Having a hard time getting hypnotized?

Question

I've been practicing hypnotism for a couple of days now and I'm just getting frustrated cuz I don't know if I'm in a trance or not. Or I'm never in a trance. Like...when they say you can't open your eyes. I still can open my eyes. or your arms are getting heavy...I still can lift my arm. I just really need to get over my social anxiety and I've tried everything. please help. any tips?

Answer 1

It is possible that you are one of the few of us who can not be hypnotized.  But, you can't hypnotize yourself, and that seems to be what you are trying to do to get over your social anxiety.  If you are truly bothered by it, then go to a good psychologist and ask that person to use hypnosis along with regular therapy sessions.  That will work much better, because you'll have both the hypnotic suggestions and the therapy work you need to bet better.  

Answer 2

its not real

Answer 3

Is this self Hypnotizm or is it someone Hypnotizing you ??

Answer 4

Of course you can still lift your arm or open your eyes.  It sounds like you're expecting hypnosis to put you in a zombie-like obedience state.  It doesn't work like that.  A better test for self-hypnosis is something like this:

     Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and don't really focus on anything in particular.  If thoughts do come up, it's no big deal; don't worry about it.  Imagine that there's a balloon tied to your wrist, and allow your arm to slowly float up, almost by itself.  Don't force it or fight it, just allow it to happen.

Your arm should move up in a kind of jerky, hesitant way, and feel kind of light.  Its not that you're making it move, and its not that it's automatic.  You know that you could control it, but you kind of feel like you're not exactly making it rise.  That's what hypnosis is like.  It's not really what you expect, and it feels pretty natural.  If it didn't happen, try again later or try something else.

All that said, hypnosis is not a good way to get over social anxiety.  Find a good Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist.  If you can't afford one, and/or don't have insurance, see if your city provides some sort of free/cheap/sliding-scale counseling.