How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Collaboration

Techniques > Hypnotism > Principles > Collaboration

Principle | Practice | Discussion | See also

Principle

If the subject is ready and willing, then hypnosis will be a lot easier.

Practice

Early on, get a sense of whether the subject is anxious about being hypnotised. Watch for Body Language signs of tension. Be careful about saying things that may increase anxiety.

You can start by eliciting and dispelling any initial fears, then eliminating negative thoughts. Frame trance as an enjoyable experience. Tell stories of hypnotic success. Build their confidence and trust in your ability.

Are you ready to have fun? Do you want to relax and be happy? Sometimes you're just got to let go and enjoy! 

Get their collaborative assistance in the process. Get feedback to let you (and them!) know if things are working. Ask what they are feeling. You can of course use leading questions to create the situation you need.

Can you feel you arm getting lighter? Yes? Is it ready to start moving now?  

Discussion

In therapeutic situations, the subject may have a dysfunctional degree of comfort with their condition and may subconsciously run away from treatment. Getting collaboration may require getting the collaboration of the conscious mind and may need some distractive methods to improve effective collaboration. 

Collaboration is important in stage hypnosis where the person may not even enter any trance state but just go along with the fun, even using the situation for a bit of exhibitionism.

See also

Confidence, Trust, Questioning techniques