Does Scientology realy hypnotize its members? If so, how?

My cousin in Germany seems like a different person since she joined Scientology, and doesn't talk to any of us any more. My minister says that Scientology hypnotizes people, but that sounds far fetched.

It's not too far fetched. Scientology is a pretty crazy religion. go to http://www.xenu.net

They have some ways to help her get out of that religion.

Scientology does not hypnotize its members. Scientology is against hypnosis or anything that messes with your mind.
There are many reasons why your cousin doesn't talk to you and Scientology doesn't necessarily be one of them
Your minister should do his research first before spreading nonsense like this.

I think they brain wash through chats and incense.Just one f*ck ed up religion.

Scientology, like ALL religions, prey on peoples fear of the unknown - on those who are weak and those who need to feel like they belong. Not unlike your average gang member. Religion is a man-made invention used to control and profit. It offers insurance that can't be pr oven is needed. It has been said that religion will be the single most contribute to the downfall of man. Every war - every genocide - all thanks to humans fol lie of religion. Yes, religion tries to do good, but by its very nature is inclusive and destructive. Early missionaries introduced disease and ecological destruction and the desecration of cultures- all in the in the name of one god or another.
Spirituality, on the other hand, is great - when it is individual and observed.
It is too bad that so many people end up looking for something, and find religion.
PS - your minister sounds like a quack. What's his agenda? Sad sad sad.

well, they don't hypnotize, they brainwash people. just look at Katie Holmes. she's completely controlled by tom cruise. don't tell me you don't find that weird.

Rather than HYPNOSiS the right definition is "PROGRESSIVE BRAINWASHING" obtained through various methods.
They begin with a questionnaire on your personality (about 200 questions) and when they spot a weak element they propose him/her to improve his personality. From then on it is a series of compulsory readings followed by friendly advices and suggestions that, with time, become more privacy-intrusive and pressing (almost compulsory) and in the cases where the "adept" doesn't not respond or shows perplexities, the friendly approach leaves room to a certain psycho logic violence (threats, blackmailing or other forms of psycho logic pressure). In more seconding cases, the brainwash goes on without any trouble and the subject gradually loses contact with reality and begins to read, listen, watch only the news prescribed by the Scientologist.
On top of that, there is money implied. As a matter of fact, the "purification" process is allegedly obtained through a series of learning modules, each of which costs a lot of money. It goes alone that the brainwashing has also the purpose to persuade the people to pay and to give the church all their properties and belongings. Many cases of suicides (or alleged suicides) have been reported and the Scientologist church is currently under investigation in almost all country where its Church's are.