If it's not mind-control - and it's not fake - how do hypnotists get people to quack like a duck?

A stage hypnosis show typically involves a hypnotist entertaining an audience by inducing a trance state in volunteers, who then participate in various amusing or entertaining activities. It's important to note that the effectiveness of stage hypnosis varies from person to person, and not everyone will let themselves be hypnotised.

Here's a general outline of how a stage hypnosis show might work:

1. Calling for Volunteers:

   • The hypnotist begins by inviting members of the audience to volunteer. They often look for individuals who are open-minded, willing to participate, and have a good sense of humor.
   • There are 2 types of people who will volunteer - those who believe the can't be hypnotised (and they will be correct) and those who believe that it is all a bit of fun (and they will be correct too).

2. Suggestibility Test:

   • Before selecting participants for the main stage, the hypnotist typically performs a suggestibility test to identify individuals who are more responsive to hypnosis.
   • Common tests include having volunteers clasp their hands together and suggesting they become stuck or suggesting their eyelids are getting heavy.

3. Qualification Process:

   • After the initial suggestibility test, the hypnotist may choose participants based on their responsiveness and willingness to engage in the experience.
   • Volunteers who do not respond well to the initial tests will be discreetly directed to return to their seats by a lovely assistant.

4. Induction of Trance:

   • The selected participants are brought to the stage, and the hypnotist guides them through an induction process to help them enter a trance state.
   • This often involves relaxation techniques, focusing attention, and the use of verbal suggestions.

5. Suggestibility Staircase:

   • Once the participants are in a hypnotic state, the hypnotist may use a "suggestibility staircase" to escalate compliance and enhance responsiveness.
   • The suggestibility staircase involves progressively more ridiculous suggestions, and compliance with one suggestion increases the likelihood of compliance with the next.

6. Entertaining Activities:

   • With the participants in a deep trance, the hypnotist can then proceed to engage them in entertaining and amusing activities, such as making them believe they are famous celebrities or convincing them they are experiencing strange situations. 

7. Constant Disqualification:

   • As the show progresses, participants may get to a point when they refuse to follow a suggestion. They are discreetly excused from the stage.
   • Towards the end of the show, there will generally be a few people who are very open to following every suggestion; but there will be ONE PERSON who will do almost anything that the hypnotist suggests, and this person will become the star of the show.

It's important to note that while stage hypnosis is a form of entertainment, clinical hypnotherapy for therapeutic purposes is a different context and involves a more collaborative and therapeutic approach. I am not interested in making you do anything embarrassing or entertaining. I will not make you cluck like a chook. I have plenty of eggs at the moment. I am only interested in changing whatever it is that is holding you back in life.

If it's not mind-control - and it's not fake - how do hypnotists get people to quack like a duck?

The idea that hypnosis involves mind-control is a common misconception. Hypnosis works through suggestion and heightened suggestibility, but individuals under hypnosis are not under the control of the hypnotist in the way that the term "mind control" might suggest.

When a hypnotist suggests that a person quack like a duck or engage in any other seemingly unusual behavior, it is a result of the person's willingness to follow the hypnotic suggestions and their altered state of consciousness. Here's how it generally works:

1. Suggestion and Consent:

   • At the core of hypnotherapy lies the principle of suggestion and consent. Hypnotists work with willing participants, establishing a collaborative environment. Renowned psychologist Milton Erickson once said, "The effectiveness of communication is not how you say things but how they are received." This rings true in hypnotherapy, where skilled practitioners use carefully crafted suggestions to guide individuals towards positive change. Celebrities like Matt Damon and Ellen DeGeneres have openly praised the power of suggestion in hypnotherapy, crediting it for overcoming challenges and achieving personal goals. 
   • Participants in a hypnotic state are still aware of their surroundings and have a level of consciousness. However, their critical thinking and inhibitions may be temporarily reduced.
   • The hypnotist suggests certain behaviors, and the participant, in their relaxed and suggestible state, may be more willing to go along with these suggestions.

2. Social Compliance:

   • Humans have a natural inclination to conform to social expectations, especially in a group setting. When individuals are on stage in front of an audience, they may be more inclined to comply with the hypnotist's suggestions to entertain the crowd.

3. Role-playing and Playfulness:

   • Participants in a stage hypnosis show are often aware that they are there for entertainment purposes. They enter into a sort of unspoken contract with the hypnotist to engage in the experience and play along with the suggestions for the amusement of the audience.

4. Selective Participation:

   • It's crucial to understand that not everyone can be hypnotised, and even among those who can, individuals may choose not to participate in certain suggestions. A person in a hypnotic state still has the ability to reject or modify suggestions based on their personal comfort level.
   • One of the unique aspects of hypnotherapy is selective participation. Individuals under hypnosis are not compelled to do anything against their will. It's about tapping into the subconscious mind's potential to willingly embrace positive changes. Former smoker and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres openly expressed gratitude for hypnotherapy, emphasising the voluntary nature of her decision to quit smoking.

5. Post-Hypnotic Amnesia:

   • After the hypnotic session ends, participants may not remember specific details of their behaviour while under hypnosis. This is known as post-hypnotic amnesia, which can contribute to the sense of surprise and amusement when participants are reminded of their actions.
   • Post-hypnotic amnesia is an  intriguing element of hypnotherapy too. It involves the temporary forgetfulness of suggestions given during the hypnotic state. This can be beneficial when addressing past traumas or negative experiences. Actress Winona Ryder has shared her positive experience with hypnotherapy, highlighting how it helped her navigate and heal from traumatic events by selectively blocking out painful memories.

In summary, hypnotists do not have magical control over individuals' minds. Instead, stage hypnosis relies on a combination of suggestion, social dynamics, and the participants' willingness to engage in playful and entertaining behaviours. It's important to note that stage hypnosis is a form of entertainment and should not be confused with therapeutic hypnosis, which has different goals and uses.

Whether you're ready to break free from the chains of smoking or vaping, gambling, or embark on a journey of weight-loss or self-discovery, Switch-Up Hypnotherapy awaits you.

Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you – the "magic" of hypnotherapy awaits!

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Luke O'Dwyer

+61 407 88 45 43

SwitchUpHypnotherapy@gmail.com 

I believe Derren Brown is the current world's greatest hypnotist.