One thing many people who are advocates of hypnosis point out is that when an individual thinks about something exclusively, or daydreams, they can enter a state very similar to a hypnotic trance. Hypnotizing someone is just the ability to place them in this state on cue.
here is still much research to be done on the subject of hypnosis, but some things seem to be becoming clear. The first and perhaps most important is that hypnosis does work for some people. Many individuals are visiting hypnotherapists, seeking treatment for issues that they cannot work through on their own.
Addictions are a common ailment that people seek hypnotic help for. Some people cannot give up smoking, drinking, or drugs by traditional methods, so they go to a hypnotherapist. Many of these individuals worry at first that the treatment will not work, but they are so desperate that they will try anything. Many of these people are also cured by the procedure.
There are also people who have psychological issues that become a daily nuisance. Hypnotherapists can help these people to figure out why they have these problems. They can sometimes dig up memories that the person had buried due to their traumatic nature. Then the person can go about dealing with the problem so that it no longer affects their daily life. The hypnotherapist can often assist with this as well.
The fact that so many people have been helped and cured by hypnosis is a big indicator that hypnosis does work. Some skeptics claim it to be nothing more than the person allowed themselves to be “talked out of their problem.” In a way, that is what happened. But the fact that it worked speaks volumes on the subject.
It should be pointed out that while some types of minor hypnosis can be attempted by an amateur, therapy should not be. When an individual blocks memories from their mind, it is a self-defense mechanism that we have naturally. An amateur tampering with these memory barriers, or trying to help someone with an addiction can do more harm that good.
The question of ‘does hypnosis work?’ can be answered with a yes. While hypnosis should be treated with caution until mastered, it can work. The main factor in whether hypnosis works of not is the patient. You cannot hypnotize someone who does not wish to be hypnotized. If you are interested in learning the art of hypnosis, do your research, and you’ll be on your way.
Some cool links.