A Personal Induction Will Always Be More Effective Essay

This essay shall describe the different types of inductions used . It shall also look at a subject's modalities and how these can help determine the most effective induction to apply. References to poignant figure in the history of hypnosis shall be made. The idea of compounding modalities will be defined and then I shall focus on the pros and cons of each type of induction. To conclude I shall decide whether a personal induction is more effective or not.

The two main styles of induction are permissive and authoritative. The induction is the real catalyst for change in the subjects behaviour. These can vary in length , time and style. Regardless of what induction is employed these should all achieve the same - complete relaxation of the mind and body, reduced focus of attention, limited awareness of the outside environment , enhanced internal awareness of sensations and finally a trance state. These can either be written personally for the client or not. To a certain extent each induction is personalised however this can often change if the helper notices a change in the subject's behaviour or progress. Building up a good rapport with the client is key to any good, successful induction. The helping process can take place in a number of situations and for a number of reasons due to a number of circumstances. Help can be given to an individual or a group. It must be remembered that not one style of working is right or wrong and that a variety of strategies can be used. The help given is about helping subjects to take control of their own lives and make positive changes. The helper will be conscious of their regular approach however they should note that one form is not necessarily better than another and that a variety of styles should be considered. As the subject's sessions progress a change in style of induction used may need to change to keep up with the subject as they themselves advance. The helper will need to examine the reasons and motives behind the request for sessions by the client. A confident and effective helper will be able to make notes and decide which tactic suits which client best. It is beneficial for the gender and social background of the client to match effectively and accurately with the helper along with the style of working adopted. The expectations of the client needs to be discussed as compatability is key. The induction process is vital as it this is the time in which the helper helps the client to calm , go deeper into relaxation then the suggestions can follow and become more productive.

The characteristics of each induction style be it permissive or authoritative differ a great deal and each will be more effective due to client and circumstance. The authoritative approach employs a very direct and demanding root. This approach can be seen as blunt and to the point yet makes the subject feel as is they are in control of their own situation and can make decisions and changes for themselves. This requires a very confident therapist and the therapist establishes control over the client. Some therapists believe that the authority they have over their clients increases their clients suggestibility. Clients who work well with this approach tend to hold great respect and admire figures of authority for example their bosses, teachers and parents. It is believed that those who are more scientific and methodical sit well with this approach. These types of screeds also tend to be more concise and are advisable when trying to combat habits and tackling addictions such as quitting smoking.

The permissive style uses a smoother and gentle tone to help the client relax. There is no sign of authority here and both subject and helper are equal. Control does not lay with the helper however the helper is required to use descriptive language and metaphors. A more vivid imagination is an advantage. It is believed that this type of induction agrees with imaginative and creative clients. The types of induction and styles used need to be revisited and the client reassessed as sessions develop.

Milton Erikson (1901-1980) has changed the practising of hypnotherapy this century more than any other individual. As a young child Dr Erickson suffered a number of illnesses and deficiencies such as colour blindness, being tone deaf and even a bout of polio. Milton Erickson regarded himself different to most and this only fuelled his curiosity and interest which lead him to be regarded as the Father of modern day hypnosis. Erickson, in later life went on to be the founder of the American Society for Clinical hypnosis. He continued his life giving lectures and seminars on Hypnosis, hypnotherapy and psychotherapy. Milton Erickson's executions of inductions were informal. He did not see himself as a figure of authority and didn't dress as an authoritative figure when seeing his clients. This was also reflected in his style of technique. He wanted his clients to use their imagination and often told stories, jokes and used metaphors. He never used the same hypnotic induction twice and was so dynamic in his approach that he used a personal induction each time to match his client accordingly using their modalities and their personal upbringings, cultures , environments and social backgrounds. He saw everyone as individuals with individual needs and desires. He understood that as a helper he couldn't understand a person's unique situation and only the person themselves can. Erickson was the advocate for personalised inductions.

Dave Elman's passion for hypnosis started after seeing a family friend use hypnosis ease the pain of his own father who was suffering cancer. He dabbled with stage hypnosis in his teenage years then again later on in life when an entertainer failed to show up at a show that Dave Elman had organised for charity. As a last resort Elman had to fill the space with stage hypnosis he had tried his hand at earlier on in life. A representative from a medical institution watched his performance and asked Elman to teach his Doctors about hypnosis and how this can help soothe their suffering patients. His teaching was a great success and he went on to lecture medical professionals on the benefits of using hypnosis. Elman's style of hypnotic inductions are authoritative and rapid. These are also usually used in stage hypnosis which Elman practiced early on in his carrer.

A modality is a way in which information is encoded or represented. It is tendency to conform or follow a particular pattern or trend. A client's modality is made up of their senses i.e. sights, smells, sounds, emotions and feelings or in some cases