Stage hypnosis is probably one of the most controversial ways hypnosis is used.  If you had been to a stage show you would be forgiven for thinking that the volunteers were “under the power” of the hypnotist - not in control - and that they were being made to look foolish and do ridiculous things.  This of course is a total myth.  However it would hardly be surprising in the light of this if you decided that you weren’t going to allow anyone to hypnotise you, and therefore you would never find out that this is NOT what therapeutic hypnosis is about. The fact that hypnosis is used in this way as entertainment, and that people do enact the fantasies suggested by the hypnotist is not disputed, but the idea that they are controlled or coerced in some way is complete nonsense.

They were on stage because they wanted to be, nobody forced them - they volunteered, and probably enjoyed acting silly to make people laugh.  (Some of us do this quite well without hypnosis!)  Bearing in mind that the majority of people who volunteer for this are generally extrovert by nature, it might be argued that in a different environment with a few glasses of good wine and some prompting, the outcome would probably be similar.

All very jolly, but what has this got to do with clinical hypnosis or Hypnotherapy?  The answer has to be - virtually nothing.  The fact that stage hypnotists would have us believe they are championing the cause of Hypnosis (as they frequently do) by bringing it to the attention of the general public in this way, is an extremely poor argument indeed - in fact the opposite is more likely the case.  It’s difficult to see how imitating Elvis Presley, building imaginary sand castles or seeing the audience naked through an imaginary pair of X Ray spectacles, and other such indignities, is going to inspire confidence in anyone who is considering Hypnosis as a viable form of treatment for their panic attacks, depression, insomnia, emotional difficulties, etc.  As far as entertainment is concerned stage hypnosis is what it is, but don’t be fooled into believing it has anything to do with clinical hypnosis.  The only similarity is in the use of hypnosis - but for two entirely different outcomes.

There is a consensus of opinion among professional Hypnotherapists that hypnosis for entertainment trivializes and undervalues it’s potential as a safe method of treatment for a wide range of problems and disorders.  As a point of interest the BIH code of practice banns any member practicing, or supporting anyone using hypnosis in this way.