Can hypnosis make you do something against your will—or reveal something you wanted to keep private?
After decades working with hypnosis, I understand why people ask. Some demonstrations certainly make it look as though the hypnotist has taken charge.
But something feeling automatic is not the same as someone else controlling your mind.
In this video, I explain what psychological science tells us about hypnosis, suggestion and personal agency—and why “you can never be influenced” is no more helpful than the mind-control myth.
We’ll look at:
• Why hypnotic responses can feel involuntary.
• What stage hypnosis does—and does not—demonstrate.
• Whether hypnosis gives someone a unique power to compel criminal behaviour.
• Why hypnosis is not a truth serum or a reliable route to hidden memories.
The final distinction matters whether you’re considering hypnotherapy, learning self-hypnosis or training to work with clients: what should a responsible hypnotic experience actually help you do?
Hypnosis is not a neurological carjacking. Your critical faculties do not have to wait at the roadside holding your coat.
For a deep dive into this topic, read this comprehensive article: Can Hypnosis Make You Lose Control?
Explore my research-informed self-hypnosis teaching: Learn Self-Hypnosis here.
Interested in becoming a hypnotherapist? Explore my hypnotherapy practitioner diploma here.
