Hypnosis Techniques

To make the following information easier to explain, I will separate hypnosis techniques into two large groups. First are passive techniques and second are active techniques.

Passive Hypnosis Techniques

Passive techniques are most often thought of as 'clinical hypnosis'. Ericksonian hypnosis and it's branches, such as the now popular neuro-linguistic programming. This style will be referred to as suggestion based hypnosis. After attaining sufficient hypnotic depth, suggestions are given in the form of scripts using metaphor and symbolism.

"Passive" Hypnosis Techniques

Passive hypnosis techniques are commonly attributed to Milton Erickson. His modality uses a 'story telling' approach. It is said this allows the subconscious to learn what it is willing to learn from the use of metaphor in the story. This is accomplished over several sessions.

Erickson was a psychiatrist. These credentials allowed for his methods to be more palatable to the established medical community. This acceptance led the way for Ericksonian hypnosis to be the most popular method.

Ericksonian techniques make use of a progressive relaxation hypnotic induction. This induction is lengthy and has a tendency to be ineffective for a significant number of people.

I believe this is the reason for the common misconception that "not every one is hypnotizable". It is more accurate to say "not everyone is hypnotizable using progressive relaxation".

Active Hypnosis Techniques

Active techniques are commonly thought of as Elman techniques. After quickly attaining sufficient hypnotic depth, the client actively participates in the process. Suggestions are used for reinforcing the results of active techniques.

"Active" Hypnosis Techniques

Modern active techniques are commonly attributed to Dave Elman. Dave Elman's techniques use a more rapid and focused approach to hypnosis.

Elman taught hypnosis to medical doctors and dentists for pain reduction and emotionally based issues (stutters, allergies, and obesity) . Very often creating notable improvement with the issue in one session.

Elman's techniques make use of a rapid induction (Elman induction). This method has shown itself to be more consistently effective for people when compared to progressive relaxation.

Behavior Balance

Using the previous ice cream craving (emotional association) behavior: a person that has effortless control may be described as having behavior balance. They can like ice cream and have a small inclination for it. But this 'craving' is balanced by an equal desire to be healthy. There is no overwhelming urge. They have the ability to make a simple decision based on their current situation.

Out of Control

In contrast, someone who has a larger craving to eat ice cream and a small desire to be healthy will feel out of control. They will experience a craving, compulsion, or urge to have the ice cream.

Passive Hypnosis Balance

Passive hypnosis works against current established behaviors. This will have a varied effect depending on how strong the current behaviors are. In too many cases, this will create an artificial sense of behavior control. It can create a sense of boosted intention and possibly reduced craving. Since the behaviors are still in place, this is often a short term change. Smoking cessation clients may not pick-up smoking again, but they may replace it with food. Given a strong enough stressor, the smoker has a high potential to start smoking again.

Active Hypnosis Balance

Active hypnosis techniques address the currently held behaviors specifically. After these behaviors are reduced and/or 'released', active techniques are used to create balance. Passive hypnosis can then be used to reinforce the work done.

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