(This blog was originally posted on July 23, 2014)
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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.
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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 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 preconceived 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/.
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