There are different methods of induction. The hypnotherapist will either use a progressive relaxation method or a rapid induction to take the client into hypnosis. The progressive relaxation method entails relaxing the body progressively from the feet upwards, or from the head downwards, and then relaxing the mind, by-passing the critical faculty and deepening the level of trance. This could take approx 10-20 minutes. In the case of a rapid induction, the client can achieve somnambulism within a few minutes.

Somnambulism is the condition required to be able to do age-regression; it is not a depth of hypnosis.  Once the client is in somnambulism, the hypnotherapist will give a post-hypnotic suggestion that he/she will go into this state instantly during the next visit, by whichever instant method the hypnotherapist chooses to use.

At the next visit, the hypnotherapist will for example shake the client’s hand, press his wrist, or use a pre-determined word or other gesture, taking the client into the desired hypnotic state within a second.

 People who think that they have a strong will and can therefore not be hypnotized, are usually the easiest subjects. The more intelligent the person, the quicker they go into hypnosis, however some people are more suggestible than others. The experienced and well-trained practitioner will know how to take all types of people into hypnosis by using different methods.

 

Dr. Trudie