Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

The International Association

of Counselors and Therapists
8852 SR 3001, Laceyville, PA 18623 U.S.A.

Professional
Hypnotherapy
Certification Seminar
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

Official Training Manual

Part 1

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Table of Contents (Hypnosis Training)
Practical Lessons in Hypnotism by Dr. William Wesley Cook ....... 2
Historical Overview of Hypnosis ................................................... 3
Misconceptions Regarding Hypnosis ........................................... 8
Advice for Beginners ..................................................................... 9
Occupation of “Hypnotherapist” Defined ..................................... 10
Laws of Suggestion ..................................................................... 11
Rules of the Mind ........................................................................ 12
Types of Suggestions .................................................................. 13
Keys to Effective Suggestions .................................................... 15
Pre-Induction Protocol / Suggestibility Testing ........................... 18
10-Step “I’m in Control” Presentation ......................................... 20
Suggestibility Testing ................................................................. 21
Practical Hints ............................................................................. 21
Forward Sway Suggestibility Test .............................................. 22
Hand Clasp ................................................................................. 22
Rising and Falling Arms ............................................................. 23
Eyelock Test ............................................................................... 23
Finger Spreading Suggestibility Test ......................................... 24
Pendulum Method ...................................................................... 24
Essentials for Successful Hypnosis ........................................... 25
Levels of Trance ......................................................................... 25
Forms of Hypnotic Induction ...................................................... 26
Ways to Create a Hypnotic Induction ......................................... 26
Various Induction Methods ......................................................... 27
Characteristics of Experienced Subjects .................................... 27
Bien’s Hypnosis Responsiveness Questionnaire ....................... 28
Progressive Relaxation Induction ............................................... 29
Eye Fixation Induction ................................................................ 30
Flower’s Blink Method ................................................................ 31
Dave Elman Induction ................................................................ 32
Arm Drawing Conversion ........................................................... 33
Arm Levitation ............................................................................ 34
Self-Hypnosis Conditioning ........................................................ 35
Table of Contents (Hypnosis Training Manual)
Practical Hints for Delivering Suggestions .......................................... 35
Dynamics of Change ...................................................................... 36
Subjective Hypnotic Depth ............................................................... 36
Trance Recognition ......................................................................... 37
Hypnotic Deepening Techniques ....................................................... 38
Hypnotic Challenges and Deepening ................................................. 39
Reactional Hypnosis / Fractionation ................................................... 40
Hypnotic Devices ............................................................................ 41
Trance Ratification .......................................................................... 41
Ending the Trance........................................................................... 42
Abreactions .................................................................................... 42
Hypnosis with Children .................................................................... 43
Dangers of Smoking ........................................................................ 44
Suggestions for the Smoking Cessation Client .................................... 44
Smoking Cessation Hypnotic Programming ........................................ 46
Weight-Control Hypnotic Programming .............................................. 47
Stress-Management Hypnotic Programming ....................................... 48
Self-Confidence Hypnotic Programming ............................................. 49
Metaphors ..................................................................................... 50
Analogies ...................................................................................... 50
Aphorisms ..................................................................................... 51
Structuring a Metaphor .................................................................... 51
First Session Outline ....................................................................... 53
Four Stages of Programming the Client .............................................. 57
Class Partner Evaluation Sheet ........................................................ 59
The First Session ............................................................................ 60
Session Two .................................................................................. 61
Session Three ................................................................................ 62
Session Four and Subsequent Sessions ............................................ 62
Intake and Client Release Forms ...................................................... 63
Questions and Answers about Hypnosis ............................................ 68
Questions and Answers about Hypnotherapy ...................................... 71
Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

“The reward is great that follows the persistent study of hypnotism:

for it is a science that bestows upon its devotees a power that seems
almost superhuman. It overawes everyone who witnesses its
indisputable facts and its marvelous manifestations. It overthrows
the theories of judges and philosophers and theologians, and shakes
the faith of material scientists in their preconceived opinions. It
supplants the physician and the surgeon and cures the afflicted and
deformed whom they pronounced beyond the hope of recovery. It
breaks the chains of demoralizing and destructive habits. It comforts
the sorrowing and brings peace of mind to those distracted by the
perplexities of life. It abolishes periods of time and extents of distance.
It causes the lame to walk and strengthens the weak. It checks the
hand of death and snatches almost from the grave the grim
destroyer’s victims. It loosens the tongue of the stammerer,
overcomes the self-consciousness of the socially shy and tempers
the impetuosity of the rash enthusiast. To mankind, in every walk of
life, hypnotism is a blessing - leading his innermost thoughts to higher
and nobler things: developing his powers to plan and to execute and
giving him social, financial and intellectual eminence among his
fellowmen. All this, and more is Hypnotism.”
From the Introduction to Practical Lessons in
Hypnotism by William Wesley Cook, M.D., 1901
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF HYPNOSIS

Through pictographs and other early

writings we can assume that hypnosis
was used before recorded history. The
Ebers Papyrus is a 3000 year old
document that describes how an
Egyptian Soothsayer functions. What is
described are ideas and techniques of hypnosis. Sleep Temples, located in Egypt
and Greece, were holistic healing centers, where various healing techniques,
including hypnosis, were used.

The first known cure using hypnosis was by a temple priest. The priest induced
sleep, laid on hands, and cured a conversion disorder (hysterical conversion). Greek
Oracles used hypnotic techniques in their fortune telling. Hindu Fakirs and Yogis
used specialized techniques at that time, yet today we realize that it was hypnosis
that they were using. It is also suspected that the Druids, a very secret cult, also
used hypnosis.

Primitive Societies: Two forms of hypnosis are prevalent - both

associated with religious experience.
1. Rhythmical Repetition
2. Frantic Dancing

In the Middle Ages, hypnosis was practiced mostly by Royalty,

and was known as the “Royal Touch.” Most notable were
Edward the Confessor (1066) and the Kings of France, who
considered themselves divine. The idea died in the late 18th
century, during the Renaissance, when people started looking
for a scientific basis for this. It was revived for the coronation
of Charles X, who used the Royal Touch in the coronation
proceedings. One notable person in this period was
Paracelsus, who felt that Heavenly Bodies fed through a magnet to the human
body. He said, “A magnet could cure most illnesses.”

Franz Anton Mesmer (1734 - 1815) began in Vienna and

© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

later moved to Paris. He wanted to explain what he was

doing in a scientific way. Mesmer borrowed ideas from others.
1. Paracelsus, with his idea of magnets.
2. Richard Mead, who said that living systems were
run by natural laws.
3. Father Hell, a Jesuit Priest, who attempted to
discover ways to cure people with metal plates.
These plates were passed across people’s
bodies. The idea was that a curative process of
Heavenly Bodies would cure people.

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

Mesmer also claimed that the Heavenly Bodies cured. From Richard Mead, he
got the idea that in every body there is a universal fluid. When that fluid is running well,
everything in the body is running well. When the body is not running well, it is
because the universal fluid is blocked. Mesmer would run metal plates over people
to unblock the universal fluid (the theory of “Animal Magnetism”).
Mesmer’s technique was to fill a tub with water
and iron filings. The person he was
attempting to cure grabbed onto the iron
bars, until the magnetism went
through him/her.
Mesmer claimed he had special powers. He said
that magnetism was drawn to him through a
glass wand. He felt that he could cure anything
through magnetism. He had a staggering rate of
success, became rich and powerful, and
very taken up with his own self-importance.
He demanded that the French Academy of
Medicine study his methods. A commission in Paris, headed by Ben Franklin, was
appointed to investigate his claims. Mesmer was discredited in 1784. The findings of
the commission concluded that “Magnetism produces nothing.” Mesmer was run out of
town, but not before he ran a real estate scheme that swindled a lot of people
out of money. He died in poverty in Switzerland.

The Marquis de Puysegur (1781 - 1825), a

follower of Mesmer, while applying Mesmer’s
magnetism to a 24 year-old shepherd,
observed hypnotic phenomena unknown
to Mesmer. He noticed that the magnetized
subject, instead of showing the usual
“mesmeric convulsions” or unpleasant
effects, fell into a peaceful sleep. © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

In this state, the subject was able to open

his eyes, talk in a slurred manner and act as
if he were awake. Puysegur called this
“Artificial Somnambulism.” Joseph
Philippe Francois Deleuze (1753 - 1835)
discovered that suggestions given to a
person during the hypnotic trance would be
carried over into the waking state.

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

James Esdaile (1845) was the British as time went on,

doctor who wrote the book, “Mesmerism more professional
in India.” He worked in prison in India and people dropped
performed over 3000 operations with no away from using it
anesthetic. Usually under these conditions, because they
at least 50% will die. He trained lackeys to were called
put a person on a table. The lackey would quacks, and lost
do physical passes over the body for two their licenses. In those days, the main issue
days. With this, the mortality rate went was, “Is hypnosis a godlike phenomenon?”
down to 5%. (Today, we know the reason This was because in the early days,
for this: in hypnosis, bleeding is minimized. hypnosis was entwined with the spiritual.
Also the body develops resistance to
infection and does not In the 1880’s two diverse
lose body fluids). The schools of hypnosis
British Medical arose. Charcot was a
Association decided Neurologist (an early term
that Esdaile was a for psychologist) in
quack, and he was put France who started by
on trial. He was told working with twelve
that what he was doing women who were
was blasphemous suffering from conversion
because “God meant hysteria. Charcot would
people to suffer.” do flashy demonstrations,
showing them regain
The first tooth was sight, regain the ability to
extracted using walk, etc., while in the
hypnosis in 1823. The first childbirth was hypnotic state, then losing these abilities
in 1826. Phineas Parkhurst Quimby when brought out of the state. Charcot
(1859), a clockmaker who became a didn’t fully undersand hypnosis (he felt it
Mesmerist, trained two people who later was dangerous, and that only the mentally
became famous: ill could be hypnotized).
1. Rev. H.S. Evans: He came to the U.S.
and founded Holistic Churches. Bernheim, a famous Paris Neurologist, and
2. Mary Baker Eddy: Founded the Liebeault, a country doctor, formed a clinic
Christian Scientists. She, however, felt that in Nancy, France. They treated over 12,000
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

in hypnosis, the operator was in charge, using hypnosis, and introduced the
not God, so she left hypnosis. concepts of suggestibility and sexuality.
By the mid
1850’s, a lot of Freud came to see both Charcot and
p e o p l e Bernheim. He used hypnosis, but did not
(doctors, understand it. He believed that the only way
dentists, and it could be effective was to achieve a very
others) were deep trance state (which we know today
all using is incorrect). Freud was not a good
hypnosis, but hypnotist. He thought Charcot was right.
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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

Many people have heard or read that Sigmund Freud considered hypnosis to be dangerous.
Actually, Sigmund Freud was quoted as saying, "There is no doubt that the field of hypnotic
treatment is far more extensive than that of other methods of treating nervous illnesses." He
also said, "Everything that has been said and written about the great dangers of hypnosis
belongs to the realm of fable." In addition, Freud also declared that, if psychotherapy was to be
really useful it would have to be used along with hypnosis.

Yet, during his later years, he did condemn hypnosis This was due his lack of hypnotizing
skill, and the challenges he had with rapport and transference. In one incident he claimed that
a young woman, while in a trance, jumped up and kissed him on the lips (the actual story is not
quite as exciting). What some people don't know is that Freud controlled pain by using cocaine
leaves between his cheeks and gums. This eventually destroyed his gums, causing his dentures
not to fit properly. Hence, he could not speak clearly enough to hypnotize people effectively. As
Freud began to develop his system of psychoanalysis, various theoretical considerations, as
well as his difficulty in hypnotizing some patients, led him to discard hypnosis in favor of free
association. Freud's denouncement of hypnosis greatly damaged its credibility for many years,
especially with the medical community. Hypnotherapy was probably set back 50 years because
of Freud's lack of "hypnotizing ability".

During World War I and World War II, hypnosis was used for the treatment of shell shock. But
other than that, there was no serious use for it. Finally, in 1955, the British Medical Associa-
tion stated that it was fine to use hypnosis in the treatment of conversion hysteria or as an
anesthetic. In 1958, the American Medical Association made the same statement, but contin-
ued to say that they condemned stage hypnotists.

The AMA formed committees to find the major

dangers. With no findings, the committees were
disbanded fifteen years later.

