When you think of careers in Saskatchewan being a professional hypnotist is not likely to be too high on the list.
Yet that is exactly what Jesse Lewis from Tisdale, SK. is - a professional hypnotist.
Lewis is a certified hypnotist and has being studying and performing hypnosis since 2006.
"It's a full time gig," he said before a performance at the Yorkton Regional High School Friday.
Lewis said he is on the road about 80 times a year, covering Western Canada, although "75 per cent are in Saskatchewan." He added "it's expanding all the time."
So how does one decide on hypnosis as a career?
"I was sick of my old job," offered Lewis.
Looking for an alternative, Lewis said he still remembered being hypnotized himself when he was in high school, and that had him considering the career.
Lewis found there were options involving hypnosis training, one focusing on using it for therapy, and a second option which taught stage hypnosis, geared to entertaining. He took training in both, some online, the rest on site.
"It's not hard to learn hypnosis," he said, then added like most things "it's hard to learn to be proficient at it."
Lewis said like many things hypnosis takes dedication and practice. With the stage show there is also a constant need to come up with fresh ideas to keep the show relevant.
Lewis said 100 per cent of people can be hypnotized, if they want to be. "You have to allow yourself to be hypnotized," he said. "It's letting go and allowing their inner self out."
That said, Lewis said people under hypnosis can't be forced to do things which are against their established morales.
In Lewis' case he said he focuses on a fun show, and in the case of a performance at a school he might toss in a few little life lessons for students, adding ultimately "it's the entertainment aspect of it," people enjoy.
You can learn more about Lewis' show at www.jesselewishypnosis.com
