What is rapid induction hypnosis?
The rapid induction technique is a method used by hypnotherapists like myself to induce a state of hypnosis quickly. Contrary to popular belief, this technique goes far beyond the realm of entertainment and has practical uses in therapy and personal development. This rapid induction method has proven effective in treating issues like anxiety, phobias, and even chronic pain.
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It’s understandable that concerns may arise when associating the rapid induction technique with stage hypnosis. Scepticism arises due to the perception that stage hypnosis is nothing more than an act, an illusion crafted solely for entertainment purposes. However, it is crucial to distinguish between stage hypnosis, which focuses on entertainment value, and clinical hypnotherapy, which aims to facilitate therapeutic change which is what I specialise in. The rapid induction technique is used responsibly and ethically in therapeutic settings, guiding individuals toward positive transformation and personal growth.
Types of rapid inductions
Shock
Shock inductions tend to incorporate a ‘shock’, unsurprisingly. A popular example of this might the 8-word/hand drop induction, or the magnetic hands induction. At some point a physical shock, accompanied by a command such as a “sleep” is given.
Whilst I might not use these in a therapy session with a frail or elderly client, they do have their place.
Firstly, they can be good at meeting some client’s expectations. Rather than say to a new client that their expectation of going into hypnosis quickly (and perhaps dramatically) is wrong, it can be better for rapport and a successful outcome of therapy to meet their expectations (appropriately).
Secondly, as with all rapid inductions, shock inductions are really efficient in terms of time. They save valuable therapy session time, giving you more time for the key parts of the therapy process itself.
Thirdly, they are dramatic, so can impress a you. However, as shock inductions are physical, I do check for any contra-indications or physical issues before using them with you. In addition, as I will be touching you (appropriately!) I will mention this in our briefing.
Pattern-interrupt
Pattern-interrupt inductions, such as the handshake induction, require appropriate timing. The idea is that I interrupt an expected pattern of response, such as going to shake your hand and then giving your arm a brief tug with the command “sleep”.
Now, I am unlikely to go straight into a handshake induction as you walk into the room (the obvious time for shaking hands). However, with a little planning, I can easily build you in to the session. For example, if I am conducting a smoking cessation session I can ask for a handshake from you as a commitment that you are ready to become a non smoker, to ‘seal the deal’ and use this opportunity to induce hypnosis with a handshake induction.
If I am a little cautious in using such a rapid induction with a new client, I could do some preliminary hypnosis work, then get you to open your eyes, carry on talking about smoking cessation and then use the handshake induction as a re-induction.
" You're not afraid of what you think you're afraid of, you're afraid of what you think"
Confusion and overload
Confusion and overload rapid inductions are superb for use with analytical and logical clients, especially those for whom I feel won’t be fully mentally occupied with either a simple rapid (such as magnetic hands), or a more permissive progressive induction.
An easy way to create a confusion or overload is to ask you to do/think several things at once. An example of this is with the praying mantis induction, having you look up at a light, with your hands elevated in a strange position, whilst I tap you randomly on your back and they spell your full name backwards out loud, quickly.
To make it even more complex I could ask you to rotate your left foot clockwise and your right hand counter-clockwise. Once you looks/sounds ‘overloaded’, I will simply tell you to “sleep”.
Rapid progressive
Shock, pattern-interrupt and confusion/overload inductions often have a physical element, which may make them unsuitable for some clients. However, many popular progressive inductions can be made more rapid (rapid progressive). For example, with a standard progressive muscular relaxation induction, relaxing every part of the body from the feet to the head, I might spend 10 – 20 minutes doing this thoroughly, whilst perhaps using a range of indirect suggestions.
Instead I could give simple direct suggestions to relax the feet, ankles, calves, knees as so forth, reducing the induction time to a couple of minutes.
I could even shorten it further, suggesting “relax your body from your waist to your feet, and now relax your body from your waist to your head”. In the same way, I could make an eye fixation induction more rapid by increasing the physical strain on the eyes (e.g. keeping the head level and looking right up at a bright light) and giving direct suggestions for eye tiredness and heaviness.
Safety first!
If you are seeking hypnosis and are frail, or you are ill, or if you have injuries, for example, a technique like a pattern interruption would not be a good option if you have a shoulder or arm injury. As with other techniques, safety comes first.
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The other contraindications include:
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Stress
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Vertigo/ fear of falling
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Your expectations. I wont use the rapid approach if you expect a slow process
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Before i begin any induction with you i will always TEST TEST TEST to see what type of induction will work best for you. I don't take risks so i know what is going to happen.
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Some of my tests include:
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Magnetic fingers
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Books and balloons
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Juicy lemons
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Using these tests allow me to gain lots of knowledge about you.