Understanding Hypnosis: Types, Techniques & Ethical Considerations

Hypnosis has long been used to treat illnesses and help people overcome addictions and other challenges. It is also offered as entertainment. There are two types: permissible hypnosis and covert hypnosis. When someone knowingly enters into a hypnotic state or trance, this is known as permissible hypnosis. When a person is tricked into being hypnotized, this is known as covert hypnosis. Hypnotizing someone can be done in a number of ways, depending on the person and the situation.

Instructions

Handshake Induction Hypnosis

• 1

  Approach a person to shake hands. As you grab his hand, pull back your fingers slowly and caress his palm.

• 2

  Ask an innocuous question or make a statement. This, combined with the touch, should confuse him, throwing him a bit off-guard.

• 3

  Glide your fingers down and grab hold of his wrist. Massage his palm gently with the same hand.

• 4

  State a suggestion or command. Once the person seems to agree with it--or answers positively to your suggestion--release his wrist.

Progressive Relaxation Technique

• 5

  Ask your subject to sit or lie down in a comfortable and relaxed position.

• 6

  Speak in a soothing, soft voice. Tell her to take a deep breath and as she lets it out, instruct her to allow her eyes to close.

• 7

  Tell her to get in touch with specific body parts. As you name a body part, tell her to relax it, allowing it to completely melt. Go through all the major body parts. She will be so relaxed afterward, she'll be in a hypnotic state. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

• 8

  Ask or direct her to do whatever you like, or help her get what she requested.