In 1960, the American Psychology Association

created a board of examiners in hypnosis. Yet,
at this writing, no medical school offers a course
in hypnosis. Some dental schools do, and only
one university offers an accredited course
(Pepperdine, in California).
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

EFFECTIVENESS OF HYPNOSIS VERSES OTHER MODALITIES

Therapeutic Hypnosis is proven to be the most effective and fastest route to solve
emotional issues. American Health Magazine reported the following findings from
a recent study:
• Psychoanalysis: 38% recovery after 600 sessions.
• Behavior Therapy: 72% recovery after 22 sessions.
• Hypnotherapy: 93% recovery after 6 sessions.

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

Some Important Names and Dates in Hypnosis

Frederick (Frans) Anton Mesmer (1734 - 1815)
Theory of Animal Magnetism

The Marquis De Puysegur (1781 - 1825)

Discovered the hypnotic state as it is known today.
Demonstrated artificial somnambulism instead of hysterical outbursts associated with Mesmer.
Father Johan Gassner (1729 - 1779)
Jesuit priest who used exorcist-like techniques and reported spectacular cures.
Jose Custodio de Faria (1755 - 1819)
Portuguese priest who discovered that the willingness and cooperation of the subject was
necessary for the successful production of animal magnetism.

Dr. James Braid (1795 - 1860)

Considered to be the father of the scientific evolution of hypnosis for writing “Doctrine of
Suggestion.” Coined the terms “hypnosis and hypnotism” from the Greek word for
sleep, “hypnos.”
Dr. John Elliotson (1791 - 1868)
Inventor of the stethoscope. Performed many operations with only hypnotic anesthesia (drug
anesthetics were not yet known). He was condemned by his colleagues.

Dr. James Esdaile (1808 - 1859)

Performed over three thousand operations with hypnosis as the sole anesthesia. More than 300
of these were major surgeries, including 19 amputations.

Dr. Jean-Martin Charcot (1825 - 1893)

Made the first attempt to scientifically classify hypnotic phenomena by successfully proving that
there are several stages of hypnotic sleep and that the hypnotized subject is capable of manifesting
various symptoms or clinical signs at each stage.

Dr. Ambroise Auguste Liebeault (1823 -1904) and Dr. Hippolyte Marie Bernheim (1837 -
1919) are considered to be the legitimate inventors of modem psychotherapy as well as
hypnotherapy. They introduced the concept of suggestion and suggestibility.

1955 - British Medical Association approved the use of hypnosis for the treatment of
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

psychoneurosis and for anesthesia during surgery for childbirth.

1958 - American Medical Association approved the use of hypnosis. (On September 13,
1958, the Council on Mental Health of the AMA recommended, “In view of our increasing
knowledge, hypnosis instruction be included in the curricula of medical schools and post graduate
training centers.”

1961 - The AMA gave further approval for the use of clinical hypnotherapy by
recommending a minimum of 144 hours of training in hypnotherapy for student physicians and
medical doctors. To this day, this has not been adopted by any U.S. Medical School.

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

General Misconceptions Regarding Hypnosis

1. Hypnosis is sleep
This is one of the biggest misconceptions, namely due to the
term “hypnosis” itself, which means “sleep”. James Braid (1796 - 1860),
coined the term “hypnosis”, Having concluded that the phenomena was
a form of sleep, Dr. Braid named the phenomena after Hypnos, the
Greek god of sleep and master of dreams.
In 1842 he published “Neurypnology or the Rationale of Nervous
Sleep Considered in Relation with Animal Magnetism.” But by 1847 he
discovered that all the major phenomena of hypnotism, such as
catapepsy, anesthesia and amnesia, could be induced without sleep.
He then realized that his choice of the them “hypnosis” had been a
mistake. He tried to rename it to “monoideism”. It was too late.

2. Loss of consciousness
Since hypnosis is NOT sleep, there is no loss of
consciousness. If fact, subjects can actually become“ super-conscious”.

3. Surrender of will - Loss of control and being controlled

The reason the client came to see you in the first place is because
he/she had little if any control over solving their problem. So, if anything,
with the hypnotic process the person gains more control. People are so
concerned about losing control, but if they cannot surrender control
when they want to or when they need to, and it’s in their best interest to
do so, they DO NOT have control.

4. Revelation of secrets
The self is self-preserving. The conscious mind never disappears.
It simply takes a temporary “back seat” and becomes the observer.

5. Fear of not being dehypnotized

There has never a case in history of a person not being able to
come out of hypnosis. At worse, they will fall asleep.
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

6. Hypnotizability as related to gullibility and weak-mindedness

What’s interesting is that a stronger mind often makes for a better
subject. There are only two types of people who cannot be hypnotized
- morons and imbeciles.

7. Dominant personality required

For a hypnosis stage show, a dominant personality can be more
engaging. As for hypnotherapy, a calm, relaxed, non-invasive, nurturing
personality can be more effective.

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

8. Hypnotizing is the same as practicing psychology

Hypnosis is a process; it’s a stimulator; a catalyst, a facilitator.
Psychotherapy can, however, be much more effective when combined with
the hypnotic process.

9. Hypnosis is harmful
As mentioned in # 4, the self is self-preserving. Hypnosis itself is NOT
harmful. However, since it acts as a catalyst, it CAN be used in unscrupulous
ways.

It is important that these misconceptions be cleared during the pre-induction

talk.

ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS

1. Do not argue with a skeptic. If someone is continuously challenging you, don’t waste
your time. Move on to someone who truly wants to experiece hypnosis. Come from
complete honesty and integrity and don’t worry about trying to prove yourself to the
world.
2. It’s usually not a good idea to try to hypnotize a spouse or close relative (they know
you are a beginner; for them you might not have credibility). They know you for many
years as someone other than a hypnotist. You would appear more credible to a
stranger.
3. No public demonstrations until you are feeling confident. The biggest challenge for
the novice is to feel confident. After you’ve been hypnotizing a while, you’ll find that
you begin to worry less about subjects not responding. This will come with experience.
4. Use someone younger than you. The only reason for this is that there is a better
chance that a person younger than you might look up to you as an authority figure.
5. Never tell it’s your “First Time”. Saying something like this will definitely not instill
confidence in your subject. Would you like to have someone practice on your mind?
6. Use background music when available. The music should be soothing and relaxing,
with a basic tempo of approximately 60 beats a minute.
7. Use written material in front of you the first time. It’s OK to read. When the subject’s
eyes are closed, you can pick up your written script and read it. If your subject later
asked you if you were reading the script (they heard pages ruffling), simply say, “Of
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

course. I was reading the script I wrote specially for you.

8. Dropping your voice lower in pitch helps you speak slower. It will also help you sound
more credible. Newscasters (male and female), almost always have voices that are
lower in pitch than the general public.
9. Do not brag about having “Power” over someone. Tell the client that the “Power to
Change” is within them, and you are helping them manifest this power.
10.Although not necessary, it can sometimes help to have a pendulum or some other
“hypnotic device” available. The pendulum can be effective for hypnoanalysis, should
there be any material that the client feels extremely sensitive about discussing.

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

As a direct result of the efforts of hypnotherapists Gil Boyne (above left) and Dr.
John Kappas (above right), the occupation of “Hypnotherapist” was defined and
assigned an identification number (079.157.0110) in the Dictionary of
Occupational Titles. It reads as follows:
“Hypnotherapist induces hypnotic state in client to increase motivation or alter
behavior pattern through hypnosis. Consults with client to determine the nature
of problem. Prepares client to enter hypnotic state by explaining how hypnosis
works and what client will experience. Tests subjects to determine degrees of
physical and emotional suggestibility. Induces techniques of hypnosis based
on interpretation of test results and analysis of client’s problem. May train
client in self-hypnosis conditioning.”

Ormond McGill (1913 – 2005) was the “Dean of American

Hypnotists”.

McGill became interested in magic as a kid (he was also

pretty legendary in magic circles), taking up hypnosis in 1927
while still a teenager. He wrote the seminal “Encyclopedia of
Stage Hypnotism” (the acknowledged bible of stage
hypnotism) in 1947, and continued to teach courses and
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

lectured right up until a few days before he passed on.

N.B. When working is areas of hypnotic anesthesia and pain management, direct symptom
removal of pain is always contra-indicated without the written approval of a medical
doctor.

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LAWS

OF SUGGESTION

1. The Law of Concentrated Attention. Whenever attention is concentrated on an idea

over and over again, it spontaneously realizes itself.
Example:
_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

2. The Law of Reversed Effect. The harder one tries to do something, the less likely
one is to succeed.
Example:
_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

3. The Law of Dominant Effect. A strong emotion tends to replace a weaker one.
Example:
_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

4. The Law of Delayed Action. When a suggestion is given as an inference, the person
will respond to that suggestion whenever a condition or situation that has been used
in the original suggestion presents itself.
Example:
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

5. The Law of Association Whenever a person responds to one particular stimulus in the
presence of another stimulus, the person will soon begin to associate the one with
the other.
Example:
_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One
RULES OF THE MIND
1. Every thought has a physical response in the body.
Example:
_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
2. What one expects to happen has a strong tendency to take place. The stronger the
expectancy, the better the chance of its outcome.
Example:
_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

3. Imagination is more powerful than knowledge and when the two are in conflict,
the imagination always wins.
Example:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

4. The greater the effort from the conscious, the lesser the response from the
subconscious.
Example:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

5. Once the inner mind accepts an idea, it remains until it is replaced by another idea.
Example:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

6. Once a suggestion is acted upon, it is easier for the next one to be accepted.
Example:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________ © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

7. A persistent emotionally induced symptom has a tendency to cause change in the

physical body.
Example:
_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
8. Opposing thoughts cannot be held simultaneously.
Example:
_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
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TYPES OF SUGGESTIONS
1. Direct - Directly stating the suggestion - no metaphor, innuendo, or inference.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

2. Indirect or Inferred - Opposite of “Direct.” Use of metaphors, innuendos, inferences,

abstract words and phrases.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

3. Auto - Suggestions given by a person to him/herself.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

4. Hetero - Suggestions given to someone by another person.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

5. Prestige - Suggestions given by an authority figure: government official, lawyer, teacher,

doctor, law enforcement individual, hypnotist/hypnotherapist, etc.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

6. Non-Prestige - Suggestions given by a person of less authority. Obiously not as effective

as “prestige suggestions.”

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

7. Emotional - The subconscious mind is the “seat of the emotions.” The best way to reach
it is to arouse an emotional response from a person. How a person feels emotionally will
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

affect a person’s specific state of receptivity.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

8. Environmental - Suggestions from the effect on a person of his/her surroundings, i.e., feeling
down (or up) when it’s raining, etc.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

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9. Waking - Suggestions given to a person while he/she is fully conscious.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

10, Conditioned Reflex - Things that happen spontaneously, usually conditioned over a
period of time, which then become suggestions that perpetuate the responses.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

11, Social - The effect of society on a group or individual, i.e., satisfying a need to belong, social
pressure, etc.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

12. Negative - Suggestions that are not beneficial, either from others or from oneself.
Psychologists estimate that over 80% of people’s thoughts are negative.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

13. Overload - The effect of “more than one can handle” - excessive stress, mental strain,
overwork, over-study, even excessive pleasure.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

14. Unconscious - Suggestions given to someone that are beyond his/her awareness: could be
innuendos, metaphors, inferences, or even suggestions given to a person while he/she is
sleeping.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

15. Pre-Hypnotic - Suggestions given before the hypnotic state is induced.

© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

16. Post-Hypnotic - Suggestions given after the hypnotic state is induced. Usually for behavior
modification to be carried out after the session with a hypnotist.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
Note: Depending on a person’s receptivity during the time that a suggestion is given, that
suggestion may or may not have a bearing on altering that person’s behavior patterns.
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KEYS TO EFFECTIVE SUGGESTIONS

1. Use only positive words.
The subconscious cannot hold a negative in consciousness. Try NOT to think
about something - you have to think about it before you can not think about it.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

2. Use the present tense or present progressive.

Use words like, “I am”, “You are”, “I (You) do”, “I (You) have”, etc. If you use the future
tense, state specifically when, i.e.,
“I (You) will finish the report on Tuesday, June 12th, 1988.”

