AboutMichael Watson Expertise I am a hypnotherapy educator with over twenty five years experience in the field. Expertise in both Ericksonian and traditional applications.
Experience
Awards and Honors Educator of the Year (2009) from the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT)
Question I've been told that people with an high IQ cannot be hypnotized, but I just read that the more intelligent they are, the easier they can be hypnotized. Which is true? Also, most importantly, can profoundly deaf people (from birth) be hypnotized and be accepting of suggestions by the hypnotist? I once had a hypno-therapist that tried to hypnotize me, but I was "fully alert" when I opened my eyes during the hypnosis session. I think the reason for that is because I needed to be alert in order to read the hypnotist's lips. Does that mean I can't be hypnotized? I was born with 105 decibels hearing loss in both ears with an IQ of 145. I've tried self-hypnosis but I am too self-conscious to put myself in a trance. What do you or your colleagues think of my question? Many thanks!!
Answer There are several issues running into one another in your question, so I'm not sure where to start. Deafness, IQ, self-consciousness and the very nature of hypnosis....
IQ is an asset in a good hypnotic subject .... she must be intelligent enough to realize that no one is "taking control" of her mind and that her co-operation is what will make it work. You mentioned something about opening your eyes and being "fully alert" ... hypnosis doesn't require you to be unconscious. Although this is a phenomena exhibited by SOME hypnotic subjects, it is NOT a requirement of hypnotherapy. Different people experience it differently. What's really requires is a willingness to relax your mind, focus your attention, and allow the suggestions to be offered without critical interference. Hypnosis is a state of concentrated focused attention (which you achieve whenever you're deeply involved in an intense conversations - lip reading and focusing "on my lips" should be fine. Ever get that "tunnel vision" effect while watching TV ... that's all that's necessary. There are many underskiled hypnotists who don't seem to realize this ... but those who have been properly trained (check with academics as opposed to those who took a weekend training) know better than this.
Think of it more like meditation rather than mind control and you'll do much better.
If it's important to you to close your eyes in order to eliminate distraction and allow for greater involvement, you may have better success with self-hypnosis and a good hypnotist should be able to teach you how to use that.
I'm not sure where you are located, but if you send me a response here or at FLHypno@msn.com, I might be able to find someone near you who can help with this. I'm connected to a a few national orgs in the states and even a couple international groups, and I'll be glad to try and connect you with someone if you'd like.
