How to Hypnotize
The best way to learn how to hypnotize someone is by taking a professional hypnosis or hypnotherapy course certified through a legitimate, recognized hypnosis organization (such as the National Guild of Hypnotists). The following are some instructions for recreational hypnosis.
A Few Warnings--Don't ask anyone to do anything that you wouldn't normally ask them to do outside of hypnosis. And don't put anyone in any situation that might be dangerous. Always act ethically and in the highest interest of yourself and your subject. These instructions are for recreational purposes only. This is not to be used for hypnotherapy.
Pre-Talk--Make sure the subject (that's the person who's going to be hypnotized) feels comfortable and has some basic understanding of hypnosis and what's going to happen. Establishing trust and rapport is an essential element to successful hypnosis. Explain to them what to expect from hypnosis.
- Tell them hypnosis is a natural everyday state of mind--very much like daydreaming.
- Let them know that they won't get "stuck" in hypnosis.
- That they'll be consciously aware the whole time.
- That they won't do anything that violates their moral or ethical codes.
- Tell them they're going to have a wonderful time.
Induction--Okay, have the subject seated in a comfortable chair or have them lay down on a couch. Once they're comfortably settled and you've had your pre-talk, you're ready to guide them into a hypnotic state. Talk slowly and gently in a reassuring way.
- Have the subject close their eyes.
- Ask them to breathe deeply three times and relax deeply with each outbreath.
- Guide them through a fractional relaxation induction in which they relax the different parts of their body: scalp; forehead; eyes; cheeks; jaw; neck; arms; chest & back; abdomen; hips; thighs; knees; calves; feet; and toes. At various times during the induction, tell them that they're doing great. You might phrase your fractional induction like this: "Go ahead and relax your scalp. Relax your scalp deeply, and just let go." And use the same type of phrases throughout your induction--though, you might want to vary the phrasing a little--"Now relax your neck. Relax all the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your neck. Relax them deeply."
- Are they relaxed? Have you seen any signs of a hypnotic state? Here are a few of the signs: a deep sigh; swallowing; fluttering of the eyelids; a flattening or relaxation of the facial muscles; or a noticeable change in the depth of their breathing.
- If you're not sure they're sufficiently relaxed, test them. Suggest to them that their arms are loose and limp, as loose and limp as a wet dish rag. Then tell them that in a moment, you are going to raise their left arm up by the wrist and then you are going to drop their hand into their lap and that they'll double their relaxation. When you pick their arm up by the wrist, check to see just how loose and limp their arm really is (move it gently back and forth). Are they trying to control their arm or are they resistant. If so, then ask them to relax the muscles in their shoulder (just above the arm you're testing), relax those muscles deeply, then ask them to move that deep relaxation down into their arm, letting their arm become completely relaxed, loose and limp. If they are already relaxed, just drop their hand into their lap and tell them to double their relaxation. Then move to their right arm and repeat the process. Always tell a subject beforehand what you are going to do. Don't ever surprise a subject with something they are not expecting.
- Now that they're deeply relaxed, you're ready to give them suggestions. You should talk over what the suggestions will be with the subject before you begin to hypnotize them.
- After you've given them the appropriate hypnotic suggestions, it's time to bring them back to a normal waking state. Here's an example of how you might do that: "In a few moments I'm going to count up from one to five, and when I say "five," you'll awaken completely refreshed and energized and feeling fantastic." Count slowly from one to five raising the intensity level of your voice with each number till you reach five. When you say "five," then say, "open your eyes, wide awake, feeling great." And that's it.
Final Notes--So now you know how to hypnotize someone. The more you practice, the better you'll get at it. Also, keep in mind that everyone is different. Some people are great subjects and will go into a deep state the first time. Others may take a few tries before they're able to relax enough to have a successful experience. If you really want to get good at hypnotizing, then finding a good hypnosis course is your best bet.