A skeptic's deep dive into hypnosis

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You're getting very sleeeeeeeeepy. Sleeeeeeeeeeepyyyyyyy. In one form or another, hypnotic trances have been interwoven throughout human history, manifesting in various forms, from the rituals of ancient shamans and healers to the profound experiences guided by spiritual leaders. But hypnosis has also been (and continues to become) a popular tool for use in therapy. But what, exactly, is going on? Is the hypnotic state legit? And if so, what is it? And if not...well then what?

In this deep dive into the world of hypnosis, I'm going to try to untangle this fascinating phenomenon from every angle. There are so many complex mysteries surrounding hypnosis, from the state versus non-state debate to the latest research findings. We'll journey through the history of hypnosis, debunking myths along the way and uncovering the truth behind its efficacy as a therapeutic tool.

But this isn't just an academic exploration, it's a personal journey too. As someone who has been a long-time skeptic, I feel compelled to learn more. I'm pretty surprised by what I found. So whether you're a doubter yourself or a curious believer, join me on this thought-provoking adventure into the realm of hypnosis. Don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments below—I'd love to hear your thoughts and takeaways.

HUGE thanks to Rohin from Medlife Crisis, WonderWhy, and Thomas Rintoul for lending their voices for the amazing voiceovers. Go check out their YouTube channels! I've linked them in my pinned comment below.

Sources (and links to hypnotherapy demonstrations): https://bit.ly/Hypnosisvideosources

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0:00 - I'm a non-believer
1:57 - Hypnosis in ancient history
3:04 - Mesmer and magnetic powers
10:35 - The debunking of animal magnetism
12:27 - Hypnosis gets scientific
18:02 - Freud shows up lol
19:36 - A casual mention of stage hypnosis
20:24 - How therapists hypnotize people
25:21 - What hypnosis feels like...and not
26:49 - A significant risk with hypnosis
28:14 - The big debate: state or nonstate
30:22 - Self-report and biological research
33:36 - Psychological research
39:57 - Research supporting a nonstate
44:25 - A deceptive test of hypnotizability
47:45 - So is hypnosis real?
52:07 - Where I land

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