During hypnosis, the amount of conscious thought you can engage in varies depending on the depth of the hypnotic state and the individual's responsiveness. Generally:
Light Hypnosis: You remain mostly aware and can think consciously, though your focus is narrowed. You might still analyze or question things, but with increased suggestibility.
Medium to Deep Hypnosis: Conscious critical thinking diminishes. Your mind becomes more focused on the hypnotist's suggestions, and you may experience less self-awareness or analytical thought.
Very Deep Hypnosis (Somnambulistic State): Conscious thought is minimal or absent; you might experience automatic responses or memory changes, often without conscious awareness.
In most therapeutic or stage hypnosis contexts, you retain some level of conscious awareness but are more open to suggestions. If you feel fully alert and thinking critically, you might be in a light trance rather than a deep hypnotic state.