Hypnotic Induction

It is most wise to learn and become artful at a number of different hypnotic induction techniques in order to “fit the hypnotic technique to the client”. Due to this recommendation, I have provided below a number of different hypnosis inductions with brief elaborations, Charles Tebbetts designated six hypnotic induction types, along with Havens' Ericksonian recommended hypnotic induction types for different personalities with elaborations on how to fit the hypnotic induction to your specific client, and Milton Erickson's most frequently used hypnotic induction types.


Mr. Charles Tebbetts concluded that hypnotic inductions fall into six basic categories, further emphasizing that one of two styles of hypnotic induction be incorporated into whichever hypnotic technique used. The two styles are maternal and paternal, and the type of hypnotic induction used would depend on the personality of the subject.

The maternal hypnosis technique would be used on people accustomed to being the deciding factor in their own lives. Examples would be teachers, head of management, and basically anyone that has an authoritative approach about him or herself. The hypnotic technique incorporates a gentle, permissive, or lulling allowance of self-control.

The paternal hypnosis technique being spoken with authority provides direction and command. It is used on clients who are accustomed and most comfortable with being directed in life and work situations.


Hypnotic Induction TechniquesType #1: Eye Fixation
Any hypnotic induction utilizing the subject’s eye fixation upon a spot or object whether stationary or moving is placed in this category.

This hypnotic technique is ages old, and is most recognized by the public due to widespread theatrical use. It involves the focused attention of the subject on a spot or object and is meant to cause tiring of the eyelids. It is also suggested that the subject have his point of vision directed upwards to the 10, 11 o’clock position as this causes further eye strain, and as is now known, helps shift the mind into an alpha state when combined with deep relaxed breathing.

When directed by a hypnotist, the hypnotist or co0mmonly called operator provides suggestions of eyes tiring, lowering the hand (if being used as the focal point of the subject), on the exhalation, in repeated steps until the subject’s eyes wish to remain closed. At this point the operator then resumes resumes with suggestions for relaxation.

Hypnotic Induction TechniqueType #2: Relaxation (or Fatigue of the Nervous System)
All progressive relaxation induction techniques, or fractional relaxation hypnotic techniques fit into this category, as well as guided imagery, and Ericksonian story-telling inductions requiring no physical response on the part of the client during the hypnotic induction process.

The hypnotic technique causes a fatigue of the nervous system, and as our beloved Milton Erickson put it “I bore them to death”, or preferably into hypnosis.

This hypnotic induction requires both client co-operation, and the artistic use of the hypnotist’s vocal inflection. The client simply follows the operator’s hypnotic suggestions to use her imagination, incorporating the release of tension from her body, or imagining herself in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, followed by hypnotic deepening suggestions.

It is useful to learn whether the client is visual, auditory, or kinesthetic the reader might have a look at our representational systems page), so that the initial vocabulary used allows for an easy transition into the relaxed state, which can then be built upon by gently blending the other perceptive doorways into the realm of escape, health, growth and knowing.

Hypnotic Induction TechniqueType #3: Mental Confusion
The use of confusion makes for a wonderful hypnotic technique and probably, my most personal favorite hypnotic technique. Accredited to the genius of Milton Erickson. I don’t believe there to be any record of a failure to induce hypnosis using this technique by an artist incorporating his observational and hypnotic skills.

This style of hypnotic induction can incorporates many different methods and can be accomplished with one or even two hypnotists. With two operators (hypnotists), the subject would have one operator on each side of himself providing language, as he focused his attention on what was said by both at the same time, listening to either different wordings, or the same words paced at different time intervals.

With a single operator a counting combined with the opening and closing of the eyes on odd and even numbers, accompanied by suggestion to easily forget, provided by the operator, is but one simple method of accomplishing the same thing.

Via metaphor the operator would request that specific attention to detail be paid to his dialogue, as he eventually accelerated going back and forth with his confusing story.

Similarly, with all the methods, eventually the conscious mind lapses, or hesitates, and finally gives in to the confusion and releases itself to the relaxing state of hypnosis. At this time, hypnotic suggestions to bypass the critical faculty are provided.