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

3. Be as specific as possible and be detailed.

The subconscious doesn’t work well with generalities. Specific suggestions work best
- what, when, where, how, who, with whom, etc.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

4. Use universal and personal metaphoric images.

Universal metaphors include: the sky, the ocean, clouds, the meadow, the sun, etc. For
example, say, “Imagine the golden, warm, healing sun enveloping you with its radiance,
helping you relax more easily.
Note: Make sure to know the association a person has to a universal metaphor. You © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

wouldn’t want to suggest a “golden, healing sun” to a person who had a third-degree
sunburn last summer.
Personal metaphors can use the person’s job, hobby, interests, etc. For example: If the
person is an accountant, you can say, “Just as you add up those numbers, so too, your
goals add up accordingly.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

5. Use very simple, exciting and emotional words.

Remember that the subconscious is like a bright 7-year old child. Don’t use elite language
unless it is appropriate. If you want to motivate the person, use motivating, descriptive
language, and use emotionally-charged inflections in your voice, i.e., “See yourself as that
magnificent, dynamic speaker. Exciting words flow from your mouth effortlessly!” If you
are attempting to create relaxation, use appropriate languaging and a more relaxed tone of
voice, i.e., “As you sit there, looking at me, you can soon find yourself relaxing more and
more, and realizing just how easy it is to let go.”

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

6. Personalize the suggestions.

Remember that the suggestions are for the person, so they should relate to the
specific person with whom you are working and his/her need/goal. For instance,
if you’re working with a primary-school math teacher, suggesting the advantages
of using a calculator when he/she are teaching probably won’t help a child to learn
to add, subtract, multipy and/or divide numbers.

Example: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

7. Feel free to be repetitive.

While giving suggestions, should you ever run out of things to say, simply repeat what
you said. Redundancy is very effective with hypnosis.

Example: _______________________________________________________________ © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

Write a short script based on the “Keys to Effective

Suggestions.” The script is specifically for you - a behavioral change, a more
resourceful way of thinking, etc.. Keep the goal simple at this point.

_____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

__________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

Pre-Induction Protocol And Suggestibility Testing

1. Explain to the client what hypnosis is. It’s not always easy to explain what
hypnosis is because the feelings of hypnosis are very subjective.
Gil Boyne Definition: Hypnosis is a natural state of mind with special
identifying characteristics:
A. An extraordinary quality of mental, physical and emotional relaxation.
B. An emotionalized desire to satisfy the suggested behavior: the subject
feels like following the hypnotist’s instructions, directions and
suggestions, except those that generate conflict with the subject’s
values, i.e., character attitudes, religious beliefs and moral principles.
C. The organism becomes self-regulating as the trance produces
normalization of the central nervous system.
D. Heightened and selective sensitivity to stimuli perceived by the five
physical senses and the basic perceptions.
E. Immediate softening of psychic defenses.
F. Lack of response to irrelevant, external stimuli.

Examples of hypnosis include getting involved in a book, movie, religious

experience, person, and/or daydreaming, etc..

2. Explain to the client what hypnosis is not. Hypnosis is NOT sleep,

although some people get so relaxed in trance that they may fall asleep. You
know exactly where you are the entire time. You can adjust your position,
scratch, sneeze, cough, speak, laugh, get up, etc. You can open your eyes and
bring yourself out of the experience at any time

3. Dispel myths about hypnosis. As listed on pages 8 - 9.

4. Explain to the client what he/she is to expect from hypnosis. Hypnosis is

not a panacea (cure-all). There is no magic by which any of us, without some © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

effort, can in one fell swoop fix everything that is wrong with us. Say to the
client, “While we engage in the process of hypnosis, I’m not so much asking
you to do anything. Rather, I’m asking you to ‘allow’ things to take place.
Over-analyzation is the biggest inhibitor of the hypnotic process. The
subconscious mind creats our feelings, beliefs and attitudes, based on our
automatic and often unconscious thinking. Hypnosis is a natural state of mind
that helps create the quickest change by focusing our minds on what we want,
and communicating that to the subconscious in a way that it understands and
responds to naturally . . . . .

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

. . . . . For any change to be permanent, it has to be made on the unconscious

level. Since hypnosis creates a direct access to the unconscious
(subconscious) mind, it is the most powerful means for lasting change. As a
matter of fact, American Health Magazine reported the following findings from a
recent study: Psychoanalysis created a 38% recovery after 600 sessions;
Behavior Therapy created a 72% recovery after 22 sesssions; and
Hypnotherapy created an extraordinary 93% recovery after 6 sessions.”

5. Emphasize that the feelings of hypnosis are subjective and vary with
the individual. Some people have what are called “ego sensations” - a
lightness, heaviness, tingly feelings, etc. Other people do not experience a lot
of these feelings, but if they wish, could learn to feel them.

6. Explain how therapeutic hypnosis works and how it differs from stage
hypnosis. The hypnosis stage show is about entertainment. People who
volunteer for these shows know this, and they utilize their self-control by
participating. So, even in these shows, participants are still in control.
Hypnosis helps break down inhibitions, so these individuals can display
actions that they would enjoy displaying, but otherwise feel shy in doing so.

7. Demonstrate clinical hypnotic phenomena by conducting various

suggestibility tests. Hand-Clasp; Forward Sway; Rising and Falling Arms;
Hands Drawing Together; etc.

Although suggestibility tests provide an indication of the client’s ability to

accept ideas, their main purpose is to establish a spiral of belief that enhances
his/her expectation of positive hypno-therapeutic results.

© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

10-Step “I’m in Control” Presentation (Dr. Al Krasner)

Showing the subject exactly how hypnosis works in a

session . . .

The “I’m in Control” refers to the subject being in control, not the hypnotist!

There are people who still believe that a hypnotist can get a person to do things
against his/her will. Actually, a person can be a victim of mind-control, but only
under specific conditions, as with a combination of the following:
1. Long periods of isolation.
2. Extended sleep deprivation (more specifically, REM deprivation).
3. Monotonous sound or chanting with disempowering suggestions

Under normal circumstances, a hypnotist cannot make people do

anything against their will. Tell people, “Hypnosis helps break down
inhibitions that hold people back in life.”

Then say to your subject, “Let me show you just how hypnosis works,” and
give them the following directions (10-Step “I’m in Control” presentation):

1. Sit up straight in your chair.

2. Place your feet flat on the floor.
3. Close your eyes.
4. Place your hands on your knees.
5. Take a slow deep breath in through your nose.
6. Now slowly exhale through your nose.
7. Take another breath in through your nose. Exhale through your lips.
8. Clasp your hands together, in your lap.
9. Cross your feet at the ankles.
10. Now stand in front of your chair on your head.
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

Some people will giggle at this point, some may: open their eyes; keep the
eyes closed; take hands apart with eyes open/closed; keep eyes closed/feet
apart, hands clasped, etc.

The last suggestion given was refused; it was unacceptable; it was out of
context with the other suggestions, therefore the subject exerted control and
reneged.

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

RECOGNITION AND CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECTS

1. Purpose of Testing for Suggestibility

a.
Preconditions client.
b.
Responses provide information for the proper induction
methods.
2. Types of Suggestions
a. Authoritarian (Paternal) - Commands; more dramatic (often called
“Father Hypnosis”).
b. Permissive (Maternal) - indirect; lulling (often called “Mother
Hypnosis:).
c. Hetero-suggestions (suggestions from someone else; i.e. from
outside)
d. Autosuggestions (suggestions from within)

PERFECT HYPNOSIS
TWO ELEMENTS ARE NEEDED

1. THE HYPNOTIST MUST KNOW, BELIEVE AND FEEL

THAT HE/SHE CAN HYPNOTIZE ANYONE,
ANYWHERE, ANYTIME.

2. THE SUBJECT MUST BELIEVE THAT THIS

HYPNOTIST CAN HYPNOTIZE ANYONE,
ESPECIALLY THEMSELVES, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME.

Practical Hints:
1. Maintain a steady flow of words. Do not give the subject time to analyze the
suggestions or the process (rapid transition).
2. Make sure the client responds and communicates with you that the suggestion is
understood.
3. Should the subject not respond to a suggestion in some fashion, go back to an already
completed suggestion and gradually work toward the next. You may later get the very
response for which you are looking. If still no response, skip it and move on.
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

4. Using more sensory stimuli effects a greater and more intense response.
5. Report to the client every behavior as being indicative of the onset of hypnosis.
6. Each suggestion should be logical and believable.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
The goal is not to get the client into a trance! The goal is to do the best job possible in the
therapy session. The trance state symbolizes the acceptance of the contract of trust. Do
not give hypnotic suggestions until the client is ready. If induction is difficult, trust is not yet
established. The client will not follow any of the suggestions until trust is established with the
hypnotist completely.
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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

SUGGESTIBILITY TESTS
Forward Sway
Have your subject stand directly in front of you, heels together, hands at his/her
sides. If your subject is a woman wearing high-heeled shoes, have her remove
them. Say, “What I would like you to do is to put both feet together,
hands at your sides. Now, I’m going to test your suggestibility. This is not
a test that you can pass or fail, so do not help me or hinder me in any way.
In a few moments I’m going to have you close your eyes, and I’ll place my
hands on your shoulders, and you will have a sensation of me gently
pressing down and rocking you. I will then release your shoulders
momentarily and touch them again, and you’ll have a tendency to fall
forward, and I will catch you.” Next, using an hypnotic pass, have the client
close his/her eyes. Place your hands lightly on the subject’s shoulders and
gently rock the subject. Release the subject’s shoulders and say to the subject,
“When I touch your shoulders again, you will have a tendency to fall
forward, and I will catch you.” Gently begin touching the subject’s shoulders
with your hands again (with a slight physical inference to move forward). Assure
your subject that he/she will be caught and will not fall. Say, “Coming
forward…….forward…..forward…….forward………etc……..”

Hand Clasp
Have your subject extend his/her arms straight out in front, palms together. Tell
him/her to interlace his/her fingers and look at his/her thumbs.
Before you do this test, check to see if the subject is wearing any rings which
might cause discomfort when the fingers are squeezed tight. If so, remove them.
“I’m going to test your suggestibility. This is not a test that you can pass or
fail so do not help me or hinder me in any way. I want you to put a little
pressure on both your hands by squeezing your palms together. Now
squeeze your fingers together, squeezing them tighter
tighter……..tighter………….and tighter. Feel those hands fusing themselves
together. Your hands are gripped very tightly.......... tighter…………and
tighter……………so very tight. So tight that you can feel the muscles
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

forcing your hands together, locking in position………….tighter and

tighter…………..and tighter yet. So tight now that you find that the harder
you try to separate them, the tighter they stick! Try to separate them, but
the harder you try, the tighter they stick!”
During this test, watch the muscles in the forearms of both arms. When the
muscles begin to tremble from the elbows downward, this is the exact time to tell
the subject that his/her hands are stuck. After the effect has occurred, say: “I will
now touch your fingers and when I do your hands relax and come apart
easily.”

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

Rising and Falling Arms

This is a test that depends upon suggestion and imagination. It adapts equally well
to both individuals and large groups and can be done with the subject(s) seated or
standing up. Introduce it as a test of imagination rather than a test of suggestibility.
If you are working with a group, make sure that everyone positions him/herself a
little more than an arm’s length away from the person in front of them.
“Now I’m going to test your imagination. I would like you to sit down
(stand up), with your feet slightly apart and parallel and your head
straight in a relaxed and comfortable position. Raise both your arms
up in front of you at about shoulder level. Turn your left hand sideways
so that your thumb points towards the ceiling and turn your right
hand palm up. (While talking, demonstrate the hand positions to the client/
group). Now I want you to close your eyes and imagine that I’m placing
a very heavy dictionary in your right hand. Imagine just how heavy it
feels ……….. Now shift your attention to your left hand and imagine
that I’m tying a string around your thumb. At the other end of the
string, imagine a large helium-filled balloon. Helium being lighter than
air causes that balloon to float higher and higher. Imagine your left
hand being pulled higher and higher as that large helium-filled balloon
floats up and up………..higher and higher. Imagine that balloon pulling
your left hand up higher and higher…….lighter and lighter……….higher
and higher………. Now focus your attention back to your right hand
and feel that heavy dictionary get heavier and heavier. Feel your right
hand being pulled down, lower and lower…………heavier and heavier
lower and lower. Left hand lighter and lighter………right hand heavier
and heavier. Right hand going down, down, down, lower and lower left
hand rising up, up, up higher…………and higher. O.K. Now stay still
and open your eyes and see just what your imagination has
accomplished.”

