Contents
Introduction
Does a hypnotherapist know when their client is hypnotized? Yes, they do, and no, they can’t just ask you. There are many clear signs someone is hypnotized. Some are subtle, like your voice softening without you realizing it. Others are more obvious, like when you’re breathing visibly slows down. While every individual reacts differently, most will show many of these signs when they are in a hypnotic state. Knowing these cues helps the therapist determine whether or not someone has entered the trance.
8 Signs Someone is Hypnotized
Their Eyes Glaze Over a Little
You know that look when someone is spaced into their own little world? That’s what someone who is hypnotized will look like. Their eyes stop reacting strongly to visual movement. They start blinking less and almost look like they are daydreaming. Their eyes don’t look shocked, rather it would look like they are calmly lost in their own thoughts.
Slow Breathing and Drop in Pulse Rate
One of the common signs someone is hypnotized is when their breathing slows down and their pulse rate drops. You will notice their chest rise and drop really calmly. It may almost look like they are meditating without even knowing. Their breathing becomes so calm that you may not even hear it unless you are really close.
Their Body is Fully Relaxed
When someone is in a hypnotic trance, their body will be so relaxed that it almost looks like it’s melting in the chair. You will notice that their fingers may uncurl or dangle loosely. For some people, their head may slump forward or tilt a little to one side while their jaw is unclenched. They have a calm and quiet body language and they sit still without any fidgeting.
Short and Slow Replies
During hypnotherapy, the brain functions in a relaxed Theta state. So, when the therapist asks a question, the client’s answers will be short and delayed. It will take them some time to process before they can reply, during which their facial expressions remain neutral or dreamy. They may have a floaty tone and will speak with a calm and monotone voice.
They Tune Everything Else Out
One of the hard-to-miss signs someone is hypnotized is when they suddenly stop reacting to any external distractions. They disconnect from the outside world and get absorbed in their therapist’s voice. Due to which they won’t notice faint background noises like traffic, footsteps or ringing phones or even temperature changes.
They are Super Focused
When someone is under the hypnotic trance, they become super focused on the positive suggestions their therapist is giving. They listen to every word intently without interrupting or breaking eye contact (if their eyes are open). They shift their complete attention to the therapist without any conscious effort.
Little Twitches and Eye Movements
How to know if someone is in hypnosis? Observe their eye movement. For some, their eyes may be open and focused on one spot as if they are zoned out. While for others, you can notice rapid eye movement under their closed eyelids. You may observe some eye fluttering as the trance deepens. There can also be a little twitching in their lips or subtle jerks in their fingers, toes or other parts of their body.
They Lose Track of Time
One of the Symptoms of hypnosis is losing sense of time. Many people often feel surprised when their session is over. For many, fifty minutes may seem like five. This happens because their complete focus is on the therapist’s voice or inner imagery so their external awareness fades away. Their subconscious mind takes over and they become fully immersed in the experience and their time-tracking conscious brain becomes less active.
What Does Not Happen During Hypnosis?
To better understand what happens when someone is hypnotized, we also have to take a look at what does not happen:
- You do not lose control over your actions. Yes, you are in a dreamy state but you have total and complete control over the whole process.
- Your logical mind does not just disappear. It’s still active in the background which is why you can’t be forced to do anything against your will.
- You don’t lose memory of what happened during the session.
- Unlike what you saw in Netflix’s ‘Get Out’, you don’t get stuck in the hypnotic state.
- You are not asleep even though your body may appear extremely relaxed.
Wrapping it Up!
From slowed heartbeat to rapid eye movement, there are many signs someone is hypnotized and knowing them can ensure that the session is working. While some cues are obvious, subtle signs are mostly noticeable to experts who use this knowledge to adjust or deepen their client’s trance. So, book a session with the certified hypnotherapist in Dubai at Home of Wellness. Our trusted experts know what to look for, so you can just sit back, relax, and let the process work its magic.