Let’s explore this fascinating hypnotic technique. Firstly, what is hypnotic induction? It’s a process used to guide someone into a state of hypnosis.
Let’s travel back in time to 1929 when the legendary hypnotist Milton Erickson wowed the crowd with his hand levitation induction at the Clark Hull Seminar. This induction involved guiding the subject’s hand to rise up using direct suggestion. It certainly made a lasting impression but also required complex instructions from the hypnotist.
Let’s look at some different types:
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
This technique involves guiding the client through the relaxation of different muscle groups. The therapist suggests relaxation for each group, focusing on them one at a time. You might hear the hypnotherapist say, “as a wave of relaxation travels down the back of your neck, the muscles relax and soften, as the wave travels down each arm……”