Article by Lamb
What is Subject Agency?
Subject agency refers to the capacity of an individual (the subject) to act independently, make their own choices, and exert control over their actions and experiences. In the context of erotic hypnosis, subject agency involves the ability to hear any trigger or suggestion without it having an impact unless you, as the individual, have given consent, it is intended to affect you, and it is deemed safe and appropriate to be influenced at that moment.
Practicing Subject Agency
- Learning self-hypnosis techniques allows individuals to enter and exit hypnotic states on their own terms, as well as modify or undo suggestions.
- Prior to engaging in hypnosis, subjects should communicate their boundaries, preferences, & limits with their partners.
- Establishing safe words or signals that can immediately end a hypnotic session if the subject feels uncomfortable or needs to regain full control. The traffic light system is good because it’s simple and easy to interpret (red for stop, yellow for caution or slow down, and green for comfort and enjoyment).
- Ask your Tist if you can practice rejecting suggestions, or bringing yourself up on your own
Ghosting
It can be really disheartening, but unfortunately, ghosting is a common experience, and it’s completely understandable to feel upset when it occurs. If a play partner has ghosted you and you want to remove triggers they installed, consider the following steps.
- Often, suggestions and triggers that have only been reinforced in one or two sessions will naturally fade over time without further reinforcement.
- Use self-hypnosis techniques to visualize removing or deactivating the triggers.
- Secret Subject and many others have files for removing unwanted suggestions
Agency & Abuse
While practicing subject agency can help prevent some forms of abuse, it is not a foolproof safeguard. Hypnosis can still be misused as a tool by abusive individuals to erode boundaries over time. To mitigate this risk, consider the following precautions:
- Carefully vetting potential play partners by checking their reputation, seeking references, and having initial non-hypnotic conversations to assess their ethics and compatibility.
- Clearly setting and communicating boundaries before engaging in any hypnotic activities. This includes discussing what is acceptable and what is not, and ensuring mutual understanding.
- Taking things slowly, especially before any play and in the beginning stages of a hypnotic relationship. Gradual progression allows for trust to be built and for any potential red flags to be identified early.
- Regularly checking in with oneself and your partner to ensure that all interactions remain consensual, respectful, and enjoyable.
- Building supportive friendships within and outside the hypno community, as well as seeking professional help if you feel you need it.
Additional Tools & Resources
- There are frequent classes on subject agency within the hypno community. Asking around about these classes and attending them when they are available can significantly enhance your understanding and practice of subject agency.
- Keeping a journal or log of hypnotic sessions can help track experiences, triggers, and any concerns that arise. This can be useful for self-reflection and for discussions with a hypnotist if needed.
