Advancing hypnotic inductions: An Ericksonian perspective

ABSTRACT Hypnotic induction is a requisite step before starting hypnotherapy, but its role is often underappreciated. In traditional hypnosis, the induction is the means to get the person into trance; it is frequently scripted and does not have direct relationship to the hypnotherapy to follow. In contradistinction, Milton Erickson strategically coordinated induction with hypnotherapy. We first review the functions of informative and evocative communication. We define hypnosis as an interpersonal state. During induction, the hypnotherapist encourages responsiveness to implied meaning which paves the way for therapeutic utilization. Induction is a context for offering therapeutic suggestions. Components of induction are reviewed – focusing attention, altering intensity, dissociation, and building responsiveness. The hypnotherapist’s “palette” of evocative tools to elicit hypnotic responsiveness include gestures, posture, proximity, tone and tempo of voice, and unusual forms of grammar. Additional ways to increase therapeutic impact include precision and modulation of tension and the density of communication.