Erotic Hypnosis (Hypnokink)
Erotic hypnosis, also called hypnokink, is an activity in which one partner hypnotises another for a mentally- and/or physically-specified, sexual purpose.
How Does Hypnotism Work?
Hypnotism has a rich history in many facets of society, from therapeutic practice to military secret projects, as well as ‘stage hypnotism’, which is a form of mentalism. How hypnosis actually works, however, is highly debated.
To understand erotic hypnotism, it’s important to understand a bit about hypnosis itself.
Sigmund Freud posited that hypnosis is a blending of the conscious with the subconscious. Others might argue that recipients of hypnosis experience a placebo effect. Still others will posit that the mind enters a completely different state of consciousness that is otherwise unobtainable, almost akin to “getting lost” in a good book.
Regardless of how it works, almost all hypnotists will agree that there are two stages in the hypnosis process: induction and suggestion.
What is induction in hypnosis?
Induction is the first stage of hypnosis and simply involves the subject being told to relax, focus their attention, and that they will be entering a hypnotic state. The induction stage takes anywhere from mere moments to around ten minutes, and sometimes more. The goal is for the subject to quiet their mind and focus on the voice of their guide.
What is a hypnotic suggestion?
In therapeutic sessions, suggestion occurs once the subject is under hypnosis and can be taken through past events or scenarios, or suggestions can be made by the hypnotiser, depending on the circumstances.
How does erotic hypnosis work?
Whilst the induction of erotic hypnosis mirrors therapeutic and performative hypnosis, the suggestion phase is where the hypnokink fun begins.
When performing erotic hypnosis, suggestions are most commonly of a sexual nature. Furthermore, negotiations and aftercare are included.
Why Do People Like Erotic Hypnosis?
Because hypnosis helps the recipient feel relaxed and comfortable, some people explore erotic hypnosis to express their kinks or fetishes without feeling overburdened by shame or other mental barriers.
Another popular reason amongst hypnokink enthusiasts is the element of power exchange that comes with the activity. Hypnotists, sometimes called “Hypnodom(me)s”, will give suggestions to their submissives to perform a specific act, or to behave in a certain way.
Additional reasons for engaging in erotic hypnosis might include:
As sensation play, by suggesting that non-traditional areas of the body are erogenous to the touch (e.g., the knee or ankle)
Assisting a fellow kinkster in getting into the headspace for their chosen role, such as a male bottom wanting to become a “sissy”
Exploring a Consensual Non-Consent (CNC) fetish through “forcing” a partner to perform certain acts
Safety Considerations in Erotic Hypnosis
Much like in bottomspace or subspace, an individual under hypnosis is extremely susceptible to the power of suggestion.
Some kinksters consider hypnokink to be an edge play activity due to the risk of psychological trauma. Whatever your position, approach with caution.
Along with all the risks associated with power exchange, those who engage in erotic hypnosis also are risking a potential abuse of power that leads to rape or other consent violations, as well as the consequences of untrained/unlicensed individuals engaging in activities normally reserved for psychotherapy.
Discuss and negotiate any hypnosis play carefully and extensively.
Partners should discuss hypnosis, what interests them about it, and what they are expecting out of the activity. Erotic hypnosis doesn’t necessitate physical contact, so partners need to be clear on what type of touching, if any, is permitted.
In lieu of a safeword, negotiate a simple hand gesture or movement to communicate discomfort.
Some subjects can have difficulty fully expressing themselves while they are under hypnosis. If physical motion feels too burdensome, bottoms should consider holding a ball or small object that can be dropped if they wish to stop.
Tops should incorporate phrases and words that instil a sense of agency in their recipient.
This can not only feel reassuring to the bottom as a means for affirming the value of consent in the engagement, but can assist in mitigating the risk of a consent violation while the bottom is in the trance.
Tops should use open-ended suggestions that allow their partner the option of declining.
For example, rather than saying “You are X.” or “You will now do Y,” try “What would it feel like for you to be X or do Y?”
During aftercare, discuss the hypnosis experience in detail, and talk about what went well and what could have gone better.
From a Topping perspective, the more you know about what your partner likes and is into, the more likely you will continue to enhance and fine-tune the hypnotic sessions.
From a bottoming perspective…
Does erotic hypnosis work?
Popular culture portrays hypnosis as an act in which the recipient is completely at the disposal of the hypnotiser. The truth is, no one can force our brains to change what they believe or feel.
Studies suggest that the act can soothe areas of the brain involved in sensory processing and emotional responses. In the state of hypnosis, the recipient becomes incredibly relaxed and thus is more open to the power of suggestion.
But a person must want to be hypnotised for it to work. They must be an active participant in order for suggestions to take hold and flourish. A hypnotist can only make suggestions that are in line with the recipient’s existing values and goals.
For example, if a bottom is not gay and has no interest in exploring same-sex ventures, they cannot be made to be so via hypnosis. But if the bottom wants to explore what it feels like to kiss someone of the same sex and is too shy to take action on that desire, hypnosis can help them feel more comfortable about doing so.
There are a variety of ways to explore the hypnokink fetish, from sensation play to power exchange. As with everything in kink and BDSM, enthusiastic consent and respect for boundaries and limits should always be at the forefront.
