tize me." What are they really saying, and what
does hypnosis represent to such an individual? To them, hypnosis
represents some sort of "magic spell" which invokes a state of complete
helplessness and dependency upon the hypnotist. We previously discussed
how this erroneous conception can take place because of the manner in
which hypnosis is usually interwoven with bizarre fictional stories.

For many, the hypnotic state represents a period in which the conscious
guard is dropped. They feel they may compulsively reveal the darker side
of their nature, confess their hostility or relate information they
would never voluntarily divulge to anyone. This is the real danger they
see in hypnosis. To protect themselves from it, they attack it. It is
much like the fanatic vice crusader who militantly attacks sin in order
to alleviate his own feelings of guilt stemming from the fact that vice
actually attracts him.

Fear of hypnosis takes different forms, but basically it is the fear of
revealing one's true feelings. An employee, for instance, at a gathering
which included the employer he dislikes, would never volunteer as a
subject for hypnosis if the occasion arose. He would be afraid he would
do or say something which might endanger his position. Hypnosis for him
would be "dangerous" because he would be afraid to take the chance. The
truth is, however, that this individual would be taking no chance. The
hypnotic state is not a confessional period. The subject is aware at
all times of what he is saying. If the subject does not wish to pursue a
line of questioning, he tells the hypnotist. If the hypnotist persisted
further along this line, the subject would shake off the hypnotic state.

Another misconception about hypnosis is the widely held belief that the
subject is unconscious. This represents a threat to the security of the
individual. Actually, the hypnotic state is a period of extreme
awareness in which the subject is hyperacute. Furthermore, the subject
is not asleep, nor is he in a trance state in the correct meaning of
that term. He is in an altered state of awareness with his faculties and
reasoning ability intact. Inducing hypnosis merely creates a mood or
state in which the powers of suggestibility are heightened.

When the general public and the medical profession become familiar with
the true nature of hypnosis, we shall have a greater acceptance and
utilization of this power. It is a slow process but one which