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Hypnotherapy 101 (Part I) - Page 2

© T. Darlene Cheek, CHt.

In other words, you must talk the language of the client. This also leads into the next category of rapport. You're thinking, "Okay, if I'm hypnotizing myself, I already know whether I'm creative or analytical, and I already have rapport with myself." True for the first part of that sentence, but not necessarily on the second part. I'd guess that 99% of the people who are seeking hypnosis to help them in their life have low self-esteem. When you have low self-esteem, you don't necessarily have the confidence and trust in yourself to know that you can accomplish anything. This lack of confidence in yourself diminishes rapport. If you have difficulty going into trance for self-hypnosis, work first on your self-esteem. We'll discuss this subject more later on.

To develop rapport with another person you're hypnotizing, you want to perceive things from their perspective. Basically, the idea is for that person to like you, trust you and have faith that you know what you're doing. Now that you know what type of technique to use with this person, analytical or creative, you also know what language to talk to them in. As you go through the initial interview, you are actually beginning the relaxation process. As the client begins to relax, they will let go and maybe even start to daydream or have a far-away look when you talk to them if you've set the scene for your session.

I like nature sounds or a soft rhythmic music to play in the background, and I have it playing as soon as the client arrives at my door. I also have the lights lowered just a little bit, as I welcome the client into my office and point them to the paperwork they need to fill out. While they're filling out paperwork, I'm getting to know them. I ask why they're here and if they have any questions or fears. I tell them a little about myself, and I laugh a lot with them. When we've established an easy flow of conversation, I then ask them to move into the recliner, and I check to see whether they're hot or cold or comfortable. It's a good idea to keep a throw pillow, a light blanket, tissues, and something cold to drink within reach of your session area.

The next step is to take the client, or yourself, into a very relaxed state and then focus the attention on the purpose of the session. When you start to relax, there are five signs to check for that tell you whether the client or yourself is in a state of trance.

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