So,Will I Cluck Like a Chicken?

When I tell people I am a hypnotherapist their responses range from interest, to confusion, to outright fear! One of the first questions I'm asked, only half joking, is usually "Would you make me cluck like a chicken?"

And the short answer is... Yes! But only if you wanted me to (so far none of my clients have, but never say never). Hypnotherapy is sometimes confused for stage hypnotism, but although both hypnotherapists and stage hypnotists use hypnosis, the similarities end there. A stage hypnotist is primarily a performer, as opposed to a therapist, and they know how to put on a good show - usually at the expense of their "hapless" volunteers!

But just how hapless are the members of the audience who so eagerly raise their hands? Well, not very, really. They either want very much to be hypnotised - they like to make people laugh, and don't mind making themselves look a little silly in the process - or they want to show up the hypnotist and are determined NOT to be hypnotised! Either way, they are self selecting. The hypnotist will perform a few tests to decide which volunteers are the most highly suggestible. This separates the "class clowns", who will comply with the hypnotist's requests, from the mischievous types who will staunchly refuse. When the hypnotist has determined who's going to play ball they will send the others back to their seats, announcing they only need X number of volunteers, leaving them with the people who are perfectly happy to cluck like a chicken, dance around on stage, and generally make a bit of a fool of themselves in the name of a good giggle. 

Could they refuse, if they suddenly lost their nerve? Absolutely! When you're in a hypnotic trance you are in full control, and will be able to refuse anything you're not comfortable with, you'll be able to move if you want to, and if the fire alarm goes off, or you become so relaxed you feel like you're about to fall off your chair, you'll be able to wake yourself up, completely alert and able to move, speak and think as usual. 

Hypnotherapists, who are primarily therapists as opposed to hypnotists, aren't so concerned with showy gestures and stage presence (they shouldn't be, anyway!), and any reputable hypnotherapist will make your comfort an absolute priority, reassuring you and answering any questions you might have.

In short, stage hypnotists can be a great for a fun night out, whether you're on stage doing your best chicken impression or not, but they're worlds away from hypnotherapists. So stop worrying, OK? :)

I'd love to hear from you, if you've got any comments or questions you can post them below or message me privately on lily@lilycameronhypnotherapy.com