The Hypnotic Trance

The Society of Psychological Hypnosis, a division of

the American Psychological Association, defines hypnosis as
“a procedure during which a health professional or
researcher suggests that a client, patient, or subject
experience changes in sensations, perceptions, thoughts, or
behavior. The hypnotic context is generally established by
an induction procedure. Although there are many different
hypnotic inductions, most include suggestions for
relaxation, calmness, and well-being.”
This rather clinical, boring description is actually
quite exciting when you unpack it. Imagine the power to
change what someone thinks or how they behave? Almost
anyone is excited by the idea of hypnosis. It sounds fun –
and once they are interested in playing along, they have
given you a very unusual opportunity: a willingness to let
you influence them: their sensations, perceptions, thoughts
or behavior.
Hypnosis begins with an induction procedure where a
subject is lulled into a trance, a state of heightened
mental alertness. The subject limits all physical movement
and becomes especially susceptible to suggestion. This is
accomplished by gradually stripping the subject of the use
of their senses. First, the sense of sight is lost as the
subject is requested to close their eyes. Then the body is
commanded to rest immobile; after a little while it is not
uncommon for the subject to lose complete awareness of
their body. While most of the senses are neutralized
throughout the process, the sense of hearing actually is