Removing psychological barriers

The following pre-hypnosis discussion with your subject is designed to take away any fears he or she might have about being hypnotized and losing control. It also puts the experience in the familiar context of ordinary sleep.

Begin the session by informally explaining to your subject that there is no need to fear hypnosis. Explain it’s a completely harmless and enjoyable experience that will leave your subject feeling relaxed and at ease. Say being hypnotized feels no different than dozing off on the couch.

Ask your subject, “Are you willing to be hypnotized? This establishes consent.

Some subjects believe they will be difficult to hypnotize because they have strong will power. Tell them this is a complete misconception. Explain that people who are more intelligent, more creative or stronger-willed, actually make the best hypnotic subjects– since their powers of concentration are better than those of the average person. It’s people who lack self control or are unable to focus on an idea who are the most difficult to hypnotize.