Covert hypnosis is the subtle influence of a subject’s mind through normal conversation without them realizing that they are hypnotized. This particular technique communicates with a person’s unconscious mind and uses the subject’s imagination to open it up to suggestion. The defining characteristics of covert hypnosis are the subject’s participation in hypnosis without their knowledge, and the use of reporting and imagination techniques to elicit a change in the participant’s behavior or actions in such a subtle way that they believe the result was by your own will.

The key differentiator between covert hypnosis and traditional hypnosis is that the subject is unaware that hypnosis is being performed and reaches the state of hypnosis without any conscious effort. The hypnotist applies a variety of covert techniques to influence the person and the whole phenomenon is so subtle that hypnosis is achieved and the end result is achieved without the knowledge of the subject.

Whereas we traditionally associate hypnosis with the image of the subject lying down with the eyes closed and in a trance, covert hypnosis induces a different type of trance, where the subject’s eyes are open. In covert hypnosis, the subject’s mind is primed for direction by suppressing the critical or analytical mind. The subject’s imagination is activated and engaged through the use of certain trigger words such as “Imagine” or “What if,” followed subtly by behavior-altering commands and suggestions, all of which occur while the subject’s eyes are open and while is standing or sitting. The trance is so subtly induced that the subject is not fully aware of what is happening.

An essential technique used in covert hypnosis is relationship building that earns the hypnotist the attention and trust of the subject. Hypnotists create a link or connection with the subject’s subconscious through various methods, the most popular of which is reflection. The hypnotist subtly and naturally imitates the actions and gestures of the subject, creating a subconscious bond and gaining the subject’s trust and cooperation, which then influences the later stages of hypnosis.

While this type of hypnosis does not have the eyes closed and the relaxed subject of traditional hypnosis, you can look for other signs to identify when your subject is in the hypnotic state. Common signs include an absence of critical thinking, active listening, and understanding behavior. When you see the subject display behavior suggested by you or believe that an idea occurred to him that was influenced by you, you know that he has successfully achieved covert hypnosis.

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