Some of these indications are physiological responses in hypnosis, that cannot be easily faked. Such as lacrimation (tearing of the eyes) and a pink tinge to the whites of the eyes. Certain hypnotic tests can also establish the real trance subjects from those trying to fool you.
There are many standard hypnosis suggestibility or concentration tests and a few lesser known methods to establish hypnotizability. There are also a few lesser known tests that one can use to establish if the client/subject is in somnambulism (deep hypnosis), in addition to the different phenomena, usually associated with different levels of trance. ie eye lock, amnesia, hallucinations, anesthesia etc.
Ironically the process of pretending to be hypnotized, invariably ends up in actual trance. Its a method of induction used on those who despite a pre talk remain a little apprehensive.
Whenever you see the subject complying with your suggestions and or exhibiting signs of hypnosis, say ‘that’s right’ to reinforce the trance experience of the subject. They then feel confident that they are doing well and as a result go deeper into trance and become more suggestible.
Some examples of trance being:
Breathing rate slows down
They may swallow less
Their eyes may appear glazed
A slight wetness to the eye. Lacrimation.
A softening of the facial muscles
A Pink tinge to the whites of the eyes
Fluttering of the eyelids
Rapid eye movement
Eyes rolled back under the eyelids
Visible relaxation of parts of the body.
Change in skin coloration.
Unconscious movements
Less physical movement
Catalepsy (Unable to move a muscle that is rigid)
On Coming Out Of Trance
They may appear drowsy
Feel a heaviness or lightness of their body.
They may be disorientated
Give you feedback; such as I was so relaxed I didn’t want to move. I felt like I was floating etc.
Time distortion
Amnesia (unable to recall)
These indications can vary from subject to subject, in that they may be obvious or very subtle. Calibrate to their normal physiology and you will be more able to recognize differences as they occur.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the above and I am happy to report that I have observed many of the above indications of being in a trance state. However I am having trance issues with some clients who are not going down into what I consider a decent state of hypnosis and who invariably say at the conclusion that they did not feel “hypnostised”, but worse yet have obviously not accepted the suggestions and consequently do not experience change.
I usually detect the fact that they are not in deep trance by their breathing, movement, how quickly they respond to questions (fast finger movement), a subtle sense of agitation, eye movement.
So my question is if I have not built enough rapport during pre-talk, have not addressed any concerns of fears, have not adequately explained the hypnotic process is it possible to move a resistant person deeper into trance or is it better to stop, address the issue and then start again?
Thanks.
Hi Peter
Indicators of trance are a helpful guide and your methods are great. Disguised techniques can tell you when they are in somnambulism. Try fractionation to deepen them into greater suggestibility.
I tend to test early on for resistance and make it clear what I am going to do and what I expect from them. Don’t be afraid to stop the session and explain matters once more and start again. You are the hypnotist and your intent is paramount.
Change techniques without them knowing and never tell them they are doing it wrong. Tell them at the start what to expect with a good pre talk and improve your rapport skills if you feel you need to. Without seeing and hearing what you do, I can’t really comment about these parts.
If they don’t believe they are hypnotised then most of your suggestions are not being accepted by the sub C. Use convincers at the beginning and during hypnosis to convince them that they can be and have been hypnotised.
Kind regards
Nigel