Question:
Are hypnosis and mind control the same thing? If not,what’s the difference?
Answer:
In fiction, very frequently, yes. However, in the real world, no, not at all.
Most hypnotists, when training, get the maxim “All hypnosis is self-hypnosis” drilled into us. This phrase means that you can’t hypnotize someone to do or think something they are not willing to. What happens is more like a dance between the hypnotist and the hypnotee, where the hypnotist guides the hypnotee toward a result they desire. In this dance, the hypnotist leads with suggestions, but the hypnotee must willingly choose to follow. It’s a partnership focused on achieving a specific, positive outcome.
Far from giving up control, hypnosis is about taking control of your life and addressing the issues you want to change. While both hypnosis and mind control aim to influence someone’s thinking, mind control is coercive and forces actions against the person’s will. In contrast, hypnosis not only requires compliance but also active, willing participation.
And think about it, if hypnosis were truly mind control, hypnotists wouldn’t be running businesses to help people improve their lives or performing on stage for money. They’d just pop down to the bank and mind control the manager into opening the vaults for them!
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