Should I be Scared of Hypnosis?

This is a question I am frequently asked from people at a post prom, all night grad party, or other event when I am about to solicit volunteers for a show.  It is why I always share the following information:

1. Hypnosis is a natural state of mind defined by focus, concentration, creativity, and enhanced suggestibility.

2. All of hypnosis is self-hypnosis.  My volunteers hypnotize themselves.  I merely serve as the guide.

3. A person will never do anything when hypnotized that they wouldn’t normally do.  They won’t commit a crime.  They won’t give away their money.  They won’t tell me secrets.

4. A person is aware of everything around them at all times when hypnotized.  Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness.  It is not unconsciousness.

5. A person can never get stuck in hypnosis.  If I were to have someone in trance and run out of the room, the moment they recognized my voice was no longer present the person would bring themselves out of hypnosis.

 

What about those clips you may have seen on YouTube or other social media with people hypnotized and acting crazy?  The answer to that question is quite simple.  The people who volunteer to be in a comedy hypnosis show love being the center of attention.  It is a show.  They are on stage.  It just feels right to go with it.

You can watch my hypnosis induction on YouTube.  It was uploaded by a student at Clarksburg High School in Germantown, Maryland.

 

 

When Screaming Eagles Say "Thanks"

Each academic year I guest speak on campus to psychology and health students at high schools in the Montgomery County Public School System.  In 2024/25, I visited a dozen schools to talk about hypnosis as a tool for health and wellness.  In total I presented to more than 1,000 students.

Speaking in front of high school students presents a myriad of challenges.  This is especially true when much of your content is designed to be both informative and entertaining.  I love the experience, although it is certainly humbling at times.

Last month I made a return visit to Seneca Valley High School in Germantown, Maryland.  In follow up, the teacher (Sharon Gardner) and many of her students sent me this thank you note.

It is rewarding to know that I helped Ms. Gardner make the psychology curriculum come alive and (hopefully) many of her students will continue their interest in this important area.

 

PS Seneca Valley High School's mascot is the screaming eagle.

Kind Words from a Kind Educator

This week I visited Paint Branch High School to speak with students who are studying psychology about hypnosis as an altered state of consciousness.

 

I donate my time to guest speak at high schools to students who are enrolled in psychology.  The topic of my talk and demonstration is “hypnosis as an altered state of consciousness.”

Rather than an academic-oriented presentation, I do my best to make the topic come alive through a series of entertaining anecdotes that highlight the real world and meaningful applications of hypnosis (i.e. stress mitigation, self-confidence, and athletic and academic performance).

Admittedly, a high school audience is tough to read.  What I think are funny jokes and stories often fall flat.  That’s why this type of feedback from the educator who hosts me is so appreciated.

Happy holidays! 

 

 

Your visit was such an astounding success.  The kids are still buzzing about it today.  In fact, they asked if they could send you thank you notes.   You are the best and we love what you do.

Jane Wright

Social Studies Educator

Paint Branch High School