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| Photo courtesy of Microsoft Contrary to popular belief, swinging a pocket-watch in front of someone is not used to induce the hypnotic state anymore. |
Contrary to
popular myth, swinging a pocket-watch in front of someone to induce the
hypnotic state is rarely if ever used in the Twenty-first Century. One of the
most effective ways to induce hypnosis is the arm raise. According to Hypnosis
Motivation Institute (www.hypnosis.edu) founder John Kappas, Ph.D., this powerful technique is designed
to help people reach a very deep level of hypnosis at the first consultation. However,
it is not generally used at subsequent hypnotherapy appointments and it is not
practical or even possible to use this induction with some clients. The
arm-raising technique is also not used with young children, people who have a very
short attention span or those who have a physical injury that prevents or
limits arm movement.
Following is a
list of hypnotic aids (hypno-aids) that may be used to induce hypnosis for
these clients and people who have pre-conceived beliefs about hypnosis by attracting
their attention and lengthening their attention span to enter hypnosis.
·
Air machine. This device produces the lulling sound
of an ocean breeze or white noise to lull a client and can facilitate a
progressive relaxation.
· Crystal ball or crystal pendant for
eye-fascination. This is a secondary-induction technique for adults or a
primary-induction technique for young children.
·
Penlight. This is an eye-fascination tool.
·
Hypno-disk. This eye-fascination tool is composed
of a rotating disc designed to relax you and deepen the hypnotic state.
·
Metronome set at 60 beats per minute. This tool
is especially effective to use with people who have a primarily auditory
representational system (i.e., learn and express themselves most effectively
through listening and speech).
·
Strobe light. I do not use this device because the
flashing light can induce seizures in people who have epilepsy.
Sara
R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist based in Southern
California. She graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation
Institute in 2005. For more information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy®, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.
