According to the Webster’s dictionary hypnosis is ”a trance-like state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject.”

Part of the word Hypnosis came from the Greek god of sleep (Hypnos). However, you are not actually sleeping when you are in hypnosis; you are in a heightened state of awareness. You have complete control of your actions and can leave the hypnotic state whenever you want to.

Hypnosis is a pleasant state of relaxation combined with a great deal of focused concentration. In some ways, hypnosis resembles and looks like sleep. There is a narrowing of attention accompanied by tranquility and inertia. Unlike sleep, a person never loses awareness and remembers what was said.

The earliest definition of hypnosis was given by Braid, who coined the term “hypnotism” as an abbreviation of “neuro-hypnotism” or nervous sleep. This is opposed to normal sleep, defined as, “a peculiar condition of the nervous system induced by a fixed and abstracted attention of the mental and visual eye, on one object, not of an exciting nature.”

Depending on the stage hypnotist’s level of experience, a comedy hypnosis show can cost anywhere from $800 for a small event, all the way up to $25,000 for a big event. That’s a pretty big gap, we know. It’s very difficult to quote a flat rate for hypnosis shows and that’s probably why you can’t find an exact answer. Please understand that so many factors are considered when a stage hypnotist quotes you a price for a performance. The best way to get a specific answer is to fill out the form above and allow us to review your request. We know this is not in real-time and you’re looking for a quick answer to what seems like a direct question. But we do promise to get back with you as soon as possible with a reasonable quote for your event inquiry.

All people have a normal sense of awareness while in an everyday conscious state. Right now, you know where you are; you know what you’re doing. Under hypnosis, you have a heightened sense of awareness; you’re more in tune with yourself and the world around you.

So with hypnosis, hypnotists use a guided level of meditation and relaxation techniques to bring you into a hypnotic state. During this hypnotic state, you’re actually more aware of what’s going on around you and are more open to following the suggestions of the hypnotist.

To get a deeper understanding, watch as I explain how hypnosis works to the editors at Marie Claire in this video clip.

We are constantly updating our answers to Frequently Asked Questions. If you have a question for the Stage Hypnotist, please fill out the form above and we will reply with a detailed answer to your inquiry. To scroll through our growing database of hypnosis questions answered, visit our page: Interesting Facts About Hypnosis.