A common mistake many poorly trained hypnotists make is ‘skipping’ steps that help ensure a positive result. It is important to:
1. Do a good history and assessment of the issues to be worked on.
2. Do a clear “Pre-talk” – explaining what hypnosis really is and clearing up misconceptions.
3. Do “suggestibility tests” – this helps not only identify who is a good subject but helps get to know your client so that you know the best approach to take, especially for the “Induction” phase.
a. Key elements you can determine from the suggestibility tests are whether someone responds best to a “permissive” or “authoritative” approach, whether they have a good ability to concentrate and a good imagination.
b. You can still do hypnosis if someone can’t concentrate or “imagine things” but you will need a specific type of approach that will work for that person.
4. Include some “convincers” in the session so the person realizes that they were hypnotized.
What’s the problem with missing these steps? You may not be able to help the person accept helpful suggestions. In addition, if a person does not realize that they were hypnotized, they will tend to also reject the suggestions.