Eyelock
Ask the subject to close his/her eyes and roll up his/her eyeballs to look © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

upward to a specific point that you indicate by lightly tapping on the subject’s
head. “As you keep your eyelids closed, keep your eyeballs looking
upward and imagine that you are seeing the moon while looking out of
an imaginary hole on the top of your head. You find that as you continue
to look out of this imaginary hole, your eyelids are stuck tightly closed.
The more you try to open them, the tighter they are locking closed.” Although
this test is based on physiological rather than psychological factors, most subjects
will not know this, hence it will create a high degree of expectancy.
Note: This test has been loosing popularity with hypnotherapists because of
the often associated discomfort.

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Finger Spreading as a Sugesstibility Test

Ask the subject to hold one hand out in front of his/her face. Tell the subject to look
directly at his/her middle finger and to keep the attention there.
“I would like to test your suggestibility. This is not a test that you can pass or fail, so do
not help me or hinder me in any way. I would like you to sit up straight in the chair, feet
on the floor. Now, take your right hand and hold it out about 10 to 12 inches, even with
your nose. Look at your middle finger and concentrate on your fingers spreading and
jerking and pulling further and further apart. ..........Spreading and jerking and pulling
further apart. Further apart, moving further and further apart. Spreading and jerking and
pulling further and further apart. Fingers spreading and jerking and pulling further and
further apart………….”
Continue until the effect has occurred. Then tell the subject to relax his/her hand and
put it down. Now ask the subject to raise the other hand in the same manner and focus
his/her attention on the middle finger. Do not say anything and notice whether or not
their fingers begin spreading apart. If the fingers spread apart, inferential suggestions
might be more effective. If not, use a more literal approach. Note: With highly suggestible
subject’s the fingers of the other hand will spread automatically whether they are literal
or inferential.
Note: Inferential/Literal Suggestibility is based on Dr. John Kappas’ concept of Emotional/
Physical Suggestibility. The premise being that Emotional Suggestibles are more
inferential while Physical Suggestibles are more literal.

Pendulum Method
Four basic directions of movement of the pendulum are possible. These are clockwise
circle, counterclockwise circle, back and forth across in front of you or in and out towards
and away from you. There are also variations of these. The inner creative mind can be
asked to make its own selection of movements. One is to signify YES, another NO. A
third should mean “I don’t know”, and the fourth “I do not want to answer the question”.
This last choice may “indicate inhibition on response”.
Holding the pendulum, the person should voluntarily move it in each of the four directions,
then hold it motionless and ask which is to mean YES. No words are usually necessary.
The person merely thinks the request. When his/her affirmative response has been set
up, he/she asks for the selection of another motion to mean NO, then for one of the two
remaining ones to mean “I don’t know”. The fourth will then represent “not wanting to
answer”.
“Now just continue to sit in a relaxed manner, keeping the pendulum perfectly still.
Concentrate your gaze on the pendulum, keeping the pendulum perfectly still directly
over the point at which you are staring. Now allow your gaze and concentration to shift,
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

following up and down as if you were nodding your head and you will find that the
pendulum will follow the direction of your mind and your eyes and will begin to swing in
that direction. The harder you concentrate, the wider the pendulum will swing and the
faster you move your eyes back and forth, the faster the pendulum will swing. Move your
gaze back and forth....... back and forth.” Continue repeating the last phrase until you
see a definite motion of the pendulum. Then use similar terminology to have the pendulum
move in the opposite direction, then clockwise and counterclockwise circles.
I mentioned above, the four possible answers from the pendulum. Personally, I do not
allow for the fourth answer. I say, “If at anytime the pendulum does not want to answer
the question, it automatically falls out of your hand and we no longer pursue this matter
with the pendulum.”
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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

Levels of Trance
1. The Light Trance (Hypnoidal). This state is
associated with the production of Beta/Light
Alpha waves and is a slightly relaxed state,
open to emotions, memories and ideas. The
client is able to share his/her experiences
easily, is fully aware and in control, and often
will not feel that he/she was hypnotized.
2. The Medium Trance. This state is associated
with the production of Alpha waves. The body
is very relaxed, body perceptions are distorted
and the client is very open to emotions and
memories. Partial regression (where the client
is aware of being in the present and in the
Three Essentials for past at the same time) is common. This is a
highly suggestible condition and is the best
Successful Hypnosis state for interactive therapeutic work.
1. The Consent of the subject - 3. Deep Trance (Somnambulism) Associated
either tacit or implied. You with Alpha and Theta waves. It is a
cannot hypnotize someone
against his/her will. You can, profoundly relaxed state with no sensations
however, hypnotize a person from the body. It can be recognized by one
without his/her knowledge. or more of the following conditions: Lethargy
- unwillingness to move or speak. Catalepsy
2. A comfortable communication - rigidity of posture. Amnesia - inability to
between the hypnotist and recall what has been said or done in trance
the subject. It’s not the after regaining normal consciousness.Total
hypnosis that creates the Regression - total involvement in past incidents.
response, it’s the Rapport.
Hypnotic Rapport is a Slurring or Distortions of Voice - as to be
meeting of the minds on an unintelligible. Usually not the best state for
emotional level. It is the interactive therapeutic work because of the
emotionalized desire on the part sometime limited ability to speak interactively
of the subject to satisfy the with the hypnotherapist. However, it is very
suggested behavior. useful for straight suggestion work.
4. Very Deep Trance (Hypnotic Coma). This
3. Freedom from fear on the part
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

State is associated with Theta and Delta waves

of the subject. Fear is the and appears similar to a very deep
biggest limiting factor in the
hypnotic process. If you remove Somnambulistic state. In addition, the breathing
fear, and replace it with trust, rate is reduced significantly and complete
you will successfully hypnotize anesthesia is achieved. It is a highly
everyone. suggestible state, useful for surgical anesthesia
and rarely used outside of this context. A small
People often have fears of amount of clients can reach this state without
“being controlled” and/or “losing extensive preparation.
control”.

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

FORMS OF HYPNOTIC INDUCTION

Forms of hypnotic induction include Authoritarian
(forceful or paternal - often called “Father Hypnosis”),
Permissive (persuasive or maternal - often called “Mother
Hypnosis”) and Hidden (subliminal, informal or buried).

By creating common ground with the subject and

understanding his/her feelings and perceptions you build
and maintain rapport. Pacing and leading is an all-
important technique perfected by Dr. Milton Erickson.

“Five” ways to create a hypnotic induction:

1. The use of a startling command. This means,

overloading the nervous system.
2. Loss of equilibrium: A. a partial loss; B. Complete loss or
surrender of equilibrium.
3. Misdirection. A. physical misdirection; and B. mental
misdirection. (An example of this is the Raising and
Lowering of Hands Suggestibility Test).
4. Mental confusion (counting up, using every 4th number,
i.e., 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, etc. Or, counting up and
adding a number throughout the sequence, i.e., 1+1 = 2;
2+2 = 4; 4+3 = 7; 7 + 4 = 11; and so forth. So you would
get: 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, 16. 22, 29, 37, etc.
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

5. Relaxation.

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VARIOUS
INDUCTION METHODS

1. Breathing (counting down on exhalation)

2. Pacing and Leading
3. Eye Fixation (light, point of fascination, mechanical aid/object)
4. Counting Down (including. compounding and pyramiding)
5. Fractionation (reactional hypnosis) -Instant Sleep Suggestion.
6. Guided Imagery - always multisensory “VAKGO” (beach,
bathtub, childhood memory, boat ride, meadow, mountain site, etc.
7. Body Manipulation, Progressive Relaxation, Autogenics (a
relaxation technique involving a series of attention-focusing
exercises) and/or Jacobson Progressive Relaxation (a technique
of tensing and releasing muscle groups).
8. Disguised Techniques (suggestibility tests as inductions,
relaxation techniques as inductions)
9. Overload Confusion Techniques utilizing (eye blink, arm drop,
hand levitation, postural/forward sway, etc.).

CHARACTERISTICS OF EXPERIENCED SUBJECTS

1. Profound physical and mental relaxation.

2. Selective attention with a heightened degree of concentration.
3. Lesser critical involvement leading to uncritical acceptance of,
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

and increased responsiveness to suggestions.

4. Reduction in the need for reality testing.
5. Amplified effects of cognition on bodily functions.
6. Increased ability for imagery and fantasy and a more vivid
availability of past memories.
7. Lack or loss of necessity to carry out personal plans or ideas.

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

Name of Your Hypnosis Business

Your name followed by initialed credentials Your address
Your title City, State, Zip
Your phone number

Bien’s Hypnosis Responsiveness Questionnaire

1. Have you ever been hypnotized? 1. _____ _____
2. Have you ever seen anyone hypnotized? 2. _____ _____
3. Do you believe hypnosis can help you with your 3. _____ _____
problems?
4. Have you ever walked or talked in your sleep? 4. _____ _____
5. Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night and 5. _____ _____
felt like you couldn’t move or speak?
6. Are you basically a trusting person? 6. _____ _____
7. Do you have a vivid imagination? 7. _____ _____
8. Do you daydream or involve yourself in fantasy? 8. _____ _____
9. Are you able to concentrate on an idea or thought? 9. _____ _____
10.Do you feel comfortable being touched by someone you 10._____ _____
trust?
11. Are you open to new ideas? 11. _____ _____
12.Are you able to follow directions? 12._____ _____
13.Are you able to get in touch with your emotions easily? 13._____ _____
14.Do you believe that it’s possible for a person to be 14._____ _____
healed by the power of his or her mind?
15.Have you ever wished that you could avoid taking any 15._____ _____
medication?
16.Do you enjoy reading fiction and get involved in the
stories? 16._____ _____
17.Are you basically a spiritual person?
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

17._____ _____
18.Do you find talking about the supernatural fascinating? 18._____ _____
19.Have you ever meditated? 19._____ _____
20.Are you able to sit or lie still for a period of time? 20._____ _____
21.If you were to imagine sucking on a sour, bitter, juicy, 21._____ _____
yellow lemon, would your mouth begin to water?

“Leading the Way to Unlimited Human Potential”

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

Hypnotic Inductions
Progressive Relaxation
This is probably the most commonly used induction. It is simple and permissive. “Take a
deep breath and as you exhale, just allow your eyelids to close down. Become
aware of any muscles or nerves that may be tense in your eyelids and just
allow those muscles and nerves to relax and let go. Relax each muscle so
that your eyelids become completely relaxed ...................As you keep
breathing, direct your awareness to your scalp and notice any muscles which
may be tense, especially notice the small muscles around the edge of the
scalp. Relax those muscles ..................Relax your scalp. Relax each muscle
so completely and totally that your scalp becomes totally and completely relaxed
Now direct your attention to your face and notice any muscles which may be
tense. As you focus on these muscles, just allow all the muscles of your face to
become completely relaxed. Now direct your awareness to your jaw
..............become aware of the muscles which control your jaw and allow the relaxation
to set into these muscles. Relax each muscle so that your jaw is completely
loose and completely and totally relaxed. Now, as you direct your awareness
to your neck, become aware of the muscles which control your neck. Relax
these muscles ........................Relax your neck..........Relax each muscle and
relax each nerve ........Relax each and every muscle and nerve and allow your
neck to become completely relaxed. Now, allow this relaxing feeling to spread
on into you hands, and as you direct your attention to your hands, become
aware of the many small muscles and bones in your hands ..........As you do
this, relax your hands and allow each muscle, each nerve, and each cell to become
totally and completely relaxed. Now, as you direct your attention to your
chest, be aware that this is an area containing muscles, organs, glands and
nerves ...........Allow that relaxing feeling to spread on into each muscle, each
organ, each gland and each nerve. Allow each and every cell to function in a
normal, rhythmic manner and allow your chest to become completely and totally
relaxed. Now, bring your attention to your abdomen which is an area containing
muscles, organs, glands and nerves........Allow that relaxing feeling to spread
into your abdomen and relax each and every muscle, each organ, each gland,
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

and each nerve. Allow each and every cell to function in perfect rhythm and allow
your abdomen to totally and completely relax. As you direct your awareness
to your legs, allow that relaxing feeling to enter your legs ...........Now relax the
muscles in your legs ...................Relax your legs totally. Allow your legs to
become completely relaxed. Now direct your attention to your feet, an area of
many small muscles and bones. Relax the muscles in your feet .......Just let
those muscles to rest .......Relax your feet ..........Allow your feet to become
completely and totally relaxed. It feels good to be relaxed and it’s a natural and
healthy state.”