Hypnotic Induction Technique Type #4: Mental Misdirection
Mental misdirection is any technique incorporating a physical response as a result from something imagined.

A wonderful and quickly incorporated technique which is easily continued along with, after the success of a suggestibility test, simply by building on what the mind has already successfully been imagining and incorporating into the body. This is a time saver for the hypnotist.

Hypnotic Induction Technique Type #5: Loss of Equilibrium
This hypnotic techniques does not necessarily mean a total loss of equilibrium, but a growing desire for the altered state of consciousness gained by the focused attention of one’s body movement. The more profound the movement, the greater and deeper the altered state. Mothers often incorporate this by rocking their children to sleep.

The best example, and one that produces a complete loss of consciousness and body control would be "sex”. A couple that loses themselves in the rhythm of each other’s touch, eventually leading to complete release, allowing for explosive orgasms causing palpitations of the heart and bodily tremors. This is probably one of the most profound forms of altered states, because knowing that the subconscious controls all regulatory bodily functions, it seems to short circuit temporarily and wave its own white flag, giving into the wonderful sensations of shear orgasmic ecstasy.

Other forms of this state are noticed on amusement park rides, bungee jumping, dancing, sports, exercise, elevator rides, or any activity that causes a difference of bodily sensations.


Hypnotic Induction Technique Type #6: Shock to Nervous System
This technique is quite the quick system for inducing an altered state as can be demonstrated by accident victims, or a boxer that gets knocked flying by his opponent, “introducing the New World Heavyweight Champion, Hypno-Therapist, from the school fo giving you what you want easily ”.

This is a hypnotic technique that should be performed with caution as to not overly frighten your clients. Generally, the client is in a seated or standing position. The operator would be very close and often will have his hand on the subjects head rotating it slowly in circular motions. This produces a loss of equilibrium, at which point, quickly but with constraint, the operator pushes his subjects head quickly into his own shoulder and shouts into his subjects ear, "Sleep Now!!", also known as one of the speediest hypnotic inductions taking a mere thirty seconds, if that.

It should be further noted that with all types of hypnotic inductions used, the moment the critical activity of the conscious mind slows down, the operator gives the subject suggestions, that cause him to bypass the critical factor to achieve the hypnotic state. With this done, I then like to begin deepening and then testing to recognize the hypnotic depth level achieved.

Clients come in all different shapes and sizes with as many different personality types. Below is a listing as recommended by Havens and Walters in "Hypnotherapy Scripts" which by the way is a marvelous text, for choosing an induction type for your specific client based on the clients previous experience with trance, and personality.

Category I If your client has never experienced trance before and seems to be reasonably relaxed and cooperative, use a Basic Standard Hypnotic Induction.

Category II If your client is compulsive, rigid or highly controlled, use a Confusion Induction.

Category III If you client is agitated, fearful or distractible, use a Conversational Induction.

Category IV If your client is a bit anxious and the room is noisy, use a Naturalistic Induction.

Category V If your client has experienced hypnosis before and that experience was positive, use a Revivification Induction.

Category VI If your client has never experienced a formal hypnosis process, but can remember experiencing a trance-like state in some situation (e.g. jogging, meditating, driving), use a Simulation Induction.

Category VII If your client is looking for a demonstration of the power of hypnosis for reassurance, or proof that it can and will help, use an Arm Levitation or Eye Closure Ratification Induction.

Category VIII If your client is an experienced subject who is willing and able to enter trance easily, use a Brief Induction.

Category IX If your goal is to help the person learn how to use self hypnosis, use a Self Hypnosis Training Process.

Now for a brief description of a few favorite hypnotic inductions:

Hand Levitation Technique:
Hand levitation inductions along with all other forms of ideomotor techniques are based on fixating one’s attention upon inner experiential learnings and abilities, which at the same time is also the preferred method of choice used by the Ericksonian Hypnotherapist in order to help others overcome life challenges.

When using hand levitation as an induction technique the operator will use wording which describes what is desired such as “rise up, … lift …” along with, and in time to his subject’s own physiological rhythm providing a natural feel for what is suggested.

