Is hypnosis mind control? Cult leaders often employ hypnosis concepts to bring potential members under their control. Their objective is to systematically take away the individual's critical decision-making ability. Hitler may have been the greatest hypnotist who ever lived.

Major problems can result when someone who is not properly trained in hypnosis tries to use it on another individual. It is easy to induce a suggestible state in someone; however, the hypnotist must be very careful of his words and constantly aware of the subject's mental and physical state. If something unexpected happens, an untrained operator could make the situation worse. On the other hand, self-hypnosis is safe and effective.