There has been a lot of talk about Conversational Hypnosis lately. A person unfamiliar with the intricacies of hypnosis might think that all styles of hypnosis are the same. Whilst the principles of hypnosis stand firm, here are 4 things that you may not know about Conversational Hypnosis and the way it differs from the more conventional forms of hypnosis.
Difference #1 – Open Eye Trance vs Closed Eye Trance
Unlike conventional hypnosis, Conversational Hypnosis invokes a waking trance whereby the participant has their eyes open while in trance. The hypnotist can have the participant close their eyes if they wish; it’s just that eye closure is not essential. One of the more important skills of Conversational Hypnosis is spotting the physiological signal that a waking trance exists. Conventional hypnosis requires the closure of the eyes.
Difference #2 – Quick Induction vs Slow Induction
Although it is important for the participant to feel relaxed, Conversational Hypnosis inductions are different from conventional hypnosis inductions. Conventional hypnosis inductions generally use a progressive relaxation method whereby the participant is gradually relaxed into a state of hypnosis. Whilst quicker versions of the progressive relaxation method have been developed, a progressive relaxation hypnotic induction can take up to 25 minutes. A conversational induction can take only minutes.
Difference #3 – Indirect Language vs Direct Language
Conversational Hypnosis utilizes artfully vague, yet incredibly powerful language to lead the participant into hypnosis. Whilst on the surface, the language appears very simple; it uses clever structures and indirect suggestions to induce a trance state. Conventional Hypnosis tends to use far more direct language. For example: a conversational hypnotist might say “As you breathe you may begin to notice your shoulders becoming more relaxed” whereas a conventional hypnotist would be more direct by saying “Relax your shoulders”.
Difference #4 – Overt and Covert vs Overt
Conversational Hypnosis can be used both overtly and covertly. The term overt means that the participant is aware that they are going to be hypnotized, where covert means they will not be aware of hypnotic processes. Due to the non direct nature of the language, Conversational Hypnosis can be used in other aspects of life, not just in a therapeutic sense. Conventional hypnosis tends to be overt by nature. The language is comprised of quite direct instructions that make the hypnotists intention hard to hide.
Final Thoughts:
Whilst I have a personal preference for Conversational Hypnosis, neither of the methods is the right or wrong way. Hypnosis is both fascinating and powerful skill to have. It’s been an obsession of mine for many years now!!
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