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I’m Not an Evil Hypnotist
When I mention I do hypnosis, I often get the ‘Are you an evil hypnotist? Will you make me eat onions and cluck like a chicken?’-type comments. Sometimes, I say yes for fun… For me, hypnotherapy is to stage hypnosis – as ballet is to lap dancing. Distantly related but meant for a different crowd and purpose.
Given the mystery that surrounds hypnosis, I thought a glimpse behind the scenes from a therapist’s perspective could demystify the process.
This is part of a transcript from a video I created for new trainees at the UK Hypnosis Academy, where my professional journey began. The stages described here represent a typical session, though actual sessions can vary in their steps.
The Hypnosis Cycle
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1. Pre-Talk
The foundation of any successful hypnosis session is the initial conversation. This initial conversation is crucial, establishing exactly what you want to achieve and setting the stage for a targeted and effective session. It lays the foundation for what’s to come.
2. Induction
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This is where we guide you into hypnosis, using methods tailored to your individual needs. It could be a gentle, progressive muscle relaxation, a ritual induction, or even a swift ‘shock’ induction.
3. Deepener
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This is when you experience cool physiological effects and ‘hypnotic phenomena’, and enter a deeper trance state. This phase reinforces your confidence in the power of hypnosis.
4. Suggestion
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Now, we get to the heart of the session. This is where transformative work happens – reducing fears, anxieties and negative habits, and increasing confidence, calmness, focus and more. Suggestions are crafted to empower and create positive changes in your life.
5. Emergence
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You are gently brought back to full awareness, ensuring you keep the wonderful feelings of hypnosis and positive changes with you. This is paced differently for each individual, but it always ends with you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
This cycle isn’t just a set of steps; it’s a therapeutic combination of precise tools, skills, and careful language choice – not reading from a script, but a dynamic two-way process that creates magically speedy change.