For my Psychology class

1. A presentation on an altered form of consciousness

2. Overview
 What is hypnosis?
 Hypnosis myths
 The facts about Hypnosis
 The conscious controversy

4. What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness that is
often used in “magic” shows and is a popular tool in
story telling, such as television or movies. Now while it
may seem like a bunch of mystical mumbo-jumbo, there
is a grain of truth hidden beneath the smoke and
mirrors. People can be sent into a hypnotic state that
does alter the way the mind works slightly. Here are
some of the finer, defining points on hypnosis.

5. What is Hypnosis?
 Hypnosis is a Trancelike state
 Hypnotized people are more susceptible to the
suggestions of others
 Hypnosis is considered an altered state of
consciousness
 Hypnosis is similar to the normal waking
consciousness

7. Hypnosis “myths”
Popular entertainment would have you believe that
hypnosis is some form of magic; allowing you
unrestricted access to a person’s mind and even allowing
you to control their every thought. The simple truth is
that a lot of this is not true. There are a large number of
myths about the “mystical powers” of hypnosis, but the
next two slides will show that the majority of said myths
are just that; myths. Here is the truth about the most
popular myths.

8. Hypnosis “myths”
 People cannot be hypnotized against their will
 Hypnosis cannot be used for mind control
 No one can be hypnotized into preforming a self-
destructive act
 You will not share any secrets while hypnotized

9. Hypnosis Myths

11. The facts about Hypnosis
Now, that’s not to say that hypnosis is completely fake;
There are quite a few things about it that are true.
Hypnosis does send the hypnotized person into a near-
sleep state and opens them up to the suggestions of
those nearby. Here are some of the facts that have been
found across multiple sets of studies on Hypnosis.

12. The facts about hypnosis
 Approximately 15% of people are highly susceptible to
hypnosis.
 Between 5% and 20% of individuals are not susceptible
to hypnosis at all.
 People who show a high ability to concentrate are most
easily hypnotized

13. The facts about hypnosis
 Hypnosis increases memory and the ability to recall
information
 Hypnosis aids in voluntary change, such as helping the
hypnotized individuals quit smoking or drinking
 Hypnosis has been used in a verity of therapeutic
manners, including, occasionally, in Psychological
appointments.

15. The conscious controversy
Hypnosis is not without it’s controversy though. Many
arguments are made regarding whether or not the
hypnotic state is an altered state of consciousness, or if it
is merely a function of the waking consciousness. The
controversy has lead to three different ideas behind the
hypnotic state and what role it plays, as listed in the next
slide.

16. The conscious controversy
 The first theory states that the Hypnotic state has a
distinctive change to the electrical impulses of the
brain, making it a true altered state.
 The second says that the differences are negligible,
making hypnosis just a method of entering waking
consciousness.
 The third is a middle ground, stating hypnosis as a
altered version of waking consciousness

17. Sources
 Psychsmart by McGraw-Hill
 The Cleveland Hypnosis Center’s Youtube Channel
 Wikipedia