At the same time, questions might be added to peak a subject’s interest and motivation in the operator’s guided direction. The questions asked would not contradict the desired movement, but simply imply that there will be movement of some type, and that it is up to the subject to notice what it might be. By maintaining one’s directed language in such a fashion, the subject will naturally focus his/her attention inwardly, and so long as things continue in this described manner, gradually the so described trance behavior will manifest.

Examples of the above description to initiate an induction via hand levitation are as follows:
As you breathe in, you might feel a lightness in one hand, or the other … possibly both. You might even question … which one will lift first … (the word lift is timed to be spoken during the subject’s inhalation in order to take advantage of the naturally light sensations during this period) will it be the right hand, or the left hand … (here, there are no questions as to whether the hands will lift or not, but simply a question implying that one hand will lift first, maybe even both).
(At all times during this type of hypnotic induction the operator must remain observant of all possible movements and differences in his subject, in order to convey approval when the desired response occurs).
… lifting … lifting … that’s right … and you might wonder if your hand will touch your face, or will your face touch your hand … (such language can also be used in order to cause a slight confusion which directs the subject further inwards to wonder) slowly … lighter and lighter … that’s right … very good …

Naturalistic Hypnotic Techniques:
The naturalistic approach to the induction of trance, also known as the utilization approach, is based upon the utilization of the subject’s own unique personality and behavior. In so doing, the subject’s attention is fixated upon some aspect of her own personality and/or behavior in a manner that facilitates trance. The subject’s regular conscious thoughts and behaviors are depotentiated while unconscious searches, and processes are initiated in a direction suitable to the situation.

The process of inducing hypnosis and providing therapy via the naturalistic approach is one in which forms of indirect suggestion are primarily used.
Secondly, the patients behavior and frames of reference are to be accepted, which helps create rapport, and facilitates a corresponding acceptance of the hypnotherapist in turn.
Thirdly, the hypnotist’s job is only to create a favorable situation in order to develop trance, which is dependent upon internal processes, so the hypnotist’s role is to be constantly minimized while the subject’s is amplified.
By following the above recommendations, whatever the patient’s behavior, or state of mind, it becomes an aid rather than a hindrance to the facilitation of trance and therapy.

Pantomime Hypnotic Techniques:
A pantomime or non-verbal hypnotic technique's are really no different than any other technique in that it is a communication of sorts without the spoken language.

In general, when using pantomime, Milton Erickson would cause a state of confusion within the client’s mental set via the interruption, and augmentation of a known familiar pattern.

Erickson’s most famous hypnotic induction, the handshake induction, is an excellent example of the abrupt interruption of an expected pattern, altered in such a fashion via physical, visual, or a combination of new yet valid experiences. With the mind set on a search for validity and completion to the set forth pattern, a motion to relax, and enter trance is provided.

As discovered long ago, very little of our verbal communication is really heard by the listener, but our tonalities and physical orientation are greatly interpreted for meaning.

I would suggest that this indicates an unconsciously directed effort towards understanding, since consciously we listen for the words spoken, yet it is the unconscious learnings that provide whatever we feed back. In essence, I would tend to gather that a non-verbal hypnotic induction such as Erickson’s handshake induction technique is far more powerful, because it utilizes one’s unconscious process from the very start, and being unconscious, it is out of the subject’s scope of awareness and control.

As a final note, there are certain physical communications amongst humans that are considered universal in form, the noticing of patterns, and utilization of those patterns makes communication, trance inductions, and therapy universal amongst the world’s population.

Indirect inductions:
The nature of inducing the hypnotic state is based upon the focusing of attention on one thing, idea, or concept. When speaking of indirect inductions, there are many avenues that can be considered, but the primary focus is on preventing the realization of the oncoming trance within the subject. The handshake induction, or pantomime technique, is one of Milton Erickson’s primary examples of indirect hypnotic induction, in which a pattern interrupt is used. The “My friend John” techniques in which the subject is asked to imagine a subject being hypnotized as the operator commences and continues the imaginary, yet fully realistic procedure of inducing a deep trance on an imaginary subject is yet another. Just as easily, one can induce an indirect hypnotic induction by asking someone to focus upon some memory of great interest to him, or her.

With all of these methods, the one common denominator is the focusing upon the one thought of interest, while the sensation is somehow intensified within this internal focus of attention.

