*Are Hypnotised People Conscious or Unconscious?* The question of whether someone is conscious or unconscious during hypnosis is one that often confuses people. Hypnosis has been surrounded by myths and misconceptions for years, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction. In this post, we'll explore what really happens when someone is hypnotized and how it feels from the perspective of the person experiencing it. *Conscious or Unconscious?* Many people believe that hypnosis is a mysterious state where someone becomes unconscious or completely unaware of their surroundings. However, this is far from the truth. In fact, individuals in a hypnotic state often insist they were "awake the whole time." They describe being fully conscious, super aware of their surroundings, and voluntarily participating in whatever suggestions were made. They may rationalize their actions by saying they just went along with the suggestions out of curiosity or a desire to cooperate, rather than because they were under any hypnotic influence. Another common statement made is “I don’t think I was hypnotised, but I FELT LIKE DOING IT.” This is usually because the person cannot understand how they can feel hypnotically compelled to do something while still be fully aware of what they are doing. Hence the possibilities of feeling compelled to stop smoking, stop drinking, stop eating too much or the wrong foods, stop nail biting, stop gambling, stop fear of flying, and so on. *The Science Behind Hypnosis* The key to understanding hypnosis lies in realizing that it is not about losing consciousness, but rather about entering a focused and heightened state of awareness. During hypnosis, a person is usually hyper aware of specific suggestions while being less focused on everything else. In this state, they may follow suggestions more easily, but they still retain their full faculties. They can choose to accept or reject what is suggested to them, demonstrating that hypnosis is more about voluntary cooperation than involuntary control. When the hypnotized person wants the change and cooperates with the hypnotist’s instructions, success is usually the result. Arnold Furst and Dr. Lester T. Kashiwa, M.D., both pioneers in hypnotherapy, explored this in detail in their case studies. In Chapter 4 of *Case Histories in Hypnotherapy*, the authors describe an incident that sheds light on the conscious nature of hypnosis. One of the authors recounts observing a hypnotherapist who had hypnotized a subject and then whispered softly to the observers. Curious, the author asked the hypnotherapist why he was whispering when it was evident that the subject was fully aware. The author then spoke to the subject asking: “Isn’t this true?” and the subject nodded his head to indicate a yes reply. The subject was indeed conscious, illustrating that hypnosis doesn’t involve a loss of awareness but rather a shift in focus. *Rationalizations and Perceptions* Why, then, do people insist they weren’t hypnotized? Hypnosis is often misunderstood, leading people to rationalize their experiences in ways that align with their beliefs. Some may say, "I just followed the suggestions because I wanted to see what would happen," or "I knew what was happening the whole time, so I wasn’t really hypnotized." These statements reflect the misconception that hypnosis is something otherworldly or out of one’s control when it’s simply a state of focused attention. The notion that hypnosis requires the subject to be unconscious is one of the oldest misconceptions out there. People tend to think of hypnosis as a form of mind control where the subject becomes a puppet to the hypnotist’s will. However, this is not how hypnosis works. The person in hypnosis is actively participating, using their own mind to achieve a desired state, whether it’s relaxation, confidence-building, or overcoming a bad habit. *Final Thoughts* In summary, hypnosis is not about being unconscious or losing control. It’s about entering a focused, suggestible state where the mind is more open to positive change. Even when a person is deeply relaxed during hypnosis, they are still conscious and aware of their surroundings. They can hear what’s being said, remember the session, and even reject suggestions that don’t resonate with them. Hypnosis is a collaboration between the hypnotist and the subject, with the subject remaining fully conscious and in control. So, the next time you hear someone say, "I wasn’t hypnotized—I was aware the whole time," you can confidently explain that they were likely experiencing exactly what hypnosis is: a heightened state of focused awareness, not a trance-like unconsciousness. Whether you're curious about trying hypnosis yourself or simply want to learn more, understanding how it really works can help you demystify this fascinating process. Hypnosis is a tool that, when used correctly, allows people to tap into their inner resources and make meaningful changes—all while staying fully aware of what’s going on. Copyright 2024 M.V.P. Ltd.-Romane. Permission is granted to reprint and share this manuscript in whole, or in part, in blogs, newsletters and other print and electronic/digital media by giving credit to the author as follows*: For more information about Vance Romane, hypnosis, seminars, or his recordings and books, please visit: **https://vanceromane.com/* <https://mailtrack.io/trace/link/bda85c438c70f9fc6fd5e40df50ce88ecfff050e?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvanceromane.com%2F&userId=2047633&signature=e9076ce42d2f6519> . To unsubscribe visit: https://vanceromane.com/unsubscribe/ <https://mailtrack.io/trace/link/d46c691212c4f26ba180ed6ccd3d6d5db115689b?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvanceromane.com%2Funsubscribe%2F&userId=2047633&signature=e9beca53b1a8ee27>