HYPNOSIS
hypnosis (Hyp*no"sis), noun.  A state of altered awareness resembling (but not) sleep, but that is induced by a person (Hypnotist) whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject.
(Alternative spelling: hipnosis, hypnozis, hypnose, hypnoze, hypno sis, hypno-sis)
HYPNOTISM(also see this page)
hypnotism (hyp*no"tism), noun. The study of, or act of, inducing hypnosis. 
(Alternative spelling: hypnotizm, hipnotizm, hypnotisim, hipnotism)
HYPNOTHERAPY(also see this page)
hypnotherapy (hyp*no" ther* apy"), noun.  The use of hypnosis in therapeutic circumstances for analysis and/or re-education. 
(Alternative spelling: hipnotherapy, hypnotherapi, hypno-therapy, hypno-therapi).
HYPNOTIZE / HYPNOTISE (hyp*no"tize), verb. Induce a trance in a person. (Alternative spelling: hypnotize, hypnotiz, hypnotise, hypnotis, hypnoties, hypnotys, hipnotise, hipnotize, hipnotiz, hipnotis)

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What is Hypnosis? What is Hypnotism? What is Hypnotherapy?

Capturing and holding the attention of any person is of prime importance in Hypnosis - and usually an acceptance of the induction procedure or device is required before Hypnosis can occur.  If you agree with the popular theory that no person can control another with Hypnosis, then it is also probable that the theory which proposes that all Hypnosis is really Self-Hypnosis, is also quite correct.

Any person, who agrees to be hypnotised by another, immediately has a higher probability of attaining at least some stage of trance - whereas anyone who objects to being hypnotised, has a very slim chance of entering into Hypnosis.  Initial trance induction, then subsequent deepening of that trance state to a point where the subject is “hypnotised” is different in every person and in fact different every time that person is hypnotised.  Hypnosis is an inexact science where two plus two usually equals four, but sometimes equals three - and sometimes five! 

During the state of induced trance called Hypnosis, the conscious mind is relaxed to such a degree that it’s desire and ability to judge and reason (known as “critical faculties”) becomes very much lessened.  The subconscious, on the other hand, becomes very much more dominant, accepting and responsive to suggestions - especially positive, repetitious suggestions, that are presented to it.

A light state of trance coupled with a desire to follow the suggestions of the Hypnotist, will often achieve much more than will a deep state of trance combined with suggestions that are too far from a subject’s comfort zone. 

During Hypnotherapy, usually a client and therapist are working toward the same goal so a light to medium depth will usually be sufficient because of the client’s will to change or improve.  However, during Stage Hypnosis, a much deeper state of trance is generally necessary to achieve some of the more spectacular and humourous routines expected of the hypnotised volunteers.  Basically, their critical faculties (desire and ability of the conscious mind to judge and reason) has become lessened to such a degree that they’re usually happy to follow the Hypnotist’s suggestions without question.  It’s as if the Hypnotist has become the volunteer’s conscious mind and is supplying the subconscious directly with suggestions.  And, because the subconscious usually just accepts what it is given, it takes and responds to those suggestions - up to a point!

If the morals, ethics or physical boundaries of the volunteer are challenged too far, then there are several likely outcomes.  The volunteer may break the trance; remain hypnotised but refuse to comply; or maybe refuse to awaken from the trance altogether.  Knowing that awakening may mean partial or even full compliance with the suggestions, where no compliance is acceptable, then remaining in a trance state can be a means of escape from the unacceptable suggestions.

So, where Hypnosis is concerned, working with a person’s expectations of achieving a trance will help immensely in the induction of that trance.  When working within the moral, ethical and physical boundaries of any hypnotised person, it becomes far more likely that that person will comply with any of the suggestions given.