Question:
Are professional hypnotists able to use real hypnosis or do they have to fake it with acting? If they do have to fake it, how can you tell if someone is a real hypnotist?
Answer:
Yes, hypnosis is real, but it’s probably not what you think it is.
Actual hypnosis is real and does work, however, it’s not what many people think it is. Most people think hypnosis is exactly as they see it in movies and on TV shows, where the subject is turned into a vacant, brainless automaton that will exactly what it’s told when it is told. This is nothing at all like real world hypnosis. Actual hypnosis relies on both the hypnotist and the hypnotee working together towards a shared goal.
As for telling if somebody is in hypnosis or just acting, there are several things to look for, breathing rate, reddening around the eye, increased lacrimation, posture, etc. These signs may seem subtle, but with experience, a skilled hypnotist can learn to recognize them reliably. None of these things individually are guarantees, but as experience increases it becomes easier and easier to detect when somebody is genuinely in a state of hypnosis.
Many new hypnotists when first starting out feel like they are faking it, but this tends to be much more to do with the business side than the hypnosis side. If they couldn’t do the latter, they would not have graduated whatever certified course they did. While, like every industry, there are scammers and con artists, but they never last long. Ask around for recommendations and referrals, and you’ll find someone suitable.
If you’re curious about hypnosis, seek out a trained professional with strong referrals. In the hands of a skilled and trustworthy hypnotist, real hypnosis can be a powerful and rewarding transformative tool.
If you’re new here, find out more about this section on the About Ask Dr. Mex page.