An induction is at its simplest, a way of guiding a client into a hypnotic or trance state. It is likened by many to be a narrowing of perception, an increase in mental focus and in the hypnotherapy context is frequently associated with bodily relaxation.

There are probably hundreds of possible variations on the induction theme, but they fall into about three very broad (sometimes overlapping categories).

1) The progressive relaxation

This style is frequently used on self hypnosis CDs and tapes. The client is asked to relax their muscles from head to toe (or vice versa) and allow themselves to simply 'let go'.

This technique whilst useful for many, may be seen as boring or irrelevant to others and if the therapist uses it on every client type they are likely to encounter what some have termed resistant clients.

2) The Ericksonian approach

Milton Erickson was a gifted Psychiatrist and later hypnotist who brought about change in his clients through the use of stories and metaphor. In his view there were no resistant clients only therapists who had not correctly matched themselves to their client's needs.

An Ericksonian therapist probably won't even talk about an induction or trance, instead their aim will be to have changes occur in the client through artful story telling and use of language. In an attempt to understand how Erickson achieved what he did, Richard Bandler and John Grinder studied Erickson to see if they could model his methods. This eventually resulted in the birth of  Neuro Liguistic Programming or NLP.

In truth the term Ericksonian is so over used that its meaning, if it ever had a specific meaning is very open to interpretation. Put most simply, one might say that this was a non-confrontational, indirect style of suggestion.

3) Rapid or Physical inductions

This is the style that is most often associated with Stage hypnotists. Body movements like clasping of hands, raising of arms etc are linked to suggestions from the hypnotist to achieve a hypnotic state.

There are plenty of views on why these methods work, my own belief is that the physical induction frequently leads to a brief period of mental overload. In that overloaded moment, the mind is highly susceptible to a direct suggestions like, for example, SLEEP!

The physical induction will probably be followed by deepeners to achieve the required depth of trance/focus of concentration so that simple direct suggestion can be used to achieve change for the client.

For some downloadable sample downloadable inductions, take a look at our Free Resources page.

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Some clients will find certain inductions to their liking whilst not enjoying others. The induction used may also change from session to session as rapport is established between client and therapist and as the clients discovers their own ability to enter that hypnotic state.