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

Eye Fixation Induction

Have the subject seated comfortably, feet flat on the floor and hands on his/her
laps with the palms down.
“Now I would like you to focus your attention on a spot on the ceiling overhead
........ Keep looking at that spot without moving a muscle. You don’t have to
use any effort. It’s just something for you to focus on to help eliminate any
distractions that might cause you to shift your eyes. Just keep focusing on
that spot and listen to my voice. You’ll hear what I say. Even if you don’t hear
what I say it doesn’t matter ……….You’ll go in anyway. I’m not interested in
your conscious mind .........I’m interested in your inner-conscious mind and
the less you concentrate on what I’m saying, the easier it will be for my
suggestions to reach your inner-conscious mind .........After all, I’m not speaking
to you, I’m talking to your ears ...........and soon you will find just how easy it is
to let go .......Soon you will find just how wonderful it feels when you just relax
and let go. As you continue to gaze at that spot, you will notice that you begin
to relax more and more with each and every easy breath that you inhale. Your
eyelids may have a tendency to blink .......and you know, as well as I do, just
how good it would feel to just relax and let go ...........Eyelids so heavy so
drowsy. They’re becoming so heavy and drowsy ..........so heavy, drowsy,
droopy and sleepy. As a matter of fact, the more you think about keeping
those eyelids open, the more they just want to close because you know just
how good it would feel to just let those eyelids close right down. It’s almost like
watching a late-night television show .........try hard to keep those eyes open
try hard to keep them open .........they just want to close right down .........try
hard to keep them open ................they just want to close ..........it would feel
so good just to let them close down ...........and when you’re ready, just let
them close right down. Eyelids so very tired ...........so very heavy .........so
very drowsy ..........so very droopy, so very sleepy. They’re closing.............
closing ...........closing ............closing ...........closing ..................closing. Try
hard to keep them open they just want to close try hard to keep them open
but they want to close right down. They’re closing ...........closing ..........closing © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

..........closing. Closing ...........closing .........and Deep Sleep!”

(Timing is of utmost importance in this induction. Watch your subject very carefully
and speed up or slow down the dialogue as necessary. If the subject responds
very quickly, you may have to skip certain sections. If not, don’t be afraid of being
repetitive. N.B. If the subject appears to be staring aimlessly into space, pass
your hand in front of his/her eyes. If there is no response, the subject is probably
a somnambulist and is in deep hypnosis).

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

Dr. Sidney Flower’s Blink Method

The subject is to be seated and stare at the opposite wall but not to fixate on anything.
Tell the subject to close his/her eyes and begin counting up from the number “1”.
Do not mention any pre-determined number. Each time that the subject counts a
number, the subject is to open his/her eyes just for a moment and then to close them
again. As you say the following, demonstrate this process to the subject.
“Now I would like you to close your eyes. In a moment, I’m going to count
from one up, and I’m going to ask you to open your eyes for a moment on
each count and then to close them again in between counts. As I count, and
as you continue to open your eyes momentarily on each count, and close
them in between counts, you will find that your eyelids become heavier and
heavier ............it becomes more and more difficult to open your eyes after
you have closed them and the more you try to open them, the heavier they
become ........ the more you try to open them, the more difficult it becomes
You find that it feels just so comfortable for you to keep your eyelids closed
and to open them is simply more than you want to deal with.”
Have the subject begin counting up while you continue to give suggestions of
heaviness in the eyelids. Watch the subject carefully and edit the script as necessary
by repeating or deleting sections and tailoring the induction to his/her responses.
“One ............heavier. Two getting heavier and heavier. Three ..........muscles
relaxing. Four eyelids getting heavier and heavier. Five ..........your breathing
is deep and rhythmic. Six eyelids heavier with each easy breath ...........eyelids
heavier and heavier with each count. Seven ...........feeling so comfortable
with each count ..........feeling so relaxed with each count ..........eyelids so
relaxed and heavy with each count. Eight ...........eyelids so heavy and relaxed
............so very heavy and so very relaxed. Nine ...........it just feels so good
having those eyelids closed. Ten............. It feels so good having those eye-lids
closed that it’s becoming a chore to open them. Eleven ...........so relaxed
...........so heavy so relaxed ............so drowsy ..............so relaxed ................so
sleepy. Twelve ...........the more you think about opening those eyelids, the
more they want to stay closed feeling so heavy and so relaxed ..............so
very heavy and so very relaxed. Thirteen .......you may want to open those
eyelids, but they feel so much better closed. Fourteen .............eyelids heavier,
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

drowsier, droopier and sleepier. Fifteen ............you’re finding it more and

more difficult to open those eyelids because you know just how good it feels
with them closed ...........so heavy ...........so relaxed. Sixteen ..............the more
you try to open those eyelids, the more difficult it becomes because they just
feel so good closed so good and relaxed. Seventeen ..........you could perhaps
open those eyelids but it’s just such a chore that’s it’s more than you want to
deal with .........so relaxed. Eighteen .............the harder you try to open them,
the tighter they close..............Nineteen try to open them, they close even
tighter. Twenty...........Deep Sleep!”

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Dave Elman Induction

“Place your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands very loose and relaxed,
palms down on your lap. I’m going to hold my hand up and I want you to
look directly at my two fingers (Extend your index and middle fingers in front of the
subject’s face, above his/her eyes). As I lower my fingers in front of your face, I
want you to close your eyes.” (Lower your hand with your fingers extended in front of
the subject’s face). “Now I want you to relax the muscles around your eyes to
the point where they wouldn’t work ...........relax them so much that they
wouldn’t work even if you wanted them to ………. so heavy ..........so relaxed.
Relax them to the point that they wouldn’t work even if you wanted them
to ............relax them to the point that your eyes just wouldn’t open even if
you wanted them to. Then, when you’re absolutely sure that those eye
muscles wouldn’t work ………….just wouldn’t work even if you wanted
them to, test them ...and you will find that they do remain closed. Now
that you realize that your eyelids are so relaxed that they won’t open, let
the relaxation flow all the way down the body, relaxing each and every part
of your body. I’m going to pick up your right arm ………..I don’t want you to
help me in any way…………..let me pick it up ……………and let it be very
heavy in my hand ......very loose …………..just like a rag doll. Just let me
hold all the weight of that hand. Now I’m going to drop your hand into your
lap ………….and as I do, I want you to double your relaxation and go even
deeper into this pleasant state.” (Repeat as necessary until the arm drops loose and
limp. Ask the subject to allow his/her arm to relax and become loose and limp. If the
subject does not allow this to happen, proceed to another technique. If the arm falls loose
and limp, continue): “From this point on just listen to my voice. Allow any
sounds that you might hear around you to blend with the sound of my
voice and take you deeper into relaxation. Drifting down deeper
…………deeper and deeper ...........deeper and deeper …………….down
........down ……..down. With each and every breath that you take you go deeper
and deeper into relaxation. You’ve learned how to relax your body, now I’m
going to show you how to relax your mind. In a moment I’m going to ask
you to count out loud from two-hundred down and after each number I
want you to say the words ..........Deep sleep, deeper asleep, more and © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

more relaxed. And you will find that after saying a few numbers, they
begin fading and fading ...........just fading right out of your mind. Now
begin counting out loud with the number two-hundred.” (Say the first one or
two numbers with the subject to establish the pace). “Two-hundred, deep sleep,
deeper asleep, more and more relaxed. Good .............continue. Double your
relaxation as the numbers get smaller ..........feel yourself drifting deeper and
deeper into total relaxation ..........just allow those numbers to begin fading
and fading away, farther and farther away ……….fading and fading. Soon
they fade completely so that you cannot find anymore numbers …………you
have the ability to just let those numbers fade away and disappear.”
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Arm Drawing Conversion

While demonstrating, say to the client: “What I would like for you to do
is to hold both your arms out in front of you, pushing them out and
away from your body as far as possible.............. Lock your elbows
tightly................ Stretch your fingers out straight, thumbs up, with
your palms facing each other.” (Take the subject’s hands and give him/
her an inference by pulling his/her hands about thirty-six inches apart, then
pushing them together so that the palms touch. Then separate them about
twenty-four inches and place your index finger right in front of them). “Now
Just keep looking at my index finger in front of your hands. Keep
looking at my finger while I count from three down to one, and just
allow your eyelids to close down at the count of one. And with your
eyes closed, keep focusing on the spot where you last saw my
finger............... All right now, three............... two................. one. Close
your eyelids down................. Now imagine that I’m placing a magnet
on the palm of each hand and imagine these magnets drawing and
pulling your hands together........................ Drawing and pulling...........
pulling and drawing................. pulling and drawing.................... drawing
and pulling together......................... Feel those imaginary magnets
drawing and pulling more rapidly.......................... Imagine that
attraction getting stronger and stronger................... The closer that
your hands get...................... the stronger the attraction................. Focus
on those magnets drawing and pulling even more rapidly now and
that magnetic attraction getting even stronger........................ Drawing
and pulling................. Just pulling and pulling and pulling and
pulling.................... Closing in..................... closing.....................
closing....................... closing and closing....................... Feel those
hands closing in......................... Closing in and almost © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

touching........................ They’re almost touching...................... They’re

touching (say this only if the client’s hands are about to touch, otherwise
simply continue with suggestions for the hands/imaginary magnets to draw
closer and closer together) ............... touching.................... touching,
touching, and………….. Sleep!” (As the subject’s hands touch, place
your hands on the backs of his/her hands, press them together, and pull
them forward (or push them down) while stressing the word “Sleep!”).

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Arm Levitation
Have the subject seated in a recliner with his/her right (or left) palm and elbow on the
arm of the recliner (If the subject is seated in an arm-less straight chair, you can have
him/her rest the palm and elbow on a table or desk next to the chair, otherwise simply
have the subject rest his/her palm and elbow on their lap). Have the subject stare at the
first knuckle of the right (or left) hand.
“As you keep your attention on your knuckle, just allow yourself to relax
deeper and deeper.... .....Deeper and deeper, just allow that relaxation to set in.
Now, just close your eyelids down and concentrate on the weight of your elbow
pushing down on the arm of the recliner (or table/desk/lap) and when you become
aware of your elbow pushing down, shake your head ‘yes’ for me
…………….I want you to imagine that I’m tying a string around the wrist of
your right (or left) handand this string is attached to a large helium balloon
When you can imagine that balloon just shake your head ‘yes’ for me
............Now just keep focusing on that balloon and imagine that the balloon
is lifting higher and higher ……………higher and higher with each and
every easy breath that you inhale …………..And, as you continue to breathe,
you may begin to sense a lightness coming over your hand and arm
............It’s as though all the weight seems to be leaving your hand ..............It
is as though all the weight seems to be leaving your arm. Imagine that
balloon lifting higher and higher and your arm getting lighter and lighter
..............Now I can’t say whether one or more of your fingers will move,
twitch or jerk ........but when and if this happens, just nod your head ‘yes’
for me ............................Lighter and lighter .........Just light as a feather
………….and the hand and arm have a tendency to lift ……………Lifting
higher and higher with each easy breath that you inhale ………….Lighter
and lighter, as light as a feather, lifting upward higher and higher ……….. Higher
and higher ..............lighter…………..and lighter …………….just as light as a
feather ...........................Now your hand begins to turn towards your body
and soon it will touch and come to rest on your head, face, chest, or some
other part of your body (notice what part of the subject’s body his/her hand is © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

approaching) ……………..Hand turning and turning towards your head (or

face, chest, etc.) ...........And, as soon as it touches your head (face, chest,
etc.), it comes to rest and you go into a very pleasant state of total relaxation....
Moving in and almost touching ………..moving in and almost touching
……………moving in ......almost touching ………………It’s touching
…………..touching ………...touching………… and Deep Sleep!”
While saying the words “Deep Sleep,” as the subject’s hand touches his/her body,
press on the subject’s hand. This will keep the subject from dropping his/her hand and
enable you to administer an hypnotic deepening challenge.

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Bien’s Three-Minute Self-Hypnosis Conditioning

“I will now go into hypnosis for reasons of relaxation, better self-control and a
more positive and confident self-image. I will take three deep breaths, and
with each breath, my eyelids get heavier and heavier ………..and on or before
the third breath, my eyelids close down ……………and a pleasant, relaxing
and comforting feeling enters my body. One (breathe in deeply and exhale)
.............My eyelids are getting heavier and heavier …………..so very heavy.
Two (breathe in deeply and exhale) ................Eyelids even heavier now
…………..just wanting to close right down. Three ...............I (say your first name)
.........sleep now!”

