After putting it aside for hundreds of years, science is finally turning a little more attention to hypnosis and has come to the conclusion that it does indeed work, albeit not in the way claimed in the past. In fact, it does not provide control over the hypnotized subject, but makes it a calmer, more focused state of mind in which unexplored memories and thoughts often get stuck. Hypnosis can be an effective method of reducing stress and pain. Many times it is best to induce it quickly, as there is little time to distract yourself.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Subject for Hypnosis
Step 1. Practice speaking in a reassuring tone
It is essential to articulate the words so that the subject calms down and relaxes. Therefore, practice speaking slowly, in a slightly rhythmic and almost melodic way, but without harsh or discordant tones. Use this opportunity to practice repeating your speech. If you have difficulty expressing what you want to say during the hypnotic induction, you risk losing focus on the subject.
Also, you don't have to look like you're reading a script. With practice, you will be able to become more confident
Step 2. Prepare the subject mentally and physically
You should make sure he is relaxed. Tell him that you will probably touch him lightly so that he doesn't get surprised and lose focus. If it's a woman wearing a skirt, give her a blanket to put on her legs so she doesn't have to worry about where she might be.
- Likewise, let the person know that it is not a problem if he coughs or moves. In fact, if he is forced to restrain a physiological need, he will be more likely to lose attention.
- Also, tell him not to cross his legs, otherwise he may lose focus as he repositions his legs. If he wears glasses, ask him to take them off.
Step 3. Reassure the subject that he has nothing to worry about
If he is afraid, you will not be able to hypnotize him. You must make it clear that you will not be able to manipulate him and that he will not be in any danger by falling into a hypnotic state.
Simply tell him, "This is absolutely safe. You will enter a state of relaxation and deep concentration, but you will continue to have everything under control."
Step 4. Ask for permission
Always start by asking the subject if he is ready to be hypnotized. It is important to get his consent to make sure he is mentally ready, but also to reassure him.
Just ask him, "Do you agree to be hypnotized?"
Step 5. Keep in mind that not everyone reacts the same way
Subjects must be willing to get involved in hypnotic induction and, therefore, psychologically receptive. Studies have shown that about 80% of subjects are moderately receptive, 10% are very receptive, and another 10% are poorly receptive.
- There is a positive relationship between hypnotic receptivity and the way in which the subject manages to exploit his imagination and his empathic abilities. For example, the ability to concentrate while reading also has a certain relationship with the receptivity to the hypnotic experience.
- It is often thought that it is easier to induce hypnosis in a relaxing environment, with few external noises or distractions. While such an atmosphere is certainly not advised against, some studies indicate that it is just as easy to fall into a trance state in less peaceful settings.
Part 2 of 3: Performing the Hypnotic Induction with Eight Words
Step 1. Invite the person to be hypnotized to place their trust in your hand
Therefore, he reaches out, asking the subject to place his hand on it. Ideally, he would push it hard enough that it only touches the outline of your hand, so you can take it off more easily when it's ready.
Step 2. Ask him to close his eyes
Meanwhile, pass your other hand over the subject's face. Do this quickly as soon as your hand rests on yours. In this way his attention will be focused on two gestures at the same time.
Step 3. Tell him to fall asleep
In the meantime, remove your hand from his so that the subject falls forward, as if entering a stupor, as you instructed. The goal is to take him by surprise. When you invite him to fall asleep, you should speak in a firm and categorical tone.
The whole process should take about four seconds. It is imperative to act unexpectedly and, therefore, promptly
Part 3 of 3: Concluding Hypnosis
Step 1. Prepare to induce the subject into a deep hypnotic state
The disruptive effect caused at the beginning by the hypnotic induction with eight words is likely to vanish if it is not followed by a speech that brings the subject into a state of trance. Therefore, continue to talk to him in a calm tone, inviting him with a couple of sentences to fall into a deep sleep.
The most effective techniques to bring him into a deeper hypnotic state are two: make him swing his head and make the countdown. Choose the one that creates the least difficulty, bearing in mind that the swing of the head requires physical contact with the subject
Step 2. Swing his head
If the person is in a position from which they could curl up once the hand is removed, some hypnotists begin to swing their head with their hands so that the person slowly enters a state of abandonment. In the meantime, you could tell him to relax his neck and let go so that the sensation spreads throughout his body. Ask him to relax mentally and physically until he falls into a deep sleep.
Say, for example, "As I swing your head, you will enter a deeper and deeper trance state. The deeper it swings, the deeper it becomes. The deeper you feel, the better you will feel. The better you feel, the deeper your sleep …"
Step 3. Try to count down
Tell him that he will feel more and more relaxed as you count backwards, from 1 to 5. For each number you say, describe to him how he must feel: "1, feel a state of relaxation spreading throughout the body. 2, this state is deeper and deeper. 3, your mind is also relaxing. 4, you no longer feel anything but a sense of peace. 5, you are falling into a deeper and deeper state of relaxation with each passing second."
Alternatively, try this way: "10, you're relaxing. 9, deeper and deeper. 8, you're fine, keep it up. 7, with each number I say, you'll go into a deeper and deeper trance. 6, deeper and deeper, excellent! 5, now relax completely, more and more. 4, 3, you are doing well. 2, get away from the rest of the world. 1, 0, now you are in a deep trance."
Step 4. Begin to prepare the subject for awakening
Just before trying to awaken him, tell him it's almost time to open his eyes and regain consciousness. To make the transition smoother, suggest how he will feel when he is out of the hypnotic state. Tell him that once he is out of the trance he will feel "relaxed and comfortable".
As you do this, give him some clues so that he understands that he is returning to reality. Stop speaking slowly and quietly and start using a tone of voice that is more suited to habitual retention, such as the one you normally use. Call the subject by name in order to gradually bring him back to the reality of his life
Step 5. Wake him up
Tell him he will wake up once the countdown is over, starting at 10. As you say the numbers, speak in a less relaxing tone of voice. Try saying, for example: "10, you are waking up. 9, you are starting to become aware. 8, you are remembering what your life is. 7, 6, you feel like you are coming out of a deep sleep."
