esting theory is that the subject responds as he thinks the
hypnotist would like him to. This is termed "role playing." When asking
a subject under hypnosis his name, you usually get a very slow,
deliberate answer, as though the subject were in a trance. You tell him
that he can answer in a normal speaking voice and tempo and his further
replies are to be in the same manner as his waking state.

Another theory along these lines is that the subject acts as he believes
a hypnotized person would act. This, too, is role playing, but it does
not explain analgesia, such as when the dentist hypnotizes the patient
and proceeds to drill a tooth. No one (with the possible exception of a
highly neurotic psychic masochist) is going to endure excruciating pain
just to please the doctor.

One theory about hypnosis states that it allows the subject an
opportunity of identifying with the hypnotist, whom he sees as a
powerful figure. Through this identification, the subject is able to
gain inner strength. On the other hand, the subject might rebel against
the submissive nature of the hypnotic setting. This could easily create
anxiety which, in turn, could create hostility resulting in resistance
of various kinds. As a result of this, the subject might begin to
criticize the hypnotist, find fault with the way he (the subject) is
being handled, question the judgment of the hypnotist, or doubt the
effectiveness of the hypnotic procedure.

Many investigators assert that the "rapport," meaning the relationship
between the subject and hypnotist, is all important. This is true and
the relationship can and does have many ramifications. In psychotherapy,
the term "transference" is used to denote this relationship. The
relationship is further described as a good or bad transference. There
is also a countertransference which indicates the reaction of the
therapist to the patient. Naturally, in order for the subject to
respond, there must be good rapport.

I have tried to indicate that there are complexities that may arise in
the hypnotic setting. There are many conflicting theories as to why a
subject does or does not respond. There are no set rules to follow, and
one's intuition, experience and judgment help solve any problem that
arises.

Let me relate another frequent incident. I have had subjects come to me
after they were unable to be hypnotized by several other professional
hypnotists. They have complained that the hypnotists weren't "g