For hypnotic deepening use the descending staircase technique or any other
technique that feels comfortable. Give yourself the intended positive
affirmations (these should have been memorized previously or put on a tape/cd
player), and utilize appropriate imagery if desired, then continue:

“Each and every time I do this exercise, I go into hypnosis much more quickly
and much more deeply than the previous time.”

Bring yourself out of hypnosis by counting from “one” up to the number “five.”
“I will now count from “one” up to “five.” When I reach the number “five,”
I will open my eyes and feel totally relaxed and refreshed. One feeling good.
Two ……….feeling very good. Three ……….. feeling relaxed, refreshed and
recharged. Four ………….feeling perfect in every way. Five.... eyelids open,
fully aware and feeling wonderful!”

More Practical Hints for Delivering Suggestions

1. Maintain a steady flow and patter without giving the subject time enough to critically
analyze the suggestions or the basic process.
2. If the subject fails to respond to a suggestion, go back to simpler suggestions,
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

then see if you can re-administer the failed suggestion. If that suggestion cannot
be re-administered, skip it and move on.
3. As a suggestion is acted upon, become slightly more emphatic in voice tone.
4. Suggestions can be made more effective by engaging as many of the subject’s
senses as possible.
5. Direct the subject’s experience through his/her imagination - do not give commands.
6. Report every behavior of the subject as being indicative of the onset of hypnosis.
7. Make an attempt to make the suggestions as logical and believable as possible.

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Dynamics of Change (RDRSP)

1. Restrict the subject’s field of consciousness.

2. Develop a set of expectations.
3. Reinforce the set of expectations.
4. Set a specific behavioral goal, and establish a cue for its elicitation.
5. Provide the cue as the subject reaches the goal.

Subjective Hypnotic Depth

1. Hypnoidal: Characterized by rapid eye movement, heaviness of limbs

and physical relaxation. Inhibition of small muscle groups.
2. Cataleptic: Characterized by the eyeballs roaming side to side. Slower
and deeper breathing, slower pulse rate, twitching of the mouth or jaw.
3. Somnambulism: Characterized by the eyeballs rolling up underneath
the eyelids. Complete muscular inhibition, kinesthetic delusions, partial
anesthesia, glove anesthesia, tactile, gustatory and olfactory illusions,
Catalepsy of the limbs of the body.

Three Stages Of Somnambulism (John Kappas)

1. First Stage Somnambulism - 20% to 40% Spontaneous Amnesia.
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

2. Second Stage Somnambulism - approximately 60% Spontaneous

Amnesia.
3. Third Stage Somnambulism - Total Spontaneous Amnesia.

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Objective and Subjective Trance Recognition

1. Changes in Breathing - Breathing usually becomes slower, deeper and

more rhythmic.
2. Visual Alterations - Glassy look / Lacrimation (the production, secretion,
and shedding of tears) becomes more apparent.
3. Blink Reflex - Eyes begin blinking, and often continue to do so with
noticeable frequency.
4. Eye Closure - A desire on the part of the subject to close his/her
eyelids. A feeling of greater comfort with closed eyelids.
5. Attentiveness - A noticeable fixation on the hypnotist by the subject.
6. Glazed Eyes - A continually glassy, empty, dewy look.
7. Changes in Bodily Functions - Heaviness of limbs and physical
relaxation.
8. Swallow Reflex - A tendency for the subject to swallow.
9. Limpness of Limbs - A heaviness of the limbs to the point that they drop
instantly when lifted.
10. Immobility - Maintaining little or no movement by the subject.
11. Eye Catalepsy - An inability on the part of the subject to voluntarily open
the eyelids.
12. Arm Catalepsy - A cataleptic rigidity by the subject in response to
a suggestion of same.
13. Enhanced and Selective Awareness - A hypnotically-induced
perception of reality. The ability to increase, diminish, and/or delete
external and/or internal focus.
14. Response to Suggestions - The subject follows the directions of the
hypnotist.
15. Reorientation - A delay by the subject to gaining full cognitive
awareness upon trance termination.
16. Exclusion - A narrowing of focus to the exclusion of irrelevant
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

external stimuli on by the subject.

17. Disorientation - A delay in attaining full cognitive awareness on the part
of the subject upon trance termination.
18. Time Distortion - A subjective, cognitive misrepresentation of time on
the part of the subject.

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Hypnotic Deepening Techniques

1. Gentle Rocking - Touching the client on the shoulder and gently rocking him/her
from side to side. (Note: Before touching a client, make sure that you get
permission from him/her to do so. Also, check your State/Provincial Laws
concerning the touching of clients),
2. Fractionation/Reactional Hypnosis - The technique of putting a client into
hypnosis and bringing him/her out of hypnosis a series of times in succession,
accompanied by suggestions of deepening. This is an excellent deepening
technique.
3. Silent Periods - Silent periods are excellent deepening techniques. Gently touch
the client on the shoulder (or hand) and say, “I will now be quiet for a few moments
to allow your subconscious mind to fully integrate the suggestions I have given
you.”
4. Counting - Usually counting down for deepening. There are hypnotists who also
count up to deepen (usually Ericksonian hypnotists).
5. Descending Stairs - Guiding a client down a series of steps on an imaginary
staircase that is well lit, with a secure hand rail.
6. Elevator/Escalator (if appropriate) - Having the client imagine going down an
imaginary elevator/escalator is a very effective deepening techniques, just be
sure that the client has no adverse feelings to the elevators/escalators. If you do
not know for sure, simply ask, “How do you feel about elevators/escalators?” If
there is even the slightest concern, abandon the suggestion.
7. Hypnotic Patter - An on-going stream of suggestions that appear to be said
without taking a breath.
8. Timed Breathing - Setting the client’s inhale and exhale to a specific count such
as, “Breathe in on 1, 2, 3, 4, hold for 1, 2, 3, 4, and exhale for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8 ( or some other count). The cadence can be enhanced using a snap of the
fingers with each number counted.
9. Rapid Arm Drop - Lifting the client’s arm and dropping it in his/her lap.
10. Shoulder Press - Touching the subject on his/her shoulder while suggesting they
go deeper.
11. Compounding/Pyramiding - Building one suggestion upon another.
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

12. Homoaction - A continuously repeated suggestion or movement, i.e., saying the

word “deeper” over and over and/or rotating the client’s hand continuously.
13. Guided Imagery/Visualization - Having a client visualize/imagine a suggested
scene/situation. Visualization is strictly visual. Imagery can be visual, auditory
and/or kinesthetic.
14. Misdirection - Ping-ponging the client’s attention from one sensation or statement
to another, i.e., “Left hand lighter; Right hand heavier”.
15. Hypnotic Challenges - Having the client respond to suggestions of arm, eye,
and/or body catalepsy.

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Hypnotic Challenges as Deepening Techniques and Testing

Eye Catalepsy George Bien’s Style Arm Catalepsy
This is a good test for light trance. “I’m Often an indication of light to medium
going to count from five down to the trance. “I’m going to take your right
number one. With each number I (or left) arm and extend it out in front
count, your eyelids lock tighter and of you, and I want you to take any
tighter closed, and by the time I possible remaining tension in your
reach the number ‘one,’ they lock body, and put it into this arm. Now
so tightly closed that the more you I’m going to count from one up to the
try to open them, the tighter they number ten, and with each number
are locking closed. that I count, your arm gets tighter and
Five - Eyelids pressing down tightly tighter. So tight, just like a solid bar
.............. Four - They’re pressing of steel. One - Arm getting tighter and
down and sealing shut ..........Three tighter. Two - So tight and so solid.
- They’re sealing just as if they were Three - Even tighter, just as though
there’s a solid bar of steel running
glued ...............Two - They’re locked.
through that arm. Four - So solid. So
...........The more you try to open
tight. Five - Even tighter and more
them, the tighter they are locking
solid. Six - Like a solid bar of steel.
closed........ One - Try to open them Seven - The tighter it gets, the deeper
and they lock even tighter.” you go. Eight - Tighter with each
breath that you inhale. Nine - So solid
Eye Flinch Test and so tight that the more you try to
Gently and noiselessly, touch the eye lower or bend your arm, the tighter it
lashes of one of the subject’s eyes. If becomes. Ten - Try to lower or bend
the subject is in a light trance, there is it and it gets even tighter.”
a normal involuntary flinch or reaction Note: if the client does not tense his/her
to this touch. In medium or deeper arm, say these words, “Ahhh, obviously
trance the subject loses this startle you’ve let that tension go.”
reaction.
Note: This test has lost popularity over Suggested Amnesia
the years. This is a good test for partial or complete
somnambulism. Have the subject begin
Limp Arm Test counting from two-hundred down, while
suggesting to the subject that the numbers
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

A good test for medium trance.

“Now I want to see just how relaxed are disappearing from his/her mind, as
you are. I’m going to pick up your explained in the Dave Elman induction.
When the subject sees no more
right (or left) arm by the wrist and
numbers, somnambulism has been
just let it drop down.”
created.
If the arm drops down with a thud, this
N.B. It is important to determine whether
often shows total relaxation and that a it is suggested amnesia or what Dave
light to medium level of hypnosis has Elman called, “aphasia”. Aphasia is being
been reached. able to see the numbers but not being
able to say them
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It’s important to be flexible. Sometimes overt hypnosis is not

utilized because the client has a true need to talk about
something important. Verbal reframing is usually done during
the discussion.

NOTE: If your subject is having success with the program, it

is not necessary to change it for the sake of change, or
newness. It’s better to be repetitive when working with
hypnosis, because reinforcement and encouragement are
the keys to maintaining success.

Reactional Hypnosis / Fractionation / Instant Sleep

Suggestion Deepening Technique
While the client is in hypnosis say, “In a moment I’m going to count to three..............
and at the count of three, I’m going to ask you to open your eyes. And when I
say the words ‘Sleep Now,’ and snap my fingers like this (demonstrate by snapping
your fingers)..........your eyelids close right down and you go even deeper.............
Not because I say so, but because it’s the nature of your wonderful inner creative
mind to respond in such a perfect and magnificent way............... Repeat the
instructions. That’s right........... I’m going to count to three.............. and at the
count of three, I’m going to ask you to open your eyes. Yet when I say the
words, ‘Sleep Now,’ and snap my fingers like this (demonstrate by snapping your
fingers).......... your eyelids close right down and you go even deeper into this
wonderful relaxing state............. Certainly, not because I say so, but because
it’s the nature of your wonderful inner creative mind to respond in such a
perfect and magnificent way.......... One....... two......... three........... eyelids
opening.......... opening............ opening................... And ‘Sleep Now! (snap your
fingers while saying the words, ‘Sleep Now’)..................... eyelids closing right
down and going even deeper.................. and again............One......... two..............
three........... eyelids opening.......... opening............ opening................... and
‘Sleep Now!’ (snap your fingers while saying the words, ‘Sleep Now’) .....................
eyelids closing right down and going even deeper.................. and again................”
Repeat a number of times with constant suggestions for going deeper.. © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

If you want, rather than snapping your fingers, you can say and do
the following:
1. “When I say the words, ‘Sleep Now,’ and touch you on the shoulder/hand, your
eyelids close right down and you go even deeper” (touch the subject on the
shoulder/hand while saying, “Sleep Now”).
2. “When I say the words, ‘Sleep Now,’ and touch you on the forehead your
eyelids close right down and you go even deeper” (touch the subject on the
forehead while saying, “Sleep Now”).
3. You can also simply say the words, “Sleep Now” without any touching.

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Hypnotic Devices
None of these devices are
absolutely necessary to create
the hypnotic state. They can,
however, be useful and you may
get that occasional client who
relates to one or more of them
because of his/her previous
programming and/or
experience.
1. Pendulum
2. Flashing Light
3. Hypnodisk
4. Sound Machine
5. Metronome
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

Trance Ratification (PRFDE)

1. Progressively expand the trance experience by utilizing the subject’s own
spontaneous behaviors, and associating these behaviors with the
development of the trance experience.
2. Recognize minimal cues – physical changes or behavior.
3. Focus subject’s attention on these responses.
4. Develop hypnosis around these movements.
5. Emphasize what the client is doing rather than what he/she cannot do.

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Ending the Trance

Everyone will come out of hypnosis. Some, however, enjoy the experience so much that they
don’t choose to come out immediately. The biggest danger is that they might fall asleep.
“I’m going to count from one up to the number ‘Five.’ When I reach the number ‘Five,’
you will awaken feeling relaxed and refreshed with a good sense of well-being. One
...... Slowly, calmly, easily and gently returning to your full awareness. Two........ Each
muscle and nerve is loose, limp and totally relaxed. Three........ You’re feeling perfect
from head to toe. Four......... Physically and emotionally calm and serene. Five............
Eyes open, fully aware, feeling wonderful in every way.”

