The Language of Hypnosis

The Language of Hypnosis

You’ve already read about my preference for using the
positive term “talent” rather than the derogatory word
“susceptibility.”
There are other words commonly used in hypnosis circles
that convey out-dated concepts. One of these is “under.”
Please don’t refer to people, especially those you
hypnotize, as being “under.” So common is this misuse that
unfortunately “under” even crops up in crossword puzzles as
being intimately connected with hypnosis.
A person may be “in” hypnosis. He or she is not “under”
hypnosis. That hints at control by the hypnotist.
Similarly, “I want you to ….” is a regrettable throwback
to authoritarian hypnotists who cultivated the erroneous idea
that they possessed Special Powers. That they could command
unfailing obedience in people they hypnotized.
Also abhorrent to me is the custom of snapping fingers at
the hypnotized person. This smacks to me of disrespect.
Use of impersonal terms such as “the hand” rather than
“your hand” help to create dissociation, and therefore hypnosis,
in the listener.