A Beginner's Guide To Erotic Hypnosis, An Orgasmic Experience For The Mind

Hypnosis has been used for centuries to induce dreams, recall memories, and transform habits. So it makes sense that it could also be used to elicit pleasure. That would be erotic hypnosis, also referred to as hypno-sex. But the erotic in erotic hypnosis means more than orgasms.

"Erotic hypnosis has a way of enhancing the things that the subject already enjoys. It can draw things out that would otherwise stay hidden, allow the hypnotee to be more sensitive, and lower inhibition if that's what they want," hypnodomme and certified hypnotist Katherine Dire tells mbg. "It's a way of playing with sexuality in a way that is a little indirect."

The entire process is voluntary and meant to leave you feeling lighter than before.

"Erotic means sexual arousal," Rayna tells mbg. "It doesn't mean orgasm. It can, but it's not built in." It's normal to do an erotic session without any goal to have an orgasm. Sometimes it's about empowering yourself, feeling good in your body, or showing yourself that your mind is powerful.

All three experiences present you with a way to let go and connect to your internal frame of mind. "Audio erotica creates a blueprint for your mind to decorate the way it likes," Gina Gutierrez, the founder of erotic audio platform Dipsea, tells mbg. If that's the case, then ASMR is the interior designer, and erotic hypnosis is the property manager. They have unique roles as well as the potential to fit together and use subtle and specific stimuli to ignite your deeper, innermost sensations. 

Not everyone who practices erotic hypnosis has the best intentions, which is why research is so important. The phrasing of a hypnotist's suggestions is paramount to a safe session. Watch out for any hypnotist who tells you to be "beholden only to them" outside of agreed-upon power play. And "realize that any suggestion that goes against your moral fiber, you can kick out," Kanaan adds.

Once you've found a hypnotist, decide whether you want to do a session in person or online. Or if you want to skip those options and listen to pre-recorded audio files. "Hypnosis is very much about rapport, which is all about connection," says Dire. You can reach greater connection through personalization, even if a session isn't in person. 

A lot of confusion with hypnosis comes from stage hypnosis, where the receiver leaves the stage with no recollection of what they did. Trance happens in levels, and this level of deep trance may or may not happen. Get a good idea of what you expect a "successful" session to feel like. How deep of a trance is deep enough for you to feel like it "worked"? It's important to go in with reasonable expectations and an open mind. If you're consciously resisting it, it likely won't work.

"There are a number of reasons that can keep someone from entering that deep state of relaxation," Rayna tells mbg. It's kind of like wondering how some people can fall asleep instantly and others take hours. From not being able to let go to not telling your hypnotist enough to give you the proper suggestions, it's OK if you have an unsuccessful session. Erotic hypnosis is powerful, but it isn't certain. 

Speaking from experience, the automatic need to test a suggestion is natural. Rayna did a quick session over the phone with me during our interview to transform my love for cheese. Using a neurolinguistic programming (NLP) technique called Mapping Across, we correlated my love for cheese with my disgust for gizzards. Immediately after our session, I wanted to know if it worked. I haven't dug around in my fridge for cheese in three days.

Hypnotizing isn't something you should jump into without a little research first. "I'm in the camp of you're probably not going to get into anything too crazy when you're just starting out," says Rayna.

Google or any other search engine is your new BFF. Learn what you can about erotic hypnosis. What it is, what it isn't, how to phrase suggestions, and any other information you need to confidently put someone into a trance. You may want to work with a hypnotist or hypnotherapist yourself first before trying this on others.

Have a discussion with your partner before the session to make sure you get down to the nitty-gritty of triggers, limits, goals, and expectations. Go into the session on the same team. Check in when either of you needs it.

There's "nothing harmful about putting someone into that relaxed state," says Rayna. But be careful with how you phrase your suggestions. You can't take them back once they're said. "You want to make sure you aren't crossing any lines or harming the receiver."

"Expectations can sometimes inhibit us from experiencing real joy and freedom," says Dire. With erotic hypnosis, you're transforming pieces of the mind. It's powerful, but setting unrealistic expectations can keep you from enjoying the moment. Nerves, stress, drunkenness, and anxiety can influence how they receive your suggestions as well as how you suggest.

The underlying theme for success is safety. If the receiver doesn't feel safe during a session, they may be less inclined to let go of their inhibitions. If they don't let go, then they keep themselves from the possibilities of hypnosis.

Erotic hypnosis is a real and powerful practice that guides us into a state of consciousness we aren't always aware of. Its purpose isn't only to elicit orgasms or enhance kinks, though it definitely can.