What I Learned from Co-Founding a Professional Association for Stage Hypnotists

In October 2023, alongside six other professional stage hypnotists, I co-founded the International Stage Hypnotists' Association (ISHA). Our vision was to advance the profession of stage hypnotism and foster a sense of community among our peers. Founding a professional association seemed like the right step toward legitimizing our craft, creating opportunities for professional development, and nurturing a network where stage hypnotists could collaborate, share insights, and grow together.

But the journey of building ISHA wasn't without its challenges and eye-opening lessons, and in August of 2024 I resigned from the organization. Here’s what I learned from this experience.
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How the 80/20 Rule Can Help You Achieve Excellence as an Entertainment Hypnotist

As an entertainment hypnotist, the pursuit of excellence in performance, audience engagement, and business success is a never-ending journey. But what if there were a way to simplify that journey, allowing you to focus on what truly matters and maximize your impact? Enter the 80/20 rule, also known as Pareto's Principle, a concept that can transform how you approach your work.
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The Three Pillars of Success for Stage Hypnotists

Success as a stage hypnotist requires more than just knowing how to hypnotize people. In a profession where creativity, business acumen, and mental resilience intersect, there are three foundational pillars that define the path to excellence.
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Stand Out, or Stand Still.

When the bookings aren’t coming as expected, many hypnotists naturally gravitate towards the notion that enhanced marketing strategies are the silver bullet. They imagine that a better sales page, a burgeoning social media following, or the aid of a savvy agent might be the key to unlocking a flood of bookings. However, this perspective overlooks a fundamental aspect of any performance art: the uniqueness and quality of the product or service itself.
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Are You a Professional or a Hobbyist? The Differences are Important.

I think one of the major reasons that we haven't advanced as a profession is that many hypnotists don't understand what it really means to be a professional. The defining differences between a professional and a hobbyist often come down to several key factors, including mindset, commitment, skill level, financial motivation, and approach to your craft. Understanding these differences can help clarify what it means to be truly professional in any field, including hypnotism. Here’s a breakdown of the defining characteristics that separate a professional from a hobbyist.
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Hypnotism is a Skill. Entertainment Hypnotism is an Art.

Hypnotism is not a mystical power or ability; it's a skill that anyone can learn. As a skill, it is not particularly complicated and can be taught relatively quickly. Here's the catch: knowing what to do with people once you have them hypnotized is a considerably more complex issue, and requires much more learning and preparation.
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Let’s Abolish the Hypnotic Bridge

hypnotic bridge

In the world of entertainment, few acts draw as much intrigue and skepticism as stage hypnotism. The lure of watching someone seemingly command the will and actions of another is undeniably fascinating. As more performing hypnotists come into the marketplace and want to get noticed, there's an old technique that seems to be making a comeback with some hypnotists: the hypnotic bridge technique. If you're unfamiliar, this is when a hypnotist places a person between two chairs, rendering them supposedly so physically rigid that the hypnotist can stand on them. And while it may elicit gasps from the audience, there are several compelling reasons why it should be relegated to the annals of stage history.
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The Hypnosis Profession is Cannibalizing Itself

hypnosis profession

Hypnotism is a profession that has existed for over a century, though it has never achieved significant size or mainstream status. The hypnosis profession has grown over time, and today there are many professionals worldwide who offer services to people who need them. The majority of hypnotists offer consulting services for issues of personal development, wellness, and health, but there are also hypnotists who entertain with hypnosis. There is a disturbing trend happening within the industry, and it's something that concerns me greatly. Hypnotism is cannibalizing itself, and it's time to talk about it.

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Is Stage Hypnosis Fake?

is stage hypnosis fake

Have you ever watched a video online featuring a stage hypnotist and wondered if what you’re seeing is fake? It’s easy to be skeptical and assume that the participants are just acting, but the truth is that stage hypnosis is real. Let’s take a look at some of the common misconceptions about stage hypnotism and how to know that what you’re seeing on stage is indeed genuine.
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Can Hypnosis Help With Stress?

can hypnosis help

We all know that stress can take a toll on our physical and mental health. But what if there were a simple, natural way to reduce stress? Enter hypnosis.
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