Can I be Hypnotized?

Sometimes people would really like to experience the benefits of hypnotherapy but are not sure if they can be hypnotized. In this post I look at who can and who can’t be hypnotized.

You May be Asking Yourself: Can I be Hypnotized?

I come across a lot of people who are intrigued by the idea of hypnotherapy but are not sure if they could be hypnotized. So if you are sat reading this and wondering, can I be hypnotized, I hope this gives you some useful answers and insights about hypnotherapy.

Who Can’t be Hypnotized?

There are some people who may genuinely not be able to engage with hypnotherapy or self-hypnosis. The main reason for this would be that they cannot maintain concentration due to a very low IQ (less than 40), have a medical condition that impairs cognitive functioning, or have a history of drug or alcohol abuse that has led to some impairment.

 Am I Too Clever to be Hypnotized?

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The average IQ is between 85 and 114. Albert Einstein’s IQ is thought to have been above 160. He used hypnotherapy and is reported as having created his Theory of Relativity during a self-hypnosis session. Thankfully we don’t all have to be as clever as Einstein to enjoy and benefit from using self-hypnosis or hypnotherapy! Although he certainly provides an excellent example of how these processes can open up and improve our powers of creative thought and problem solving.

I Want Help but I am a Control Freak!

Sometimes people tell me that they would like to access the benefits of hypnotherapy but are self-confessed “control freaks”. I can really sympathise with their dilemma: I am worried about being in control so can I be hypnotized? The good news is that you stay in control and in some ways, you can increase your control. Control of how you think, feel and behave all have the potential to be enhanced by using hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis.

If this is you, you might find reading What Happens in a Hypnotherapy Session to be helpful.

I Am Really Strong Willed – Can I be Hypnotized?                                      

In a therapeutic setting hypnotherapy is a cooperative process, so you are in control. It is not a battle of wills, it is a collaboration between the client and the practitioner aiming to help the client with the issue they have sought help for. Even when you feel deeply relaxed, you still have the power to veto anything you want to.

Being really strong willed can be useful when you want to make positive changes. You can use your superpowers for good – to help you stay on track. It is all about you deciding you want to engage. Can I be hypnotized? Yes if you want to be!

So if you decide you do want to have hypnotherapy or learn how to use self-hypnosis to make changes in your life or health, find a practitioner you are happy to work with. Many offer a short free appointment so that you can meet us and decide if we are the right practitioner for you.

Do I Need Any Special Skills to be Hypnotized?

Sometimes people think they need to already have experience or special skills to be able to be hypnotized, either in hypnotherapy or self-hypnosis. Most people I come across can pick up the basics of self-hypnosis fairly quickly, even in a day! I run one-day workshops in Lewes and most people can get started straight away. You can also learn it one-to-one with a practitioner in a few sessions.

The same is true for having hypnotherapy. Some people find they can just go into that flow really quickly. For others it might be that the first session is like a trial run. Once they know what to expect, and often how nice it can be, they find it easier in the following sessions. And the more you experience it, the easier it gets.

How Will I Know if I Have Been Hypnotized?

People can think that being hypnotized means you are asleep or unconscious, which is not the case. You will be able to hear what the practitioner is saying, and to be able to remember some or all of it.

Some may find their body feels really heavy and relaxed. For others they might feel light, drifting or floating sensations. As our body relaxes, we slow down, catching up with ourselves.

can i be hypnotized 2We become less caught up in the external distractions and start to focus on our inner selves. There can be a dream like quality to our awareness, and we may have a more creative experience than usual.

Time can feel different. Often when I count people back they say that it flew by, and that they feel like they have had the benefit of a lovely sleep. Feeling positive, calm and relaxed.

It is Up to You if You Want to be Hypnotized

Unless there is a clinical reason why you cannot be hypnotized, it really is just a case of you deciding if you would like to. There are some useful answers to other questions you may have on the British Institute of Hypnotherapy & NLP website.

If you struggle with confidence issues, anxiety, insomnia, or want to work with making better and healthier lifestyle choices for example, it is a supportive resource to consider. Or maybe you would just like to explore the as yet unsolved mysteries of the universe! It worked for Albert.

I hope you have found this post helpful in answering the question can I be hypnotized? And leaves you curious about the benefits of this process. If you would like to meet me at The Cliffe Clinic in Lewes, or in Barns Green, to find out more please do contact me.