What is the difference between stage hypnosis and the hypnosis that is used in therapy?

In the stage context, hypnosis appears to be a method of mind control or brain washing, and people have a difficult time understanding how this process could possibly used within a therapeutic context.

Many stage hypnotists are skilled at using hypnosis. The principles and techniques that they use are nearly identical to those used in clinical practice – only the application is different.

Many people who have seen or simply heard about stage hypnosis often shy away from it as a potentially beneficial tool that can help people in distress. This is often because they cannot comprehend that what happens in a night club stage to entertain could be used in a therapeutic context.

Here is an explanation of some of the different factors present in a stage show that uses hypnosis for entertainment purposes:

Before a stage hypnotist asks for volunteers from an audience they will usually perform one or more suggestibility tests. One common test is to suggest that clasped hands cannot be unclasped. These tests will allow the performer to find the people that are more responsive to their suggestions.

People attending a stage hypnosis show will have a high expectation of what is likely to happen. When a stage hypnotist asks for volunteers, they are aware of what they are volunteering for and will usually perform as directed.

Volunteers are quite often exhibitionists to some degree and will want to perform. There may also be an element of social pressure will also help to make volunteers perform.