What Is Hypnosis?

Despite over 200 years of history, hypnosis remains somewhat mysterious. There’s no single, agreed-upon definition, and researchers remain divided into two main schools of thought:

The State School

Proponents of this view believe hypnosis is a special state of mind, much like sleep. They argue that something physiological occurs in the brain when a person is hypnotised, which can be detected through brain scans.

The Non - State School

This perspective holds that hypnosis is psychological, not physiological. It suggests that instead of entering a special mental state, hypnosis is more like a relaxed condition where the imagination becomes more active, and the mind is more receptive to suggestions.

FESH`s Position

While FESH doesn’t officially endorse either view, most stage hypnotists lean towards the non-state perspective. We see hypnosis as an extension of suggestion, especially in the context of entertainment. The power of suggestion can create surprising phenomena, and it's this witty presentation of these experiences that makes a hypnosis show successful.

FESH members are carefully vetted to ensure they use their skills to create fun, safe, and entertaining experiences for their audiences.

Is Hypnosis Dangerous?

No. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that stage hypnosis poses any significant danger.

While hypnosis remains poorly understood by some, there’s a tendency for critics—sometimes misinformed, sometimes intentionally misleading—to claim that hypnosis can be harmful. It’s essential to look at the facts:

Accidents can happen, but this is no different from any other form of live entertainment. With thousands of shows taking place globally, it's statistically inevitable that someone, somewhere will experience an accident shortly after being hypnotised. However, it’s irrational to attribute these incidents to the hypnosis itself.
Just as no one blames a hairdresser if a person trips after a haircut, it’s equally unfair to blame hypnosis for accidents that may occur post-performance.
Some individuals, motivated by greed, have attempted to sue performers by attributing imaginary illnesses or accidents to hypnosis. This is largely due to the mysterious aura that surrounds the practice, often leading people to seek someone to blame.

The Home Office Investigation

To address growing concerns and rumours about stage hypnosis, the UK Home Office launched a thorough investigation in the mid-1990s. A panel of experts nominated by the British Psychological Society and the Royal College of Psychiatrists reviewed medical evidence and existing research.

After a comprehensive six-month review, the panel concluded:

There is no evidence of any serious risk to participants in stage hypnosis.