Have you ever wondered if you were hypnotized by someone without being aware? There are so many conspiracies about how certain government agencies or even institutions use indirect hypnosis to influence the way the mind works.

Indirect hypnosis is actually very common. And most of us may have been indirectly hypnotized by some of the most common people we are surrounded with! I will explain how, keep reading!

What is indirect hypnosis?

Indirect hypnosis is hypnotizing someone without using a direct approach such as telling that they are going into a trance state or giving direct guidance into a trance feeling. Sometimes subjects may not even notice that they are being hypnotized when indirect hypnosis takes place.  

Instead, indirect hypnosis is rooted in the performing person’s position of power and approach.

If you think about it, simply put, hypnosis is changing someone’s belief system and perspective about a topic or an issue. Even though hypnosis mostly focuses on personal and self-improvement issues, this same concept can apply to many different situations.

For instance, when you go to a doctor, if the doctor tells you that it’ll take 3 months to heal from an injury, that may work as a suggestion and you could be indirectly hypnotized. Next thing you know, coincidentally your healing period is about 3 months, just like the doctor said. Because of the power of a doctor’s position and how many people are more susceptible to their comments, you may have easily taken their assumption as a suggestion. This can be an example of indirect hypnosis.

What is the difference between indirect hypnosis and conversational hypnosis?

Until now, you may have been assuming that indirect hypnosis and conversational hypnosis are similar things, but, they can be significantly different from each other.

Indirect hypnosis can happen without your knowledge, without even specific guidance and sometimes even the performer may not be aware of their effect on people.

Conversational hypnosis, however, is a hypnotic approach that is more subtle. When someone is hypnotized with conversational hypnosis, they may not be aware that they are hypnotized. Because they won’t show physical signs of trance even though their mind can already be in a trance state. The hypnotist will use specific language and direction to capture the audience’s attention and lead them from there.

In other words, indirect hypnosis can be delivered to us by someone in a high position of power without our awareness such as a doctor, religious leader, or even a family member that we look up to; conversational hypnosis still comes from a hypnotist who uses hypnotic language to lead us into a suggestible state.

How to protect yourself from indirect hypnosis?

Firstly, it's essential to educate yourself about the varying techniques and mechanics behind indirect hypnosis. By understanding these methods, you empower yourself to spot specific techniques when they're being used. So just reading this article is a great place to start.

Work on your self-awareness. Meaning, take time to reflect on your own thoughts, beliefs, and emotions regularly. Especially when you leave an environment you feel uncomfortable or emotionally charged. This practice helps you become less susceptible to external influences and more in tune with your own internal temptations. 

Finally, a bit of skepticism and critical thinking, can help with recognizing manipulation attempts and protect your subconscious decision making. Make sure to build strong personal boundaries in every situation.

Of course, do these unless you are going into a hypnotherapy session to be hypnotized to change a subconscious pattern. In that case, once you trust your hypnotherapist, you can allow their guidance in the dosage you prefer!