Note: Do not be concerned if people don’t come out of hypnosis immediately. Hypnosis is an
enjoyable experience and subjects sometimes want to hold on to that experience a bit longer.
Since hypnosis is a natural state of mind, the hypnotic state will end spontaneously. If the
person falls asleep, he/she will wake up naturally. If time doesn’t permit a natural sleep, you
can invade territory by touching the person gently (check your specific State/Provincial
laws dealing with touching) while giving suggestions for trance termination.

Abreactions

The basic idea is to generate a feeling on demand. Every part in life (memory, feeling,
information, etc.) pulls up everything connected with it - recreating a holographic/synergistic
experience through the conscious creation of message units. Sometimes this can create
abreactions. An Abreaction may occur. Watch the subject constantly to detect these
changes and utilize these signs to work at a more emotional level.
Abreactions include:
1. Any frown or indication of stress in facial muscles.
2. Any rhythmic movement of the head.
3. Any tossing or turning of the body or any other unusual signs.
4. Crying.

Possible reasons for abreactions:

1. Suppressed Emotions.
2. Suggestions given related to traumatic event.
3. Suggestions connected with a fear or phobia. © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

DO NOT PANIC!
NEVER bring client immediately out of trance during an abreaction. Give suggestions to
report what is happening. If there is resistance, have them begin to relax, return to the here
and now, and have them verbally respond to a question of feeling relaxed.
If an abreaction seems uncontrollable, say to the client, “Focus on your breathing. That’s
right.... take a breath... in and then out.... a deeper breath .... That’s right .... another
breath ..... in and now out.” Establish a breathing cadence, gradually slowing it down and
stabilizing the client. Do this with added suggestions of safety and comfort.

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Hypnosis with Children

With older children the standard techniques can be used successfully. Tailor the induction
techniques to the age, intellect and maturity of the child. The younger the child, the simpler the
vocabulary and induction technique must be. It is not unusual for a child to open his/her eyes
and ask you for the meaning of a word. Capitalize on the child’s vivid imagination and willingness
to play games.

• Use a Very Literal Approach

Children are very literal. Inferences and
innuendos are not as effective. Use mostly
straight suggestions.
• Use “Flowery Talk”
Fill your suggestions with colorful language
and inflections.
• Use fantasy and imagery
Capitalize on a child’s extraordinary ability to
fantasize.
• Play Therapy
Getting children physically involved can dramatically enhance the suggestions.
Have them act out feeling powerful, brilliant, motivated, etc.
• Story Technique
Create stories and tales that involve characters overcoming related issues and
challenges.
• Monotonous Rocking
Gentle movement (if appropriate) to and fro can help relax and stabilize a child
(check your specific State or Provincial laws dealing with the touching of children).
• Dissociative Visualization
Have the child visualize any challenging experience in a dissociative manner.
Have them imagine the experience on a movie screen as an observer (third
person).
• Television Technique
Television can be a highly effective dissociative technique. Have the child imagine
an experience on a television screen, and have them direct the outcome.
• Two-Finger Technique
Extend your index and middle fingers straight up. Tell the child that this is how he
or she is now. Then slowly bend the fingers down towards your palm, and tell the
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

child that this is how they’ll be feeling and responding as they continue to relax.
• Pretend Technique
Capitalize on the child’s imagination. Have him/her imagine that they have
accomplished what they wish to accomplish, display desirable behavior, overcome
challenges, etc.
• Hero Technique
Have the child take on the good traits of their heroes - Power Rangers, etc.
• Stuffed Animals
A stuffed animals can serve as a great anchors. Remember, children get attached
easily, so be willing to give the stuffed animal to the child.

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

Dangers of Smoking
1. Smoking cuts the oxygen supply to the brain by
at least 50%.
2. Tobacco smoke contains carbon monoxide,
arsenic and formaldehyde, which is used to
embalm dead tissue.
3. Emphysema, bronchitis, asthma, lung cancer
and tuberculosis have all been linked to smoking.
4. Disruption of circulation to the extremities, the
degree that blotches of dead tissue are visible,
has been connected to smoking.
5. The tar from cigarettes irritates the stomach
lining.
6. Smokers are difficult to anesthetize and can
develop a fatal spasm when administered an anesthetic such as ether.
7. Smoking causes tremors.
8. Smoking can cause kidney or pancreatic disturbances.
9. Smoking can aggravate peptic or duodenal ulcers.
10. Smoking affects vision, causing such things as night blindness, dilated
pupils, and inability to focus.
11. If you smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for fifteen years, you’d absorb
the equivalent of an 8-ounce glass of tar.
12. A one-drop injection of nicotine would kill you immediately.

Some suggestions for the client before he/she comes in for the session.
1. Decide that you definitely want to quit.
2. List all the reasons why you want to quit.
3. Develop strong personal reasons in addition to your health and obligations to others, i.e.,
think of all the time you waste taking cigarette breaks, rushing out to buy a pack, searching
for a light, etc.
4. Set a target date for quitting - perhaps a special day like your birthday, your anniversary,
a holiday. Mark the date on your calendar.
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

5. Begin to prepare yourself physically - start a modest exercise regimen, drink more
fluids, do your best to get plenty of rest and avoid fatigue.
6. Bet a friend you can quit on your target date.
7. Ask your spouse or a friend to quit with you.
8. Don’t smoke when you first experience a craving; wait a few minutes; during this time
change your activity or talk to someone.
9. Stop buying cigarettes by the carton. Wait until one pack is empty before buying
another.
10. Instead of using ashtrays, put your cigarettes out in glasses half-filled with water instead.
11. Reward yourself some other way rather than smoking.
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More Suggestions
1. Change all small habits. If you used to smoke in a certain
spot while doing an activity, move to a different location while
performing that activity.
2. Do your self-hypnosis activity in the beginning of the day.
Visualize yourself at the end of the day, a complete success
in overcoming the urge to smoke, and register the feelings of
accomplishment and pride in this achievement.
3. Relax as much as possible, and if possible, avoid pressure
situations or any undue strains.
4. Have a glass of pure water with the juice of half a lemon upon
arising (only with the consent of a licensed health practitioner),
telling yourself that just for today, you are motivated to control the smoking.

Note: The following suggested reinforcement is only part of a diet

enhancement and personal fitness program, which is solely informational
and not intended as medical advice in any form, which many only be given
by a qualified medical professional.

1. Satisfy oral need. Drink quantities of water, or juice (drink

juice only if recommended by a licensed health
practitioner). Chew gum (lesser of two evils – be sure it’s
a gum that is relatively healthy, purchased in a health
food store), suck on a hard, sugar-free candy (again, the
lesser of two evils - be sure it’s candy that is relatively
healthy, purchased in a health food store), or eat a protein
chewable (before following any of the above suggestions,
consult with a licensed medical health practitioner). You
need not gain weight when you become a permanent
nonsmoker. You can use the same self-hypnosis
techniques to conquer the cravings for fattening foods..
2. Eat a good, well-balanced breakfast.
3. Remind yourself that a craving for a smoke lasts only
seconds in the brain. Immediately distract your mind, or
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

satisfy oral need by chewing gum (as indicated above) or by drinking water.
4. Stand up immediately after finishing a meal.
5. Say, “No thank you, I’ve quit permanently,” to anyone who offers you a smoke. Say it
with conviction and confidence, and it will reaffirm your commitment to your goal.
6. Practice deep breathing, from the diaphragm, to relieve tension and anxiety.
7. Engage in physical exercise (do this only with the approval of a licensed medical health
practitioner).
8. Calculate one-year’s smoking expenses, and allocate that money to fund a positive goal
in your life, be it purchasing a long-desired item, engaging in a favorite activity, or
donating it to a worthy cause.
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Smoking Cessation Hypnotic Programming

“Now as you are relaxing more and more, going deeper
and deeper, you feel more and more motivated and
determined than ever to reject all that is unhealthy and
harmful to you. There is no need for tension, stress,
uneasiness and there is no need for smoking cigarettes
…………You now reject this habit and you have all the
right reasons for doing so …………You have all the
right reasons for being a nonsmoker. You do it for
yourself …………for your health ……for your well-
being. You simply let go of any need for this ugly,
disgusting negative habit ………and, as a nonsmoker,
your lungs begin purifying themselves .............and in
just a short time, they return to a normal healthy pink
color. You see and feel yourself as a nonsmoker and
this feels good .............It feels good to let go of being a
slave to a disgusting habit .............it feels good to be
free ………it feels good to be in control. You reject the
habit of smoking ……………your mind rejects it
……….your body rejects it …………your very being rejects it. See yourself now
throwing away a pack of cigarettes and see yourself doing it happily ………….See
yourself throwing away this pack of cigarettes with pride, comfort and joy ………and
this feels great. You have made the choice to be a nonsmoker and you feel good
about it ………..As a matter of fact, the more you think about being a nonsmoker, the
better you feel. You have let go of this disgusting smell. You have let go of the
disgusting taste. You have let go of the poisonous chemicals. You allow your lungs to
breathe. You choose to be healthy and strong. As a matter of fact, putting a cigarette
in your mouth is just like putting your mouth on the exhaust pipe of an automobile.
Imagine now putting your mouth on an exhaust pipe of an automobile and inhaling all
the carbon monoxide and other harmful chemicals. Imagine pulling in those disgusting
fumes. It feels horrible, doesn’t it? Just the thought of putting a cigarette in your
mouth reminds you of inhaling the fumes of that exhaust pipe because you are a
nonsmoker and you feel good about it. You feel sorry for other people who smoke
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

because you know that they are slaves to an ugly, disgusting habit ………..You know
that they would rather stop ………….But you are free you are completely and totally
free. See yourself now going through your daily routines without a cigarette, totally
free and feeling good about it …………Now see yourself at the end of the day and
sense the pride of being a nonsmoker. See yourself now going though a typical day
again and going through the whole day without a cigarette because you are a
nonsmoker. Feel yourself breathing more easily. Feel yourself gaining more energy
and vitality. You are a nonsmoker and you’re happy about it. This is your choice and
you’re excited about it. Feel the pride. Feel the joy. Feel the exhilaration.”

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Weight-Control Hypnotic Programming

“You are now relaxing more and more with each
and every easy breath that you inhale. Your body is
relaxed …………..your mind is very alert to my
suggestions ……………By being so relaxed
physically and so alert mentally, you learn much
more effectively. In the past you have identified with
eating the wrong foods and being heavy
…………….You now change your patterns of
thinking and eating and you begin to identify with
being thinner. Your body already has gained extra
weight that you do not need or want. Your body is
now ready to use up this excess weight, and as
your weight comes down, you look the way you
want to look, feel the way you want to feel, strong, energetic, vigorous and full of life.
Because you are ready to let go of any extra weight, you have lost all desire for
sweets, fats and starches. Because you wish to become slim and healthy, you avoid
all foods that you know are high in calories ……………You are finding a new pleasure
in eating the foods that your body needs …………You eat slowly …………..You take
small bites ………….You relish each bite as you chew ………………You take time to
actually taste the flavor of the foods that you eat ……………You re-discover the
subtle and enjoyable differences between foods. You change negative eating patterns
into good patterns and you allow this to take place easily and effortlessly. Now I want
you to imagine yourself in front of a table, and this table is filled with foods that are
harmful to you ……………foods that are poisonous to your system. The kinds of
foods that cause you to gain weight. See yourself now pushing these foods off the
table and away from you because you have absolutely lost your desire for them
…………..You have made a decision to be healthy …………..you have made a decision
to be slimmer …………..your mind and emotions reject these foods. Now see yourself
clearing that table completely and filling it with healthy, life-giving foods ………….fruits,
vegetables and clean, clear water. Imagine yourself eating these good, healthy foods
and imagine yourself enjoying every bite …………..see yourself drinking water and
enjoying glass after glass. Imagine the pounds melting away …………….Imagine the
new you ...........the healthy, slim you. You always eat correct amounts of food and
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

feel completely satisfied from one meal to the next. You feel proud of yourself. You
know that the rewards of being slim and healthy are far better than that feeling of
sluggishness and being overweight. See yourself now ………legs slim and firm, hips
and thighs firm and trim, stomach flat ………….enjoy the feeling ..........feel the pride.
You are motivated now more than ever before because you know that the rewards of
being slim and healthy are tremendous. Whenever you think of eating you choose
only good, healthy life-giving foods and you always eat the correct amounts. You feel
good about this …………..you feel healthy and wonderful ……….and these good
feelings grow stronger and stronger with each passing day.”

