The ego cannot be detached under self hypnosis, so secrets will not come out while in a relaxed state of hypnosis. The best hypnotic subjects are not unintelligent people, as has been thought for so long. The more strong willed, intelligent and imaginative an individual is, the better subject that person usually will be.

Hypnosis has never caused mental illness, nor has anyone ever been “stuck” in hypnosis. If for some reason the subject is left alone, they will very simply open their eyes and come out of hypnosis after a few minutes. If they are physically tired, they will simply fall into a natural sleep and awaken when they are sufficiently rested.

These thoughts and ideas about hypnosis are all part of those myths and misconceptions that ethical hypnotists are working so hard to overcome, but because of them, some people resist the hypnosis process. Even though nearly everyone is hypnotizable, some people will not allow themselves to be hypnotized, thus demonstrating that each person retains control and that hypnosis cannot occur if you do not want it to occur.

What does it feel like being hypnotized? Do not expect to be unconscious, asleep or in a “trance” from which you will awaken remembering nothing. This is a myth that has been perpetuated by stage hypnotists and the movies. You will be aware of everything that is going on. You will always hear the hypnotist’s voice as well as other sounds, but these other sounds may seem unimportant to you and will not disturb you. Most people cannot tell the difference between being hypnotized and being awake and will insist that hypnosis did not occur when, in fact, it did.

Do not expect to feel much physical sensation, especially in the beginning. For the most part, people simply feel very relaxed and lethargic in hypnosis, while others experience a tingling sensation in their fingers or toes. Still others experience somewhat of a detached feeling or maybe a light airy feeling in their body. Whatever you experience, you will know that you are very relaxed and comfortable.

Next, allow me to explain the levels of hypnosis that different individuals experience at different times with hypnosis. Not everyone is the same, and not everyone experiences hypnosis in the same way. Therefore, different individuals respond in different ways. Some much more relaxed than others. The following is an explanation of it all.

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