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Stage Hypnosis Ethics

Stage hypnosis is always entertaining for the audience, but is it always enjoyed by the hypnotized?

Author: Lester

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Attending a well-choreographed stage hypnosis show is one of life’s simple pleasures – or should be. To have a few good belly-laughs at the antics of hypnotized volunteers who are under the guidance of a professional hypnotist is undoubtedly good fun. Even the volunteer who becomes convinced he or she is a movie star or opera singer etc, enjoys their moment in the sun, despite being told later by their friends what they actually got up to!

Let’s face it, only the more extroverted among us tend to volunteer to be hypnotized anyway!

However, any self-respecting hypnotist should always hold the welfare of a subject as paramount, regardless of whether his subject is an extrovert, introvert or whatever. To think and act otherwise is not only unethical but downright dangerous and brings the whole science of hypnosis into disrepute.

Supposedly in their efforts to make a name for themselves, some stage hypnotists in recent times, have resorted to somewhat questionable approaches to their craft. Sure, their audiences will still be amused by what they see, but the experience for the hypnotized subjects must be traumatic and anything but enjoyable. As an example, having your subject believe that he is about to be hung, could prove disastrous. It has been documented in the past that one hypnotist ended up with a corpse on his hands after convincing his subject he was about to be guillotined. Such is the power of suggestion.

Similarly, suggesting to a hypnotized person that he is about to give birth to a watermelon can lead to great hilarity for the audience. But, what if the hypnotist then smashes the ‘delivered’ watermelon ‘baby’ on the floor? The subject would literally be horrified, and could understandably react in an unpredictable fashion. If the hypnotist reassures his subject that this did not really happen, before bringing him out of his trance state, then his ‘watermelon baby’ scenario is slightly more acceptable. However, if the subject is just abruptly brought out of his trance without any suggestion being given that the experience was not real or that he will have no memory of the experience, then the hypnotist must be held directly responsible for any ensuing problems.

A hypnotized subject led to believe he is a sheep-dog and consequently asked to round up sheep on his knees, sounds very amusing too. But, when his knees become raw and bloodied after careering around for some time chasing imaginary sheep, is this still amusing? I think not.

Hypnosis has had a somewhat chequered history, with both charlatans and inspired scientists playing their part. From the early extravagances of Mesmer and the unscrupulousness of Svengali to the brilliance of Braid, Esdaille, Elman et al, the credibility of hypnosis has had its highs and lows. Unethical stage hypnosis represents one of its lows.

About Author

I have an avid interest in hypnosis and hypnotherapy and have practiced both extensively. I am particularly interested in promoting hypnosis as being something simple to learn and applicable to many situations. For further information visit http://www.hypnozoom.com

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