Hypnosis Daily Scoops Blog

Children of normal and superior intelligence are, on the whole, excellent subjects. Unless they are very young, boys and girls are somewhat more susceptible to suggestion than adults. Liébeault has practically demonstrated this fact by inducing hypnosis in every one of 88 children, ranging in age from 7 to 14, whereas other cases averaged success only in 9 cases out of 10. Though figures vary among later investigators, the rule is not seriously disputed.Theoretically, it is true that "practically all normal persons can by hypnotized" and that "practically all normal persons can learn to hypnotize." Even blind and deaf people can be put into a trance, by a slight modification of ordinary procedure. Actually, however, no practician ever attains one hundred percent success. Failures are not due solely to deficiencies and peculiarities of the subjects, nor to the hypnotist's insufficient knowledge of, and experience in, handling his cases skilfully and safely. The situation itself may arouse or create psychological forces that will prevent the practician from establishing the necessary psychological relationship and, consequently, from succeeding in putting across his suggestions, as the subject's habits and memories can never be fully known or his reactions and behavior fully predictable. Nevertheless, proper caution and technique will greatly help eliminate most difficulties.