Hypnosis is often portrayed in movies as a form of mind control, unconscious obedience, or something done to a person. According to professional hypnotist Jesse Lewis, those portrayals have little to do with how hypnosis actually works.
With World Hypnotism Day approaching in early January, Lewis says popular culture has shaped public perception of hypnosis far more than science or real-world experience. “Most people think hypnosis means losing control,” he explains. “In reality, it’s about focus, cooperation, and participation.”
Lewis has spent more than two decades performing live comedy hypnosis shows across Canada and says real hypnosis looks far less dramatic than what audiences expect from film and television. There are no swinging watches, no people acting against their values, and no loss of awareness. Instead, hypnosis relies on attention, expectation, and a willingness to engage.
“Movies need spectacle,” Lewis says. “Hypnosis in real life is subtle. People are aware the entire time, which is why it works.”
One of the biggest misconceptions, Lewis notes, is the belief that hypnosis overrides free will. “Hypnosis doesn’t make people do things,” he says. “It allows people to do things more easily when they already want to.”
As hypnosis continues to appear in entertainment and media, Lewis believes clearer explanations matter. “When people understand hypnosis, it stops being scary or mysterious,” he says. “It becomes a normal psychological skill.”
Pull Quote:
“Hypnosis works because people choose to engage, not because they lose control.”
About the Expert
Jesse Lewis is a professional stage hypnotist with over 20 years of experience performing live comedy hypnosis shows across Canada. His work focuses on attention, audience engagement, and the psychology of suggestion.
Website: https://hypnotistjesselewis.com
Media Kit: https://hypnotistjesselewis.com/media-kit/
Media Contact
Jesse Lewis
Professional Hypnotist & Commentator
Email: jesselewishypnosis@gmail.com