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Can I be hypnotised? (Will hypnosis work on me?)

Perhaps you are wondering if hypnosis will work on you. Many people believe that they cannot be hypnotised. This may be because they prefer to believe it about themselves, or because they had one or two experiences with a therapist during which they could not be hypnotised. This does not mean that they cannot be hypnotised. It simply means that the inductions that were used did not appeal to their sensory modalities, or that they had a subconscious resistance to the therapists or hypnosis or were too agitated to focus on the session. In fact, only a very small minority of people will not be able to experience the hypnotic trance.

So, the answer is a resounding yes if:

• You are not feeble minded
• You are able to follow simple instructions
• You are willing and eager to be hypnotised

Have you ever lain awake at night, unable to drop off to sleep because your mind was too chattery and you couldn't stop thinking about something? Does this mean that you cannot fall asleep? Of course not! By the same token, just because you are unable at times to focus on a hypnotic induction or suggestion, it does not mean that you cannot be hypnotised. The secret is in finding an induction style that appeals to your sensory modalities, and identifying and dealing with any subconscious resistance you may have against being hypnotised. Saying that you cannot be hypnotised would be the same as saying that you are unable to become engrossed in a good book or movie.

Interestingly, individuals with higher IQ's and the ability to focus are more easily hypnotised than those with lower IQs and poor attention spans. If you find that a certain induction type is not working for you, simply experiment with different ones until you find one that captures and holds your attention and allows you to enter trance quickly and easily. Remember that induction styles can target any of our sensory modalities, visual, auditory, kinesthetic or gustatory. In fact, a good induction should incorporate two or more of your main modalities to enhance the effect for you.

Try this simple excercise:

I'd like you to sit or lie in a very relaxed position. Ensure that you are comfortable, adjusting tight clothing or easing limbs that are not perfectly comfortable. Uncross your legs and unclasp your hands. Now I want you to look upwards at an angle that will let you feel your eye muscles protest just slightly and close your eyes. This signals your brain to produce more Alpha brainwaves which is a precursor to states of deeper relaxation. Keeping your eyes closed and in this position, I want you to take three deep breaths, inhaling from your diaphragm and exhaling as deeply as you can. As you inhale, imagine that you are inhaling a feeling of calm and peace and as you exhale, picture all the accumulates stress and anxiety in your body pouring out in that breath.

How do you feel now? A little more relaxed, just slightly less tense? The physiological effect you just experienced to a greater or lesser extent forms the basis of the hypnotic induction.

How does hypnosis work?

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