Can anyone be hypnotised?
Yes, everybody is hypnotizable to some extent – some more than others. Susceptibility to hypnosis can be measured with a hypnotic susceptibility scale (see ‘measurement of hypnosis’. Researchers tend to classify people as ‘highs’, ‘mediums’, or ‘lows’. About 80% of people are in the ‘medium’ band – meaning that they can experience many of the effects of hypnotic suggestion, and are likeely to benefit from its clinical use if necessary. Approximately 10% of the population are considered highly hypnotizable – meaning that they can readily experience quite dramatic changes in sensation and perception with hypnosis. Roughly 10% are classified as ‘low’ – meaning that they have not responded strongly to hypnosis (although there are some skills programmes which aim to increase susceptibility to hypnosis).
Yes, I agree with my colleagues here. Anyone can be hypnotised if they are willing to be, you can’t be hypnotised against your will. Hypnosis is really an altered state of awareness or state of mind rather than a triggered subconscious command. You need to open your mind and concentrate on the suggestions and concepts being given to you.
