stage hypnotist is the traveling hypnotist that leads large groups into weight loss or smoking cessation. This group hypnosis works the majority of the time with a portion lasting a few years. For some it does not work and with others it is permanent. They frequently advertise in the local paper. When a potential client calls, I often refer them to the group that recently advertised. The cost is often less than my fees and it might very well work. I make it clear they are always welcome to be a client of mine, as sometimes the client has individual underlying issues that the excess weight or smoking is hiding. Sometimes they just need the personal, confidential time in an office.
Now, to answer the student’s second question about hypnotizing her daughter just for fun and to give her the experience. It did take a while for me to formulate a logical answer. The answer is in two parts: 1) yes, I know how. 2) I consider hypnosis to be a special process. The client puts themselves, mind and body (and soul) in the hands of someone else. The client would have to have a good reason to experience hypnosis, such as pain reduction and control, implanting suggestions, such as portion control. I could have added, better study habits and better grades, but didn’t think of it at the time. Well informed, this woman is off to recheck her daughter’s interest level.
Barbara H. Pomar, M.A., CHt has an office in Palm Desert, California. She is a board certified regression specialist and a Time Line Practitioner. She can reached by her phone: 760-774-7673, her email: barbarapomar@aol.com, or her website: www.barbarapomar.com