How to Understand the Language of Hypnosis

I have noticed that there is quite a bit of debate amongst hypnotists as to the meanings behind different words in the hypnotist vocabulary. Hypnotists tend to spend hours debating what these words mean. Some of them even doubt the dictionary definitions of different hypnosis related words. If you are looking to learn hypnosis, obviously these debates can become rather confusing.

I have no problem with debating the dictionary definitions of certain words. After all, language is subjective to some extent. It is great for people to explore these ideas. However, on the other hand, I do find it strange that the users of this “hypnotic in-speak” can’t agree on the meanings
of different terms. Many hypnotists can’t even agree what the word “hypnosis” actually means. This fact is ironic, but it is true.

Here is the bottom line. If we hypnotists can’t agree on the meanings of different words, how can we expect the people that we hypnotize to understand what we are saying? The implications get rather striking when we start debating language.

For those looking to learn hypnosis, here are some basic definitions:

Induce means “create or bring about.” Comply means “to agree or capitulate.” Understanding means “the meaning given to a word, action or symbol by the observer or recipient.”

There hypnosis words are really important because words are crucial to a hypnotist. Here is why- if you get the meaning of words wrong, the person you are hypnotizing won’t understand what is going on. He or she will think you are saying something that is different from your intended meaning. Obviously, things can go awry when nobody understands what you are saying.

My theory that I tell people who are looking to learn hypnosis is that our subconscious minds can understand words like a bright 9 year old child. 9 year olds can understand what you are saying. Their vocabularies are not fully developed, but they know lots of words.

The bottom line is that you should figure out what your hypnotee thinks that hypnosis means. Then your main goal is to give this person what he or she is expecting. After all, it is this person’s understanding that really matters in the end!