In a Manner of Speaking

(This blog was originally posted on May 1, 2015)

Photo courtesy of Microsoft

                The voice is one of the most important tools that are used during a hypnotherapy session. The words that a hypnotist uses in the hypnotic script are important in terms of conveying which behaviors the client is changing or replacing, and how or when this is being done. However, the subconscious mind also perceives and processes a lot of this information through the delivery of this script—in other words, the way these words are expressed and communicated. Since the SCM does not know the difference between fantasy and reality, it is imperative that the hypnotic script expresses what the client means, and means what the person says he or she wants to achieve through this therapy.

• ·         Choice of words: I specifically create each hypnotic script for every one of my clients. Most of this material comes from the key words or phrases that the person uses to describe his or her emotions, motivations or desires to change an unwanted behavior. Then, I tailor the suggestion to reflect the client’s emotional or physical suggestibility (how the person learns) to facilitate his or her subconscious mind’s ability to process and integrate this information. For more information about how I create the hypnotic script, please visit my blog titled, The Hypnotic Script.

• ·         Tempo/rhythm: Sometimes I alternately increase and decrease the tempo or rhythm of my speech to emphasize different aspects of the hypnotic suggestion. In hypnosis, the subconscious mind is particularly aware of these differences in my speech and will process these subtle (or not-so-subtle) inflections as a reinforcement of the hypnotic suggestion.

• ·         Timbre and tone: I will also vary the timbre or tone of my voice in relation to the content of the hypnotic suggestion that I am giving to the client. For example, I typically use a maternal or soft tone when I facilitate a “special place” guided-imagery journey for my client. However, I will use a paternal or more forceful tone when I help a client work through negative emotions or associations through the arm-rigidity suggestion.

During hypnosis, the subconscious mind is even more sensitive to and aware of subtle changes in the environment than it is during an alert, wide-awake state of conscious awareness. Consequently, the client will know the difference between the “normal” speaking voice that the hypnotherapist uses during the cognitive portion of the session and an artificial, pseudo-European accent he or she puts on to do hypnosis. The therapist does not need to exaggerate any aspect of his or her voice to hypnotize someone. However, these kinds of affectations could sabotage client-therapist rapport if the person perceives that the hypnotherapist is being disingenuous because his or her speech during hypnosis is suddenly, radically different from the rest of the session.

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® and to set up an appointment, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.

© 2015