Many styles of induction exist, all incorporating a gradual shift in attention with a reduction in external awareness . A common misconception concerning induction is that one can never be hypnotized against the will. Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology notes that this is only a half-truth. A hypnotic induction does require the cooperation of the individual, and a trance can be resisted. Nevertheless, the individual's participation may not be a conscious response, and people can enter into hypnosis without knowing that they do so.
Hypnotic induction can take place without the subject's knowledge or permission.
In theory, once induced suggestions and commands given can have long-lasting effects through a phenomenon known as post hypnotic suggestion. The exact meanings of the underlying Hebrew words are debatable. There is general agreement that hypnotized individuals are somewhat vulnerable to uncritically accepting as true any suggestion given by the hypnotist. This factor alone creates the potential for misuse and deception. Some Christian researchers go a step further warning that it is possible for hypnotized subjects to be influenced by voices other than that of the hypnotist.