Understanding Hypnosis

Hypnosis – Hypnotherapy Bath

There are main uses of  hypnosis. Stage hypnosis, that being the hypnotist. Then there is the use of hypnosis in therapy, which is the the clinical hypnotherapist.  There are significant differences between the two. I do hope this helps break down any myths or barriers for people considering the positive use of hypnosis. The positive use of hypnosis is often used to alleviate a habit, change a behaviour or deal with an unwanted reaction to a situation or event.

Many hypnotherapists shun stage hypnotists. This is because they believe the hypnotist is making a mockery, of what is a therapeutic tool. This in turn has a negative impact on the good name of hypnotherapy.

Hypnosis is big business. Stage hypnotists can potentially earn a great deal of money, using this technique to embarrass or ridicule their audience. The skills required to induce a hypnotic trance being easily accessible online and in books. It is in fact, easy for anybody to set up as a stage hypnotist.

For if you wan to become a stage hypnotist,  to learn the techniques involved is a simple and fast process. You need no formal qualification and there is no regulated body governing the way professionals practice.

This is very different to hypnotherapy, where there are bodies, societies and groups. All specifically developed for the enhancement of good practice as well as moral and ethical considerations.

Naturally, the secrets of stage hypnosis have been a closely guarded over the years. And just like magicians, eager to enhance their supposed persuasive powers. Often welcomed the public’s wonderment at their mesmeric gaze! Little do the public know, that the stage hypnotist posses no secret powers. Let alone the ability to override a persons will power.

The positives of hypnosis

Stage hypnosis, does however often demonstrate the power of hypnosis. It is able to do this more so than hypnotherapy, due to the very nature of a stage performance. The main aim for any stage hypnotist is to put the participant into a hypnotic trance. From there they offer suggestions which just achieve nothing more than a cheap thrill.

In the therapeutic environment, the therapist has to deal with whatever issue their client presents. Issues relating to behaviour, emotions, thinking or feeling. If the client is not particularly responsive or resists entering trance, then the therapy will be a little less effective.

On the stage however, the hypnotist can choose from the entire audience of would be entertainers. Everyone there knows what happens and all going onto the stage are game for a laugh. They are fact, wanting their fifteen minutes of fame. Albeit sometimes a humiliating one.

For the hypnotist to succeed, they need the approval of the audience. An audience taken in by trickery and wonderment. In doing so, they then tell their friends and the hypnotist can continue to earn easy money. This, I have no doubt, is why they do it. To extract as much money as they can, in the shortest amount of time.

Hypnosis for entertainment

As a stage hypnotist, they are an entertainer; hypnosis is just a tool and the volunteer from the audience just a prop to get the end result. It is very simple to perform; it requires no special skill and anybody can do it.

The stage hypnotist becomes adapt at recognising those who are suggestible. They choose those people who will go into trance quickly and easily. However, not everyone will be as suggestible as the hypnotist would need.

When asking for volunteers they inevitably have too many willing volunteers. This gives the hypnotist the opportunity to whittle the group down. In order to select those that not only respond well to hypnosis, but are also a natural exhibitionist.

Hypnotherapists on the other hand, use the power of hypnosis, only for positive and helpful reasons. The things which will affect change. Eliminate a habit or behaviour. Enable someone to manage challenging thoughts or difficult feelings. Relieve stress and support an individuals well-being. It is a very effective process for those wanting positive change.

Hypnotherapy and hypnosis from Tim Langhorn - hypnotherapist, counsellor, life coach and children's therapist


Hypnotists and hypnotherapists have two things in common. We both utilise the phenomenon of hypnosis, and we both require willing participants.

Tim Langhorn


Hypnotherapy and hypnosis by Tim Langhorn - hypnotherapist, counsellor and life coach in Bath
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