What is hypnosis and how does it work?
Hypnosis is a process which produces relaxation, distraction of the conscious mind, heightened suggestibility and increased awareness, allowing access to the subconscious mind through imagination. It also produces the ability to experience thoughts and images as real.

A simplified definition of hypnosis is: BELIEF + EXPECTATION = HYPNOSIS. When you believe in something, the brain sends a message to the body telling it how to respond. When you have an expectation of the outcome, it changes your behavior in such a way to make the event more likely to happen. The combination of Belief and Expectation must be present for hypnosis to be effective.

Can anyone be hypnotized or only certain people?
Yes, you can be hyponotized as long as you are not among the very small percentage of people who fall into the category that cannot be hypnotized. They include a person with psychosis or who is neurologically impared, a person with a low IQ, or a person who really does not want to be hypnotized.

If you have the desire to be hypnotized, can relax, follow simple suggestions, focus your attention, and use your imagination, you can be hypnotized. Most people who feel they cannot be hypnotized are often easily hypnotizable. If you have the belief that you can be hypnotized, and the expectation that you will be hypnotized, then you will be hypnotized -- every time.

Can I be hypnotized against my will or forced to do things I ordinarily wouldn't do?
No one can hypnotize you if you are not willing to be hypnotized. That is why many hypnotists say, "All hypnosis is self-hypnosis." What that means is that you must be willing to be hypnotized for it to be effective. The hypnotist is only the facilitator or guide in the hypnosis process.

Since you retain the power of selection, you cannot be induced to humiliate yourself, hurt yourself, commit a crime, or do anything against your will. If you find a suggestion objectionable, you will either refuse to participate or spontaneously and completely come out of hypnosis.