by Mark Tyrrell
3 tips you can use to help your new client get the most from hypnosis
"Am I doing this right? I can still hear him. For that matter, I can still hear the cars outside. My ear itches. Should I be thinking this much? This isn't what I was expecting!"
A client's first encounter with hypnotherapy can raise all manner of questions. They might have seen a hypnosis stage show or a film featuring hypnosis and come into their first session with any number of misconceptions regarding what they 'should' be doing, feeling, experiencing. When there's a disparity between those expectations and the actual experience, they can begin to wonder if they're 'doing it right'.
Of course, hypnosis doesn't have to be a state of complete detachment from the outside world, though it can be; and certainly we all reach this state when we dream. However, clinical hypnotherapy encourages more of a 'split' awareness, where the client's conscious mind stays active – in parallel with the unconscious – and contributes beneficially to the therapy. This can surprise – even unsettle – clients familiar with Hollywood depictions of hypnotized subjects dropped into a coma-like state.
So how can you help them relax with this uncertainty and get the most from their first session?
1) Explain what they can expect during hypnosis
Start by reassuring them and explaining what exactly hypnosis is. You might talk about how therapeutic hypnosis differs from the entertainment industry's presentation of hypnosis. Or outline the differences between hypnosis and deep, slow-wave sleep; as well as the similarities it shares with REM or dream sleep. Let them know that hypnosis happens naturally, and often during times of full alertness – as when a runner or public speaker goes 'into flow' or enters 'the zone'. As they think about this, your client may find themselves naturally relaxing around their expectations of what hypnosis is supposed to be like, starting them off well on their way to experiencing hypnosis.
And of course, not everyone has the same experience. So...
2) Let them know it's okay to 'do hypnosis' however they do
Different clients experience varying thoughts and physical sensations during hypnosis, all of which can still be part of the hypnotic experience. Explaining this to your first-time client is one very good way to pre-empt any bothersome doubts about whether it's happening as it's 'supposed' to. Part of the reason permissive hypnotic language tends to be more effective than more 'old school', directive approaches is right there in the name – such language gives the client permission to go into trance in whatever way is right for them.
For example:
And you may find as you drift into hypnosis...that you'll feel a tingling in your fingertips... or those hands may feel warmer or heavier or lighter as you feel yourself relaxing deeper... that's it... and it really doesn't matter... sometimes you may be completely aware of every word I'm saying... and sometimes your conscious mind can drift off, forgetting to pay close attention...
And it really doesn't matter... if your conscious mind thinks about what I'm saying... or forgets to pay attention... or even questions my words... because... another part of you can engage in this experience...
Using the phrase "it really doesn't matter" in effect gives permission for the client to criticize or analyze the process, making any criticism or analysis that does happen less distracting. In essence, you're telling them, "It's okay. You don't have to worry about 'how you're doing'."
This can be particularly helpful with any clients who are or seem naturally more analytical and logical day-to-day, especially if that analytical side seems like it might 'get in the way' of the client enjoying and benefiting from a spontaneous, relaxing hypnotherapy session.
And we can take it a step beyond permission – to encouragement.
3) Encourage hypnotic responses
When you give someone permission ahead of time, it can short-circuit any tension wrapped up in the event. Telling someone that it's okay to blush during a public speaking engagement can often prevent the blushing altogether. The worry around the possibility of blushing (which often serves to cause a red face) is disarmed, waylaying the blush itself.
Instead of trying to 'fight' a client who gets giggly or overly analytical during a session, I might encourage the response as a way for them to enter hypnosis. If I suggest they giggle more, we're now working together. This frees them up to use their analytical conscious mind or giggling as a vehicle to enter trance, or they might abandon the response altogether (during the session) since it's no longer 'forbidden'.
To summarize, you can reassure first-time hypnosis clients by:
• Explaining what to expect; that hypnosis has an ebb and flow of consciousness and isn't a 'blackout' of conscious awareness.
• Giving permission for them to experience hypnosis 'their way'.
• Encouraging their response. Suggest that they can giggle or analyze even more, and they might decide just not to bother.
Mark Tyrrell is Creative Director of Uncommon Knowledge. He publishes articles like this one every 2 weeks - you can get these free from www.unk.com/news.
Posted: 07/08/2010
