Hypnotic Induction Methods

We've all heard of hypnosis, and something called the hypnotic state.  I've devoted other pages to the mind states which make hypnosis possible, and to what hypnosis can and cannot do, elsewhere on this website.  Here, I'll go into more depth about hypnotic induction: what it is, how it's achieved, and the pro's and con's of each method.  

As we've already seen on the brain waves page, hypnosis is simply a mind state that exists at the overlap of the conscious and subconscious levels of the mind.  Bottom line, any method which helps us calm our minds, relax our bodies, and give our conscious mind something pleasant to mull, will help us reach the alpha state.  That makes sense since the alpha state is the state we pass through on our way from wakefulness to sleep. 

That being said, there are also additional ways to deliberately induce an alpha state (aka "hypnotic induction") under certain conditions.  Let's take a closer look at the most commonly used induction methods.

• The most common method in current use is known as Progressive Relaxation.  Many clinical hypnotherapists use this method in part because it is the closest to what we already do naturally, namely moving from consciousness to unconsciousness via relaxation.  But with this approach, we stop at the alpha state and maintain a medium alpha state or light theta state, for the duration of the hypnosis session.  This method can be used either by hypnotherapists, or as a method for self-hypnosis.
• One traditional method which has been represented in TV and movies, is the use of a shiny object such as a pocket watch on a chain, swinging back and forth, or a pen light moving back and forth in front of a person's eyes.  The formal name for this approach is the Fascination Method.   The way it works is to first draw the person's attention, then speak in quiet, relaxing tones to guide a person into a relaxed state.  While it makes for good theatrics, this method is not actually used very often for hypnotherapy purposes. 
• Third is Rapid Induction, which is sometimes used by modern hypnotherapists under certain clinical situations.  It is more often used by stage hypnotists for entertainment purposes.
  
• Another method which is rarely used is the Confusion Method.  This method is actually a form of Rapid Induction.  With this method, the hypnotist overwhelms the person's conscious mind with confusion or distraction, making it easier for the subconscious mind to surface for short periods.  While the subconscious is more readily accessed, the hypnotist will make suggestions which encourage the person to comply. This method is occasionally used in a therapeutic sense, but it is also sometimes used for hoaxes and criminal intent.  You can see an example of this in a series of Youtube videos made by Derren Brown.  He has done a wide variety of Youtube videos to show just how easy it is to influence people's choices and behaviors.  You can view one such video here.  This method cannot easily be used for self-hypnosis.
• Lastly, the Fixation Method is a variation on the Fascination Method.  Instead of a shiny object, the client focuses on a single point in front of them, while a hypnotist speaks to the client to gradually guide the client into a peaceful, relaxed state.  It is not commonly used for self-hypnosis.

Of these five methods, the Progressive Relaxation method is the most commonly used for clinical hypnotherapy purposes.  It is also the easiest method to learn for people who want to practice self-hypnosis.  It is simple, safe, reliable and does not require additional tools, or a second person to guide the session.

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