How deep can one go in a hypnotic trance?

Answer 1

Highly hypnotizable people (about 8-10%) can readily enter a somnambulistic state: they will be able to open their eyes, stand, walk around, and generally behave as though not hypnotized even though they're in a deep trance. They'll be able to experience the full range of hypnotic phenomena (eg total bodily catalepsy, positive and negative hallucinations, recall of long past life events, and even anesthesia...), and there is a good chance that when brought out of hypnosis they'll have limited or no recollection of what happened during trance.

The majority of people, although hypnotizable, will not experience such profound hypnosis, and generally will recall everything that occurred during their trances. For most, hypnosis is simply a highly relaxing experience during which they may feel very detached or "dreamy" whilst being very focused on what is suggested to them.

I have experienced both partial and total amnesia of hypnotic trances, depending on the exact context in which hypnosis occurred. When participating in a scientific study of hypnosis I was somnambulistic, spending two hours in trance and performing complex sequencing tasks, but had little recollection of the specifics, remembering only the instructions given. The two hours seemed like only minutes to me, and despite walking around with eyes open, talking etc, can only remember "seeing" the revolving spiral used for trance induction!

When hypnotized "for fun" by the same person, I recalled everything (because instructed to), and remember dancing with imaginary people, hallucinating many things, and even having a needle pushed through the skin on the back of my hand, and feeling nothing. Obviously, I was deeply hypnotized, but remembered the experience because that was the whole purpose of the activity.

Most recently, I've been hypnotized by a psychotherapist. I was asked to "view" myself sitting in a chair across the room, and describe what I saw. The therapist then repeated my own descriptions back to me... slowly and deliberately, and after a few minutes everything "went blank", and I recall nothing of the rest of the session, until she brought me out of trance by gently calling my name.

I am naturally good at hypnosis, having high powers of concentration, strong imaginative tendencies, and an interest in the mind and its potential to create its own "realities". I am only able, however, to enter deep trance because I will it: my interests, inclinations, and intellectual capabilities lead me in this direction, but hypnosis only occurs because I'm interested in experiencing it and, therefore, ready to "go with it". I could not be hypnotized if I did not want to be - for example, I dislike "stage hypnosis", and have sat through a number of such shows observing them, but declining to participate... and nothing on this good earth would ever induce me to take part in such shenanigans.

Most people can be hypnotized if willing, but how "deep" one goes does to some extent depend upon natural capabilities, although repeated hypnotic inductions do tend to increase trance depth. Ultimately, however, if someone isn't comfortable with the situation/ does not trust the hypnotist then it is unlikely that any hypnosis will occur. Generally, only a minority have the ability readily to enter the deepest hypnotic states.

Answer 2

The depth of a hypnotic trance can vary depending on the individual and the therapist. In a typical session, most people can reach a medium level of trance where they are deeply relaxed and highly suggestible. However, some individuals may be able to achieve a deeper trance state where they experience heightened focus and responsiveness to suggestions. It is important to work with a qualified and experienced hypnotist to explore the depth of trance that is most effective for the individual.