Stage Hypnotism – Myths and Misconceptions

Is stage hypnotism just brainwashing and mind control under a different name? Is the whole act a setup from the start? Or are you really witnessing a genuine member of the audience performing seemingly inexplicable feats, both physical and mental?

Is stage hypnotism just brainwashing and mind control under a different name? Is it a setup from the start? Learn the truth about the myths and misconceptions.

There is no doubting the popularity of stage hypnotism and these shows attract large audiences on a regular basis. They certainly provide entertainment and provoke a variety of reactions from the audience, but there are a whole host of myths around this form of entertainment that this article seeks to address, whilst simultaneously providing you with an understanding of stage hypnotism as a legitimate and ethical form of theatrical entertainment.

Clinical Hypnotherapy and Stage Hypnotism

Hypnosis used in therapy sessions with individual clients is not the same as stage hypnotism, although they do share elements in common. For example, both rely on the subject achieving a state of deep relaxation during which their subconscious mind is open to suggestion. For example, in a therapy session to quit smoking, the therapist will use language and phrases designed to convince the unconscious mind that it no longer needs either nicotine or the act of smoking.

The stage hypnotist also requires subjects to be in a state of relaxation, and to be willing to focus on what is being suggested to him or her with an open mind. However, stage hypnotism is a theatrical performance designed to entertain audiences, whereas hypnotherapy sessions are tailored to only one person’s needs and desired outcomes.

Brainwashing, Mind Control, and Gullible People

Statements suggesting that only weak or gullible people are affected by hypnosis, or that the hypnotist takes complete control of their minds during the act are both common and completely untrue.

No matter how the media portrays hypnosis, or how writers may use it as a convenient plot device in fiction, the truth is that hypnosis can never force an individual to act against their will or their moral values. The state of relaxation achieved during hypnosis is referred to as a “trance state” but we all drift in and out of trance many times during the course of our daily lives and there is nothing mysterious or magical about it. Hypnotized individuals are always aware of their surroundings, in control of their actions, and able to come out of trance at any time. However, whether in a therapy session or up on stage, the individual is highly focused and suggestible.

Some people are more suggestible than others, and it is more likely that the correlation is between suggestibility and imagination, or creativity, than gullibility. If you are willing to accept that there may be things you do not know, that your mind is a powerful tool for change and that your unconscious holds a lot of information that you have “forgotten”, then you will probably react favorably to hypnotism of any kind.

Stage Hypnotism is Faked or Staged

This is a popular misconception about the nature of stage hypnotism and can be said to represent the lazy way of explaining the unexplainable!

We humans are always looking for the answers as to why or how something occurs. It is part of our survival mechanism, so it makes perfect sense that we seek to understand anything that may represent a possible threat or danger.

During a performance, there will be occasions when the audience is left baffled and amazed by what they have seen and are unwilling to believe that they have not been tricked by “plants” or “stooges” in the audience. To their way of thinking, this can be the only explanation of what appears to be impossible. However, the heightened focus and suggestibility of the participants, along with the deliberate choices of language used by the hypnotist, their timing, and even their body language are all factors influencing the outcomes up on stage. A good stage hypnotist is a keen observer of human behavior, even in complete strangers, and they will use their knowledge and observations in order to put participants at ease, helping them to focus and to be willing to follow suggestions. The result can often seem miraculous to the non-participating observers in the audience.

What if You Get Stuck There?

Another misconception about hypnosis is that it is possible to remain in a trance even when you want to return to a normal state of consciousness. This is simply not the case. You cannot get “trapped” in a state of hypnosis no more than you can get trapped in your daydreams. It is a natural state, and you can move out of it easily whenever you choose. Dramas and films may portray someone in extreme distress as they re-live a past trauma and are unable to free themselves. This is, of course, pure fiction (although it can make for an exciting piece of drama). Stage hypnotists are experts in picking up any signs of distress or discomfort in their subjects and will always put their safety and well-being above any other consideration.

The Reality of Stage Hypnotism

Stage hypnotists are extremely skilled on many levels. They create compelling theater through their understanding of the art of hypnosis as well as the psychology behind this form of entertainment.  A good performance will be both artistic and ethical, entertaining and beneficial to both participants and the audience. A stage hypnotist also needs to be good at improvising as well as confident, approachable, and trustworthy. When all of these elements come together the results are often described as “magical” and “mind-blowing”.

It is important to understand a little about how hypnosis works in order to address any fears you may have about attending a show. It will also help you to let go of misconceptions and put doubts and skepticism aside so that you can get a fuller and richer experience from the event.

Are you ready to see for yourself?  What are you waiting for? Come see Michael Hamond, participate in a live show, and feel the wonder for yourself.