This is the hardest step of hypnosis, inducing the trance.
I am about to teach you how to put someone into a hypnotic state.
Keep in mind you must have built a relationship with your subject and they must be a willing participant, open to the idea of hypnosis.
There are three key points to inducing a hypnotic state: o Deep Focusing Of Attention o Strong Exercise Of Imagination o Bodily Relaxation It should also be noted that there are many different approaches to reach achieve each of these steps; there is no right or wrong method as long as it works.
I will be running you through the methods I personally use to get my clients to focus their attention, use their imagination, and to physically relax.
I prefer not to overdo the music approach, gentle background music can be a plus but I do not offer headphones or nature sounds.
They are a favorite among many however I prefer to have my clients more focused on my verbal instructions.
Surroundings are very important; comfortable furniture, not too bright or too dark, most likely you are an amateur so everything will be conducted at your residence.
Move the trash away, clean the room, and create a welcoming environment.
Relaxation is important and you want their mind focused on your instructions not their surroundings.
As mentioned above, relaxation is one of the three keys to inducing the trance like state of hypnosis.
Many hypnotists will do that whole cliché "go to your happy place" or "you are now getting very sleepy...
".
This all works but I'd like to fill you in on a little secret; all you need to do is relax folks.
Nothing formal is required.
I prefer deep breathing and counting down from 10, it helps to focus the mind and slow your subject's heart rate (which in turn relaxes them) at the same time.
Always have your subject close his/her eyes if they are willing, it helps out a whole lot.
If not a slowly swaying object to focus on is ideal, anything from an electric fan that rotates back and forth to a wind chime blowing around outside of your window.
Not concentrating on visual stimulants allows the person not only to go deeper into their imagination and relax but also focus all of there attention to one thing, which may be shifted while in their trance to help guide or suggest scenarios to your subject.