I am a big fan of hypnosis.

I firmly believe, no, I know, that with more and better hypnosis in the world, we would solve so many ‘unsolvable’ problems.

Sure, that’s true of a lot of things. The world would be a better place with more and better education, medicine, food, compassion…

But hypnosis is a tremendous force multiplier. A little more can make huge improvements, for society and for you.

Having said this…

It is a tool like any other.

Which means that through malice or carelessness, you can cause harm.

Iron can make a bridge or a weapon… or you can drop a bar on your foot.

It’s not always smiles and sunshine.

You probably expect me to talk about mind control, about hypnotizing people into robbing banks or something. It is true that hypnosis is a powerful form of influence and that this kind of thing can happen.

Although you can relax.

Whether hypnosis is mind control, or even a powerful method of influence, there are surprisingly few verified cases of this happening. I’m not saying it never happens… but for a criminal, hypnosis would be the ultimate tool of the trade. All the rewards of crime with none of the risk? Why would they rob a bank any other way?

When you’re hypnotized, it’s generally harder to go against your moral code. In your waking state, someone can always talk you into ignoring the little voice in your head that tells you right and wrong.

In a trance, you are more true to who you are.

Sure, sure, there are experiments and documentaries where a normal person is hypnotized into “murdering” a target, using a gun loaded with blanks.

Psychological experiments fail if someone involved is a bad actor, anyone.

You’re not likely to be hypnotized into doing something that dramatic anyway.

If someone misuses hypnosis on you, it will be more subtle.

There are people in this world who will use hypnosis against you. They will install fears and insecurities and then exploit them for their own use.

I don’t know why they bother. I have put people like that. Even though they were rich and successful, the people in their lives were…broken. They would talk about the happiest or scariest moment of their life with the same flat voice and the same dead stare.

If they used hypnosis to empower people, they would still be wealthy and successful…and surrounded by happy, healthy friends and fans.

Narcissists (in the psychological sense, not in the casual “that guy is so arrogant!” sense) can wear people down and leave them that way, with or without hypnosis. With it, they can do it in conversation.

Even if you ignore the malicious uses of it…

Hypnosis is a powerful tool that works on the foundations of your psyche. With the right training and attitude, it’s safe. However, with poor training, you can make a mess of your unconscious.

At the risk of humbly bragging about hypnosis, it may even be too effective: putting you in touch with repressed issues you’re not ready for.

Like all power, it deserves respect and care. With those simple things, hypnosis can be the force for good that it really is.