What is the difference between clinical hypnosis, stage hypnosis, and self-hypnosis?
All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The difference is only in intent. The purpose of stage hypnosis is entertainment; the purpose of clinical hypnosis and self-hypnosis is creating positive changes. Unfortunately, stage hypnosis is responsible for a lot of confusion about hypnosis. We see people bark and quack on a stage, and not even remember doing it afterwards. After seeing a stage show, many people become apprehensive about hypnosis, afraid to be made fools of and of loosing control. However, the reality of it is totally different. In the beginning of a show, stage hypnotist asks for volunteers. By volunteering, these audience members give their consent to entertain and be made fools of. Even if they never saw a stage hypnosis show before, they have a good idea what might be expected. When they don’t remember doing anything silly upon awakening, it is because they have accepted the hypnotist’s suggestion of not remembering. It’s that simple.
