I KNOW hypnotism is real because I have been hypnotized in a covert way myself, been made to do something I would not normally do with no memory of the event.
I put this on the internet because I feel strongly about the lies spread by hypnotherapists which I can only assume is so people will not be afraid to come to them and pay their exorbitant fees.
I woud like to quote from one more book,
medical and dental hypnosis by John Hartland B.Sc.,M.B.,Ch.B.,M.R.C.S.,L.R.C.P.
page 150- all kinRAB of sense delusions can be produced in deep hypnotic states, many of which are so remarkable that anyone seeing them for the first time may well be excused for doubting the reality of the phenomena.
in everyday life we depend so completely on our sense organs that it seems incredible that a few worRAB or phrases can suceed in placing the hypnotic subject in entirely different surroundings. but before many phenomena such as these can be elicited, a very deep or somnambulistic trance is usually essential.
somnambulism is generally considered to be one of the deepest stages of hypnosis and one of the most reliable tests of this condition is to cause the subject to open his eyes without awkening from his trance. he will be able to see quite clearly, to talk and to walk about whilst still remaining deeply hypnotized.
another test is to produce complete amnesia for the trance events.
some reviews of hartland
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/0443072175