Pacing & Leading

In order to successfully induce a hypnotic trance state, the first thing a hypnotherapist must do is establish rapport with the client. One way of establishing rapport is through pacing the client’s representational systems through the use of appropriate predicates. Pacing the client’s representational system will provide the client with a feeling of being understood, as well as establishing a "yes set" which tends to increase the relationship of trust with the hypnotherapist. After pacing, the hypnotherapist may lead the client into a different representational system, using overlap techniques to expand and enrich the client’s experience.
For these reasons it is good practice for the hypnotherapist to be well versed in the different languages of each representational system (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) in order to pace and lead different clients in the trance process.

One can also utilize nonverbal pacing and leading through mirroring and matching the client’s behavioral output i.e. mirroring or matching the rate of breathing, facial or postural expressions.

You can also use cross-behavioral mirroring which would utilize the same pattern and rhythm, but a different behavioral channel – for example a rate of breathing could be matched by lightly tapping one’s foot, or a rhythmic swaying of the body could be matched with the movement of the hand, etc.

There are primarily three communication variables that may require adjustment during the session:
(1) general demeanor – the main point being that the hypnotherapist needs to be relaxed but focused while utilizing pacing and leading techniques;

(2) level of directness – the pacing and leading may be more subtle in order to bypass conscious processes, without being too direct so that the client is not aware of pacing and leading either consciously or unconsciously;

(3) the leading communication should be preceded by and interspersed with sufficient pacing, and consistent with the client’s present experience, as well as his or her values, beliefs, capabilities, etc.

As mentioned, pacing is used for many reasons, but primarily to produce a “yes set”, or acknowledgement from the client, in order to lead the client towards a hypnotic trance. This is accomplished by the hypnotist’s ability to make acute visual, auditory, and physical distinctions of the clients on going experience, and feeding back his observations in such a manner which, is accepted by the client as true to her experience. At any time a clients referential index can be redirected in order to receive an acknowledgement. For example;

….at this moment…you are breathing in…and out…and you are reading…these notes…

In this example, first the reader is directed towards his/her own breathing, an acknowledgeable reference, and then directed towards a second observable direct reference, the reading of the words upon the page. This can also be described as an accurate description of the readers observable experience.
By accurately pacing your subjects referential index, you can then begin to lead your client into trance.

Once the Ericksonian hypnotists verbalizations are acknowledged, he will then link the mentioned statements to those which elicit a desired behavior within the subject.
There are three types of desired linkage systems:
1) Simple Conjunctions; - you are breathing in…and out…reading these words…and yearning…to learn more…
( this is the weakest type of link. – and )
2) Implied Causative; - as you are…breathing in…and out…reading these words…you will continue reading…learning more…and more…
( the next strongest link – you will )
3) Cause/Effect; - breathing in…and out…reading these words…will make you …relax more…and more…
( this is considered the strongest form of linkage, words using causality)

Erickson employed the use of Implied Causative, and Cause-Effect in his work, because people accept these as natural principals in organizing their experience.

When pacing non-observable experiences, the use of vague and ambiguous terminology which sounds quite specific is used. Phrases designed as such will have no specific referential index to match the subjects experience, in turn often causing deeper trances, because it forces the listener inside to pick out an unspecified, yet directed meaning to what is spoken.
Example: …as you read the words upon this page…you might remember certain thoughts…and continue to wonder…as you become aware…of pleasant memories…way back then…even now…you can…have a sense…of what comes next….

email: dr_frank@hypnoticadvancements.com

Mailing address:
Dr. Frank Valente Ph.D.(c)
Hypnotic Advancements
3126 McCarthy Court
Mississauga , ON
Canada L4Y-3Z5

© 2004, Dr. Frank Valente Ph.D.(c)

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