Triple Response Induction:
The Triple Response Induction, is one I enjoy using often and have found very efficient. Each step is fed from the previous one, similar to that of building a “yes set” pattern, or producing the hypnotic phenomenon of anesthesia, as such;
begin with relaxation of the arm as hypnotic suggestions are provided for numbness, then transfer the numbness elsewhere, 1, 2, 3 and boom the person is ready to be needled.

As for an advantage to the Triple Response Induction, it is twofold. Firstly, it is quick, the induction can be performed in about two minutes or less. Secondly, one success leading into another builds further expectation, which often results in success.


Milton H. Erickson's most frequently used hypnotic induction structures:
Milton Erickson most often used revivication, pacing current experience, and conscious – unconscious dissociation techniques to induce hypnosis. These three methods of inducing hypnosis are described here below.

Revivication Induction:
Revivication, is the process of having one’s subject go inside to access a memory, or a number of memories. The process occurs when asking questions, or a metaphor is provided. As a person accesses his or her memory to provide a response or simply listen and think, the greater the detail requested the deeper the person has to go in order to access the memory. Providing generally ambiguous, yet seemingly direct language has a similar effect which allows a person to relive their own memories.
One of the best way to bring about revivication is as follows:
- Establish rapport.
- Ask general questions directed at pleasant and or resourceful experience the person might have had.
- Once a resourceful state is found, ask meta-model question to gather detail, and deepen the revivified experience. The questions should be contextual using language such as “when, where, what, with whom”, etc.
- Once the person seems to be in the experience, one’s language should change to the present tense, using links such as “and, as, while” in order to have the person relive the experience as he, or she once did, so that positive resource anchors can be established for future use.

Pacing Current Experience:
Also termed “utilization”, pacing current experience is probably the most useful, and only way of initially gaining rapport. By beginning with whatever one’s subject is presenting, we immediately show empathy along with understanding, and we are able to simply carry on the trance cycle which the client has already achieved. The subjective trance is best utilized by pacing his/her current sensory experience via the use of ambiguity along with presuppositions of awareness.

The general process is one that goes from pacing the person’s current experience, to eventually leading them to a desired state. Anchors can, and are often used in order to provide resources or simply to enhance an experience.

Conscious-Unconscious Dissociation:
Unconscious Dissociation: In order to create this conscious – unconscious dissociations, one must provide language giving his subject an association to that of two minds, the conscious mind, which they are somewhat familiar with due to everyday reasoning, and the unconscious mind, which is responsible for everything they are unaware of. Milton Erickson always used this split of one’s mind in order to create the state of hypnosis simply by stating that he wasn’t interested in talking to the person’s conscious mind, but preferred to speak to her unconscious mind. He would then put frames around each mind by attributing functions of the conscious mind, and functions of the unconscious mind, which would create an altered state, and then by simply by pacing the person’s sensory based unconscious experiences, a deep trance would be created.

All of these methods of hypnotic inductions listed above often are, and should all be woven together to produce hypnosis. The only question is with which, and where, to begin. Where to begin is generally associated with the state of one’s subject. If the person seems to be in a stable type of state, once rapport is established, revivication is a good place to start in order to attain, and anchor useful resources. From this point, one can begin a formal hypnotic induction, or simply deepen a trance that has already begun using conscious – unconscious dissociation while pacing the subject’s current sensory based experience.

If someone arrives seemingly distraught, I would begin by pacing the person’s current experience, then gently weaving in language to dissociate the conscious, and unconscious, leading into a revivication of pleasant life experience to gather, and establish resourceful anchors. Once all this is done, I would continue to the troublesome area, and begin adding resources, or whatever the person might require.

Hypnotic Inductions - Only $24.95
In this series you get two inductions along with their respective scripts and complete explanations of how to proceed and what to look for. The inductions provided are the classic Dave Elman type which I configured as described in this website, as well as a Progressive relaxation induction. Both inductions are recorded upon a background of soft hypnotic music which continues for about twenty minutes before ending so that you can even use them as your own personal induction for personal trancework when desired.

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Dr. Frank Valente Ph.D.(c)
Hypnotic Advancements
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