Recently, a news report about a couple who tried self-hypnosis and were unable to get out of the hypnotic state by themselves has sparked heated discussions.

This incident not only made people imagine the mystery of hypnosis, but also exposed the potential risks of randomly trying psychological techniques without professional knowledge.

Does hypnosis really have such a strong control power? Can ordinary people really hypnotise themselves to the point where they cannot wake up?

MySinchew interviewed Assistant Professor Dr Anne Noor Sri Juwaneeta, Head of the Department of Psychology at UCSI University for her opinion: 

MySinchew: Can two individuals without any background in psychology truly hypnotise themselves and each other to the point of being unable to break free from the hypnotic state?

Dr Anne Noor: While hypnosis can be powerful, self-hypnosis and amateur attempts at inducing trance-like states are generally not as strong as professional hypnotherapy.

The couple in the document were engaging in a psychological suggestion game rather than formal hypnosis.

Their experience seems to have been intensified by stress, lack of sleep, and emotional triggers, rather than an inability to “break free” from hypnosis itself.

In most cases, people naturally come out of hypnosis, especially when external stimuli (such as an emergency or someone else’s intervention) interrupt the state.

MySinchew: Does prolonged sleep deprivation and high stress really make a person more susceptible to hypnosis?

Dr Anne Noor: Yes, a lot of research suggests that sleep deprivation and stress can lower critical thinking and increase suggestibility, which can lead to poor judgment thus, making a person more susceptible to hypnosis or psychological suggestion.

MySinchew: Once in a hypnotic state, what is generally required to wake up from it?

Dr Anne Noor: Typically, a person can exit hypnosis naturally when given a clear suggestion to wake up (e.g., a hypnotherapist counting down).

Strong external stimuli, such as loud noises, physical touch, or an urgent situation, also tend to break the hypnotic state. If someone remains disoriented, grounding techniques, medical attention, or professional intervention may be needed.

MySinchew: Does hypnosis cause any long-term effects? Are people who have been hypnotised before more susceptible to hypnosis in the future?

Dr Anne Noor: Hypnosis itself does not typically cause long-term effects, but if used improperly or in an emotionally unstable person, it could trigger distressing experiences.

Those who have undergone hypnosis before may enter hypnosis more easily in the future, but susceptibility varies among individuals.

Therefore, it is advisable to not engage in such activity unless it is being done by a professional in the field.

The couple in the document were engaging in a psychological suggestion game rather than formal hypnosis. Their experience seems to have been intensified by stress, lack of sleep, and emotional triggers, rather than an inability to “break free” from hypnosis itself.

MySinchew: For those who, after reading this news or watching hypnosis-related movies, have developed curiosity about hypnosis, what advice would you give?

Dr Anne Noor: Hypnosis can be a fascinating and beneficial tool when used correctly, such as for therapy, relaxation, or habit control.

However, attempting to hypnotise oneself or others without proper knowledge and qualifications can lead to unpredictable outcomes, as seen in this case. Anyone interested should research properly, consult professionals, or take guided courses to understand the science behind hypnosis.

As a mental health professional, we do not recommend hypnosis as the first line of therapy, we would approach our therapy sessions using evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) to name a few.

MySinchew: What are your thoughts and opinions on this news?

Dr Anne Noor: In my professional opinion, this incident highlights the potential dangers of experimenting with psychological techniques without proper understanding.

The couple’s experience seems to have been exacerbated by fatigue, stress, and suggestibility rather than hypnosis alone.

It also emphasises the power of the mind and the importance of mental well-being during intense psychological exercises.

I believe that people should avoid getting themselves caught into these types of enticing psychological games even if it is out of curiosity.

If they are curious because they have deep rooted issues and believe that they can alleviate them through hypnosis, it is advisable that they seek professional help from certified and qualified mental health professionals such as counsellors or clinical psychologists.