In hypnosis, mere words can have a remarkable effect on some people. Research suggests that, once developed in childhood or adolescence, hypnotisability is a lifelong ability that helps to predict therapeutic benefits for both hypnotic and nonhypnotic treatments. But despite over two centuries of scientific and clinical investigation and practice, we still do not fully understand the nature and source of hypnotic capacity. Why do some people experience the full effects of hypnosis whereas others do not? Drawing on over three decades of work in the field, I describe a “componential approach” that has helped researchers to better understand another important cognitive ability – the ability to read – as well as helped practitioners to successfully treat reading disorders. I discuss how and why this componential approach to reading might be usefully applied to hypnosis. And I finish with a call to action for a modern day, citizen science version of the 19th century pioneering work in our field. Together we might at last solve the mysteries of hypnotic ability.
