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The psychology of stage hypnosis
Stage hypnosis works of many levels. There is a buzz of excitement in being at such an event, an air of expectation, curiosity and mystery - these feelings can be quite 'infectious'. The hypnotist usually has a level of charisma which helps build this atmosphere of excitement. The hypnotist is looking to identify the most 'suggestible' people in the audience, but he is also looking for 'willing' participants, someone who in some way wants to get up on that stage, they may be a natural extrovert, but they can also be a less extrovert personality that in this unique environment is drawn to the idea of being given licence to be silly and entertain. In any case we all know the subjects are given clear instructions so it is fairly easy for them to please the audience. Once up on the stage the suggestible willing participants find themselves in the limelight and any doubts as to whether to continue usually disappear with audience waiting and watching, this element of pressure may help to keep the volunteer on stage. Under hypnosis the volunteers look to the hypnotist for guidance on what to do as he is in a position of power, being the only person who knows what is going to happen! The subjects do not 'lose control'. Sometimes the participant stops cooperating and they are usually removed from centre stage as quickly as possible.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy uses different techniques. The atmosphere in a consultation will be calming and relaxed. The reason for using hypnosis is established in the consultation and then the work begins. Hypnotherapy is used to bring about the changes required through 'suggestion'. This is similar to stage hypnosis in that there is a message suggested to the subject, but there is no feeling of pressure and no element of shock or surprise as everything has been discussed beforehand, you do not lose consciousness, you can hear everything. Hypnotherapy is very relaxing and therapeutic, sometimes it is quite a subtle experience but it can make amazing changes for you.
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