When thinking about using scripts for hypnosis, the 5 steps of hypnosis are considered. These steps are often necessary for the inexperienced hypnotist and especially for beginning self-hypnosis.
As one becomes more experienced, one or more of the steps can be eliminated until a trance can be completed almost instantly and at will.
There are two main trends in hypnotherapy with two people associated with them. The traditional or direct method that incorporates the 5 steps of hypnosis was widely used by Dave Elman (1900-1967). His influence is still popular today.
Milton Erickson (1909-1980) created a style using indirect techniques without the formal structure found in Elman’s direct hypnosis. Erickson had an exceptional ability to use nonverbal cues from the patient’s behavior to analyze his clients.
Since most people lack this ability, certainly in the beginning, the direct method that uses the five different steps is recommended.
Step One – PREPARATION
o A relationship must be established with the patient regardless of the style used.
o Discover the patient’s language pattern so that you can communicate effectively.
o Casually discovering the patient’s background and history.
o Identify the problem perceived by the patient and its cause.
o Distinguish what the patient believes and what is the reality when trying to diagnose the problem.
o Make the patient comfortable with hypnosis and discuss their beliefs while rejecting misconceptions.
o Show the patient that he is a good subject using suggestibility hypnotic procedures without performing an induction.
o Continue to build rapport and move smoothly to the next stage.
Step Two: DEEP RELAXATION The goal here is to get the patient to relax while moving into a trance state. Focusing on moving from shallow to deep breathing is a good start.
Then using a progressive relaxation method is next. A common way is to start with the foot and work your way up the body asking the patient to feel each part of the body relax as they go.
As the eyes transition from a focused to an unfocused state and the pupils dilate, the suggestion of closing the eyes should be tried. While this isn’t absolutely necessary, it usually helps.
Step Three: DEEPERING PROCEDURE The goal of this stage is to avoid distractions, to focus the patient, and to remove any conscious obstacles so that the patient can accept the suggestions of the unconscious mind.
The patient is asked to go deeper and deeper into the trance. Most believe in three trance depths with the first two generally used and the third rarely used.
One method is to ask the patient to think of a very quiet place which is then placed at the bottom of the stairs or in a basement. The patient is then lowered down the steps, one by one, and breathes deeply as the trance deepens with each step until he reaches his favorite place.
Step Four – APPLYING SUGGESTIONS This is where the conscious mind is totally relaxed and the subconscious is ready to accept information.
Suggestions for altering or changing thinking and behavior are now introduced.
Step Five: TERMINATION This is where the patient comes out of trance and full control is returned to the patient who has returned to consciousness.
Continued reporting and reinforcement of trance suggestions should be addressed emphasizing total trust in the patient and the success of the suggestions.
Remember, if a successful hypnotic experience is to be achieved, rapport must be developed and therapy and suggestions individually tailored. All communication is done in the patient’s language while progressing through the five steps.
