How to Test Your Hypnotizability (And Why It Matters)

Ever wondered if you can actually be hypnotized? You’re not alone. One of the most common questions people have before starting hypnosis is:
“Will this even work on me?”
The short answer is: probably yes. The longer answer? You can find out in just a few minutes—right here.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Hypnotizability?

Hypnotizability is how easily you can enter a relaxed, focused state where your subconscious becomes more open to suggestion. It doesn’t mean you're gullible or weak-minded. In fact, people who are imaginative, creative, or emotionally aware often score higher on hypnotizability tests.

The good news? Most people fall somewhere in the middle—and you can improve with practice.

4 Ways to Test Your Hypnotizability at Home

Here are four simple, fun tests you can try right now to see how responsive your mind is to suggestion:

1. The Spiegel Eye Roll Test (Backed by Science)

Developed by Dr. Herbert Spiegel, this is one of the only clinical tests for hypnotizability that you can do in under a minute.

How to do it:

  • Sit or stand comfortably.

  • Keep your head still and look upward with just your eyes.

  • As you look up, slowly and gently close your eyelids.

What to observe:
When your eyes are closed, have someone (or use a mirror) check how much white of your eye (sclera) is still visible.

Spiegel Eye Test Results Chart

Note: A higher score means you're more naturally responsive to hypnosis—but even low to moderate scorers can benefit with repetition and trust.

2. The Hand Clasp Test

How to do it:

  • Hold your hands in front of you, palms facing each other.

  • Interlock your fingers tightly.

  • Imagine your hands are glued together and the harder you try to pull them apart, the more stuck they feel.

If it’s hard to pull them apart or they stay together longer than expected—that’s your subconscious engaging.

3. The Lemon Test

How to do it:

  • Close your eyes and imagine holding a juicy lemon.

  • Picture slicing it open, smelling it, and taking a bite.

If your mouth starts to water or your face reacts, your mind is vividly responding to suggestion—just like in hypnosis.

4. The Arm Float Test

How to do it:

  • Rest your arms on your lap.

  • Close your eyes and imagine one arm tied to helium balloons gently pulling it up.

  • Focus on that sensation for 30 seconds.

If your arm rises on its own or feels lighter, that’s a great sign you’re responsive.

What If I Don’t Feel Anything?

That’s totally normal. These are just introductory tests—and not passing them doesn’t mean hypnosis won’t work for you. Stress, distraction, or trying too hard can interfere with your natural responsiveness. Hypnosis is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Why Hypnotizability Matters (And Why It’s Not Everything)

Testing your hypnotizability gives you insight into how your brain reacts to suggestion. But even if you’re not highly hypnotizable, you can still benefit from hypnosis. It’s about showing up with curiosity and a willingness to shift—not about “going deep” right away.

Over time, you can become more hypnotizable—especially with supportive, non-judgmental sessions that meet you where you are.

Try Hypnosis with Go burble

At Go burble, our sessions are designed to gently guide your subconscious toward healing, clarity, and change. Each session adapts to you—so no two experiences are the same, and your growth continues every time you listen.

👉 Download the Go burble app and explore our full library of sessions for anxiety, stress, weight release, self-love, and more.