The Hypnotic Gaze

Introduction The Direct Gaze induction is a traditional and - when performed well - effective induction. However, given the stereotype of Hypnotists and hypnosis (for example Little Britain's stage hypnotist Kenny Craig), this induction may have reached the end of its shelf-life. Before using it, it will be necessary to discern whether the client's response to such stereotypes means that this induction (and props like fob-watches, etc) will be extra-effective, or an amusing distraction. Transcript [Pointing at your right eye, say:] Look here. Keep looking into my eyes. Don’t look away but you can blink when you need to. Keep your eyes totally and completely focused on my eyes. And if you follow these very simple instructions, there is nothing...

Thain Wrist Lift

Introduction Barry Thain's Wrist-Lift Induction is a thing of beauty. I consider it to be a variation of Erickson's Ambiguous Touch handshake, but I actually use Thain's version more often. That's simply because for ease-of-use and effectiveness, it can not be beaten. I am grateful to Barry Thain for permission to include this induction and for personal correspondence on the subject. However, the transcript below - though clearly very heavily influence by Barry - is a record of when I have used the induction and varies slightly from the original. My version is slightly less authoritative than Barry's, so anyone hoping to see the real thing should pop over to his site and purchase his DVD, Hypnotism for Hypnotherapists. You will not...

Sensory Overload Induction

Introduction The Sensory Overload Induction is a classic distraction induction. The person's attention is focused on evaluating sensory inputs to exclusion of all else. It is relatively easy to do. Just use whatever is happening around them and get the client to focus on each input as it occurs, without giving them time to deal with any one sensation before moving on. It works because it gets over the analytical person's tendency to critically examine every word and suggestion by giving them too many things to think about to keep track of them all, and so their mind just gives up trying and accepts whatever you say. It is particularly useful with analytic or hypervigilant clients who can otherwise be...

The Modified Wicks Induction

Introduction The core of this induction was originally developed by Graham Wicks and published in 1982 ('A rapid induction technique, mechanics and rationale.' Published in the Australian Journal of Clinical & Experimental Hypnosis). It has been modified and updated by Graham Old, whilst respecting the rationale and appearance of the original technique. The original pure induction - as conceived by Graham Wicks - had the hypnotist keep hold of the hand (and lower it themselves), regardless of the presence or absence of catalepsy. The modification added later was to allow the arm to float down on its own, if catalepsy was initially achieved. This is a rapid hypnotic technique, devoid of any shock. It is phenomenological at its core and...

Hand Spread Induction

Introduction The Hand Spread Induction is an unusual hypnotic induction. It is a 'pace and lead induction' and as such obviously depends on good pacing and leading skills. Transcript Just settle yourself comfortably down... and when you are comfortable... hold your hand up in front of your face, palm towards you, with the fingers spread apart... so you can see the whole hand... at a comfortable distance...that's right... just spread those fingers out... now just look at your hand... focus on that hand... notice that the fingers want to move... moving very slightly... very slightly moving together... that's right moving together... and with each movement of one finger... other fingers start to move as well... small jerky movements perhaps... moving......

Deeper Sleep Induction

Introduction The Deeper Sleep induction is a DIY rapid induction. It was designed to provide the experience of a rapid induction, without some of the razzmatazz. The bottom-line is, it works! Transcript In a moment, I am going to use the word, “sleep.” And I'm sure you know that when hypnotists talk of sleep, they do not mean normal sleep. They mean more that day-dreamy phase where you're not quite asleep, but you're not your normal awake self. And so when you hear a hypnotist command, “sleep,” that's a signal for you to let go and drift off into that day-dreamy state. In a moment, I will say sleep and you will close your eyes... and when you close your...

The Thumb Stare

Introduction This induction is a variation of the arm drop and the coin drop. It lacks the coin drop's kinaesthetic quality, but adds a note of eye-fixation. This transcript includes a fractionation deepener. Transcript You can just shuffle around a bit until you're comfortable. Then, when you're comfortable and ready to slip into trance, we'll get started. Okay, you're ready, now? -- "Yes." That's good. What I'm going to ask you to do now is just raise your arm up like this. [Demonstrate, by raising you arm so that it is level with your forehead and your thumb is pointing up.] [spacer height="1.5em"] That's it, just a bit higher. And you can just look at the back of the thumb,...

The Mirror Mirror Induction

Introduction This induction probably belongs in the My Friend John family of inductions. It relies on pacing and leading, observation and utilisation. Transcript As you sit there, arms on your lap, shifting around to get comfortable, I would like you to imagine a mirror in front of you. And in that mirror, you can see your reflection. So, go ahead and look in the eyes of your reflection. And you can notice that you can see yourself reflected back in your eyes. So, you will notice as you, that's right, get more comfortable... as you breathe in and out, breathing in peace and calm and letting go of any stress and tension. And you can see what it looks like...

Confusion Induction

Introduction Confusion Inductions are based on the assumption that if we cannot find understanding or comprehension in what we are hearing or experiencing, we tend to shut down and go 'inside' to make sense of the confusion. For use with highly analytical or rigidly controlled individuals whose conscious minds would continue to analyze, critique, plan and so on throughout a basic induction. You may find that these clients pick apart everything you say, instead of experiencing and benefiting from hypnotherapy. For such people, a confusion induction is a powerful tool. Confusion inductions are not recommended for those already deeply confused or troubled, such as suicidal, grieving, or paranoid individuals. Transcript Sometimes we find ourselves paying attention... to the most relaxing...

My Friend John

Introduction This induction and deepener is a version of Milton Erickson's "My Friend John" technique. As Stephen Brooks describes it, this is an induction disguised as an analogy about another patient. The hypnotist describes a hypnotic induction that has happened – or is happening – to someone else. As the therapist describes the induction, he directs embedded suggestions more and more towards the client. The version of the My Friend John Induction seen here includes elements of disassociation and mild confusion, as the client shifts focus from my previous hypnotee, to their friend, to themselves and also from past tense and present tense. I am so passionate about My Friend John that I have written an entire book devoted to...

How to do Inductions

Category: Inductions