How to Respond When Someone Says “I Can’t Be Hypnotized”

Every hypnotist hears it sooner or later:

"I can't be hypnotized."

It might come from a skeptical friend, a client with failed past experiences, or someone proudly claiming they're "too strong-minded."

The truth? Everyone can be hypnotized. Hypnosis is a natural state that we all experience throughout the day without even realizing it. The real obstacle is not the brain or willpower; it's a misunderstanding of what hypnosis actually is.

The Myth: Hypnosis Is Something Done To You

Many people imagine hypnosis as a mysterious, magical force, like something a hypnotist does to you. They expect to be zonked out, unconscious, and totally unaware of what's happening. When that doesn't happen, they assume hypnosis isn't working. That’s where the problem begins

This myth is what causes most resistance to hypnosis. People don't realize that hypnosis isn’t about a hypnotist doing something to you; it's about you choosing to enter a natural state of focused attention.

The real issue isn't their strong mind. It's simply a misunderstanding of what hypnosis truly is.

The Reality: All Hypnosis Is Self-Hypnosis

As Mike Mandel likes to say:

"All hypnosis is self-hypnosis."

Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state that only happens when the individual chooses to allow it. We drift in and out of trance all day, from getting lost in a book to zoning out during a long drive. In this state, we're still aware, but our attention becomes focused and selective.

As Mike often puts it:

"It's like standing up from a chair. I can invite you to do it, but if you refuse to move, there’s not much I can do."

In other words, hypnotists don’t control you. They simply guide you, and you, as the subject, create the trance.

What Does Hypnosis Actually Feel Like?

Many people expect dramatic Hollywood-style effects: clucking like a chicken or being completely unconscious. But hypnosis feels much more subtle and natural. Here are some common sensations people experience during hypnosis:

• Relaxed awareness: You're calm, comfortable, and deeply relaxed, but still aware of your surroundings. It’s not sleep or unconsciousness; it’s a heightened state of focus and relaxation.
• Focused attention: Just like when you're engrossed in a great book or movie, everything else fades into the background. You're totally absorbed in the experience.
• Time distortion: Minutes might feel like seconds, or a few seconds could feel like minutes. Your sense of time becomes fluid and malleable.
• Physical comfort: Your body may feel heavy, like you're sinking into a warm bath or your favorite chair after a long day.
• Mental clarity: Thoughts become clearer and more vivid. Your imagination feels more real and immediate.
• Selective hearing: You might tune out background noises while remaining perfectly aware of the hypnotist's voice.

For most people, hypnosis is deeply relaxing. Like daydreaming, but with purpose.

Why Some People Think They Can't Be Hypnotized

If hypnosis is so natural, why is there so much resistance?

• Fear of losing control: Some people resist because they fear they might lose control, revealing their vulnerabilities.
• Misunderstanding: They might not recognize when they’ve already been in a trance. People often expect a magical "click," when in reality, trance states are more subtle and natural.
• Negative past experiences: Stage hypnosis gone wrong or poorly trained therapists can leave people skeptical. A bad experience with hypnosis can create a lasting belief that “it doesn’t work” for them.
• Cultural or religious concerns: Some people may have been taught that hypnosis is dangerous or incompatible with their beliefs, making them resistant to even the idea of hypnosis.

None of these reasons means that hypnosis can’t work for them. It just means that the right conditions weren’t set, or they weren’t ready to allow the process to happen.

What to Say as a Hypnotist

Here are a few ways to respond when someone says, "I can't be hypnotized." Stay calm, relaxed, and open, and guide the conversation while maintaining open, welcoming body language.

1. "That's actually a really common myth. Hypnosis isn't something I do to you—it's something we create together."
2. "You probably can. The question is—do you want to?"
3. "Have you ever zoned out while driving or gotten lost in a movie? That’s a natural trance. Hypnosis works with the same part of the mind."

These responses help shift the person’s perception from skepticism to curiosity. Stay light and conversational. You’re not trying to argue or convince anyone; instead, you’re inviting them to rethink what they know about hypnosis.

The Takeaway: Everyone Can Experience Trance

Here’s the bottom line: if someone is mentally competent and willing to cooperate, they can be hypnotized. The ability to focus attention and engage imagination is universal.

As a hypnotist, your job is not to “make it happen". Your role is to create rapport, set proper expectations, and guide them through the process. This is where the skill of a great hypnotist lies: creating the right environment for the subject to allow themselves to enter trance.

What If They Still Resist?

Let it go. If someone doesn't want to participate, don't push. You're not there to convince anyone, and pressure only creates more resistance.

Stay curious. Ask what they believe hypnosis should feel like or what concerns they have. You'll often uncover the root of their resistance and can address it directly.

Plant a seed. A light, educational conversation today might spark curiosity later. Sometimes people need time to warm up to the idea.

Remember, resistance often comes from fear or misunderstanding, not inability. Address the real concern, and the resistance usually melts away.

Final Thoughts

The truth is that everyone can be hypnotized. Hypnosis is a natural human experience that occurs all around us. The key to success as a hypnotist is setting the proper conditions and creating the right environment for the subject to choose trance.

So, when you hear someone say, "I can’t be hypnotized," remember that you’re not facing a roadblock. You’re simply being offered an opportunity to educate, reframe, and connect with them. The best hypnotists see this as part of the work, not an obstacle.

So, the next time you hear it, smile, stay curious, and approach it with confidence. You've got this.