Question:
I’m a complete newbie with no experience in hypnosis. Two friends asked if I’d be willing to hypnotise them for fun suggestions (forgetting numbers, favourite celebrity, that sort of thing). I said yes, but I’m realising I don’t actually know how to structure it properly, or even how to get them into trance and bring them out safely.
I was going to do one person at a time while the other watches, but I’m not sure if that’s a good idea. I’m also unsure how much I should do upfront in terms of discussing expectations (pre-talk).
For the induction itself, I was thinking of doing an Elman induction, then trying a rapid induction as well (I was looking at the hand-to-face “shock” induction). Would that be overkill, and is there any point in using both? If Elman is too much for a beginner, should I be using something like PMR instead?
After that I was planning on fractionation, then some recreational suggestions (hand stuck to chair, forgetting their name, etc), and then bringing them out of trance. Is that a sensible order, and what should I remove or simplify?
Also, should I tell the friend who’s watching to stay completely quiet during the induction so they don’t distract the subject?
Answer:
Hypnotising one person at a time: It would probably be better to start with both rather than one at a time. It will let you gauge who is the better subject and then use that person as the convincer for the other. Do you understand what you should be looking for when putting somebody ‘under’?
Discussing expectations: The pre-talk is the most important part, and where the actual hypnosis happens, not when they close their eyes. It’s where you educate them on what to expect and not to expect. It also sets up expectation, something critically important in hypnosis.
Elman induction: If you feel confident enough, go for it. If not, try the PMR, which is usually a safer bet for the inexperienced.
Rapid inductions: I’d suggest leave this well alone until you know more and have practised more. They’re flashy but easy to mess up if you don’t understand the pacing. Get some basic confidence first, then come back to them.
Fractionation: The Elman does have fractionation as part of it, but as you are new to hypnosis, erring on the side of caution is probably wise. It’s better to do a little too much than much too little. Having said that, don’t overdo it. If you start to bore them, it will have the opposite effect to what you want.
Recreational suggestions: Plenty of things you can do here, but watch to see what they react well or badly to and let that guide you rather than planning a fixed routine and sticking to it religiously. If you look up levels of hypnosis online or in many books on the topic, you’ll find hierarchical tables listing what is easier or harder to do. Although these lists can be a handy reminder, they aren’t infallible. Use the person in front of you as the guide to what works best with them, not a table in a book. Some people have different strengths and weaknesses that will totally change the order of that list.
Pulling them out of trance: Don’t rush this, take your time and do it properly! Rushing could end up with what’s known as a hypnotic hangover.
Using both an Elman and a rapid induction: You only need one induction at a time. You can blend elements of different inductions together, or even completely create your own new inductions, but don’t worry about any of that at this point in time. Wait until you have more knowledge and experience.
Distracting noises during the induction: With experience, it won’t matter much, but as a beginner starting out, yes (or do them together as I mentioned at the start).
Remember, although we use the term ‘induce’ hypnosis, what we are really doing is ‘eliciting’ it. Don’t try to control or force your friends, guide them and let it all happen naturally. I’m sure you’ll do great. Oh, and the most important thing of all, have fun doing it!
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