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Stress-Management Hypnotic Programming

“As you continue going deeper into hypnotic
relaxation, allow any feelings that you might have
to come up to the surface and examine these
feelings. Decide for yourself which feelings are
useful to you and which ones you wish to
discard. Decide which feeling you would like to
hold on to and which ones you simply want to
let go. Focus now on the feelings that you wish
to discard and cast them away. Just allow them
to fall by the wayside because you have better
feelings from this time on. Feel yourself letting
go of these unwanted feelings. Imagine them
moving into the distance ........See yourself as
you would be without these unnecessary feelings
…………..And see yourself as you would be filled with good, relaxing, comfortable
feelings. And now focus on all the good feelings that you’ve ever desired. Focus on a
time in your past when you may have had any of these good feelings …………..You
may have been relaxing in a lounge chair ………….or perhaps it was while you were
taking a walk with a friend. Focus on whatever felt special and relaxing for you
……………And, as you focus on this feeling, recall all the sights, if any, that went
along with this feeling of comfort, relaxation and pleasure ………….recall any of the
sounds that accompanied this feeling …………..recall anything that you may have
been touching while feeling comfortable. Perhaps you were being touched by someone
else. Perhaps you were alone .........Bring back all the sights, sounds and feelings of
that time to this time and place and feel a good feeling of comfort and relaxation.
Even if you don’t recall a special time or incident, imagine what it would be like to just
let go and feel good all over …………to just let go and relax ……….Relax and continue
to relax, and feel yourself relaxed with your feelings …………Now I want you to
imagine a golden shield. A golden shield of protection that prevents outside pressure
from invading you. Any outside pressure simply bounces off this protective golden
shield that envelops you ..........It just bounces off and away leaving you free and
comfortable ……………..Free and comfortable. You feel fine and comfortable. Imagine
yourself now in a situation that in the past that may have made you uneasy or © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

uncomfortable and imagine that discomfort just bouncing off your protective golden
shield ……See the situation turning into one of ease and see yourself calm. Imagine
yourself now in a situation that in the past may have given you discomfort …………Now
see yourself in the same situation, but this time see yourself handling it calmly and
perfectly ……….Feel the pride …………Enjoy the comfort. See yourself now in a
situation that you will be involved in the near future. One that is important to you
........and see yourself handling yourself perfectly …………hear yourself saying all
the right words and sentences …………….feel the wonderful level of your comfort
……….feel the joy of your relaxation feel the pride of your performance ……….feel
your golden shield of protection.”

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Self-Confidence Hypnotic Programming

“As you continue to relax more and more, you begin to
discover vast new sources of strength and energy
…………vast new sources of power and intensity
………..vast new sources of determination and
confidence. You begin to experience a firm and unshakable
confidence in yourself and in all your abilities
……………and this feels good. You feel refreshed and
recharged and you have a boundless sense of confidence
in yourself and in your ability to achieve. You are highly
motivated to reach your chosen goals. You feel confident.
You feel self-assured. You feel centered and strong
…………and this pleases you. You are relaxing more
and more and this frees you from any uneasiness. You
are secure in all your transactions and you begin to feel
this strength from within, motivating you to overcome
any and every obstacle. You find that all your natural
abilities become progressively clearer and sharper and
you find that you are able to deal much more effectively
with every situation in life ………..You are able to clearly
and accurately deal with any situation and arrive at
decisions much more easily. Every time that you practice this relaxation, you are
able to form a clear image of your goals and a clear picture of the person that you
choose to be. You believe in yourself and in your ability to succeed in whatever you
undertake ………….you are focused and free from any distraction by negative people
…………you simply transform their energy into positive resources for yourself.
You create clear and positive goals and you reach them. You see yourself with
renewed energy and vitality. You are confident and self-assured …………you expect
success and attract it wherever you go and whatever you do. Where others see
obstacles, you see new challenges and opportunities and you face these challenges
and opportunities with eagerness and enthusiasm. You are confident and feel good
about it because you deserve to be confident ………you deserve success and
expect success with whatever you do. Now see yourself as this confident person
that you are …………Imagine yourself seeing the world through the eyes of this
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

confident you …………..Hear yourself speak as this confident you ………….Feel all
the feelings that go along with this confident you. You find that whenever you’re
around people your confidence level rises even higher. You like being around
people and you know that they look up to you. You believe in yourself and it feels
good. You have a clear image of the confident person that you are and this image is
firm and unshakable. You welcome new challenges and expect success in everything
that you do ……………Where others have failed, you succeed. You expect success
and find it everywhere. Your level of confidence rises with each and every passing
day …………..You believe in yourself. Total success is always your reality.”

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Metaphors
A metaphor is defined as the substitution of one idea or object with another, used to assist
expression or understanding. It is a communication that uses analogies and symbols, to create
new meaning.

Due primarily to the influence of Milton Erickson, who often used stories to make his work richer.
Too many times hypnotherapists go into a nonsensical, non-directional story, used over and over
again and call it a therapeutic metaphor. It diminishes the magic of metaphors. Milton Erikson
used direct hypnosis and supplemented it with a metaphor type story. He also carefully planned
the flow of the story.

The key ideas for a successfully used metaphor must include:

1. A clear objective or goal

2. A direction to get to the outcome.
3. Obstacles to the goals that a person can relate to on two levels - conscious and
subconscious.
4. A way to overcome those obstacles.
5. Hypnotic languaging
6. Effective delivery.

An Analogy points out the structural and functional similarity between two otherwise
seemingly unrelated contexts. All metaphors use analogies.

A relationships is like cooking . . . . .

They both require a clean up.
You have to add spice and variety otherwise it gets bland.
Lettuce alone does not a salad make.
The dish that you’re tying to make will determine the ingredients you add.

© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

Relationships are like Railroad Trains . . . . .

There’ll always be another on coming along.
You have to stay on track.
Sometimes they pass each other in the night.
You can get off at any station.

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Aphorisms

An aphorism is a short pithy instructive saying. It’s a comprehensive maxim or

principle expressed in a few words

People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

People in straw (paper) houses shouldn’t light matches.
People in grass houses shouldn’t keep cutters.

How to Structure a Metaphor

A person wants something, or wants to get away from something, and whatever it
is that they tried to do, isn’t getting them anywhere in terms of resolving this
problem. They haven’t been able to get from where they are to where they want
to be. What we do is take certain elements of this person’s present situation and
expand on the analogy and make it isomorphic (similar to) their present situation.

Note: You don’t have to tell metaphors to

everybody. If you can do the work directly,
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

do it directly, rather than metaphorically.

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

Write a short metaphor for dealing with a personal or

imaginary issue. Use analogies and aphorisms to help
support your script. The script should take certain elements of the present
situation, expand on the analogy and be isomorphic (identical or similar in form,
shape, or structure) to the present situation.

_____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

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Hypnosis - First Session Outline

Basic Tips for Gathering Information (Simple aspects of the Meta-Model)
When information is left out, deleted, or when it has been unspecified or
generalized. When the client says, “I’m depressed,” ask, “What is depressing
you?” “What are you depressed about?”
When the client says, “Everyone’s against me,” ask, “Who specifically is against
you?”
When the client indicates the belief that there are no exceptions. When the
client says, “Everyone thinks I’m stupid,” say, “Can you tell me one person who
doesn’t?” “You mean everyone thinks you’re stupid, even the grocer (clothes’
cleaner, department store cashier, etc.)” “When the client says, “I’m always late,”
say, “Can you think of a time when you weren’t late?”
When you hear words like “can’t” or “should. ” When the client says, “I can’t
love,” ask, “What stops you from loving?” When the client says, “I must be more
understanding,” ask, “What would happen if you weren’t?”
When the client expresses cause-effect relationships with others’ emotions.
When the client says, “She makes me angry,” ask, “How does she make you
angry?” When the client says, “I feel bad for making her unhappy,” ask, “What did
you do that you believe made her unhappy?”

Pre-Induction Talk -
Explanation of Hypnosis / Suggestibility Testing
“Let me tell you a little bit about hypnosis. Hypnosis is not sleep. Those people
that you see like this (imitate a person asleep) - they’re not asleep. They’re deeply
relaxed and they keep going deeper and deeper. Not only is hypnosis not sleep,
sleep would actually be counterproductive - how can someone who is asleep
concentrate on the suggestions they are given. If anything, your senses become
sharper and clearer in a state of hypnosis than in your normal state of awareness.
With repeated use of hypnosis, one can learn to relax the body and replace
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

negative thoughts with powerful, positive ones. Tensions are released and
breathing becomes more rhythmic. There’s a lot of stress and strain out there
and this feels good.”
“All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. I act as a guide and you take yourself in as deeply
as you allow yourself to go. You never lose control in hypnosis. Those people
that you see in hypnosis shows who act silly expect to act silly and use hypnosis
as an excuse to have some fun. They would probably act the same way after
having a few drinks. They exercise their control by volunteering to go on stage.
Therapeutic hypnosis helps people take better control of their lives. You’ll be
exercising your control by allowing the hypnotic process to empower you.”
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“Some people believe that in a state of hypnosis they lose control and become
“putty” in the hypnotist’s hands. Let me show you just how hypnosis really
works. (Perform the “10-Step, I’m In Control” process). “OK....... What I’d like
you to do is:”

1. Sit up straight in your chair.

2. Place your feet flat on the floor.
3. Close your eyes.
4. Place your hands on your knees.
5. Take a slow deep breath in through your nose.
6. Now slowly exhale through your nose.
7. Take another breath in through your nose. Exhale through your lips.
8. Clasp your hands together, in your lap.
9. Cross your feet at the ankles.
10. Now stand in front of your chair on your head.

“You see, the first suggestions were comfortable for you to do, but the last
one was something that you refused to do. That’s how hypnosis works. You
never do anything against your will.”

“People sometimes wonder whether they can get stuck in hypnosis and never
come out. Since hypnosis is a natural state of mind, you end the hypnotic
experience naturally. The worse thing that could possibly happen is a person
could fall asleep. But I don’t think that it will happen to you. What do you
think?”

“What I’m going to do now is test your suggestibility. Suggestibility is the

way we take in information …….the way we learn. Some people take it in very
literally and some take it in more inferentially. I want to see how you take it in
so that when I give you hypnotic suggestions, I can structure them in a way
that is most effective for your mode of learning.”

“OK. As I test your suggestibility …….the way you take in information

……...understand that this is not a test that you can pass or fail. It’s not that © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

kind of a test ...................so please do not help me or hinder me in any way. If

and when you feel any sensations just allow them to take place. You could be
inhibited about them if you chose to.... but that’s not why you’re here..........”

As previously stated: Although suggestibility tests provide an indication of

the client’s ability to accept ideas, their main purpose is to establish a
spiral of belief that enhances his/her expectation of positive therapeutic
results.

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Suggestibility Testing
“You see, some people take information in very literally while others take it in
more inferentially. I want to see just how you take in information so that
when I give you hypnotic suggestions, I can tailor them to your most effective
mode of learning. So we’ll test suggestibility and convert to hypnosis. Raise
both your arms up in front of you at about shoulder level. Turn your left hand
sideways so that your thumb points towards the ceiling and turn your right
hand palm up with your fingers slightly curled just as though you were going
to hold a bucket by its handle ………Now I want you to close your eyes and
imagine that I’m placing a bucket in your right hand. The bucket is filled with
wet sand. Imagine just how heavy it feels with all that wet sand in it
………….Now shift your attention to your left hand and imagine that I’m
tying a string around your thumb. Attached to the other end of the string,
imagine a large helium-filled balloon. Helium being lighter than air causes
that balloon to float higher and higher. Imagine your left hand being pulled
higher and higher as that large helium-filled balloon floats up and up higher
and higher. Imagine that balloon pulling your left hand up higher and higher
feeling lighter and lighter ….....lifting higher and higher …..…Now focus your
attention back to your right hand and feel that bucket filled with wet sand
get heavier and heavier. Feel your right hand being pulled down, lower and
lower ………..…..heavier and heavier …….……as your hand drops lower and
lower. Left hand lighter and lighter ………..right hand heavier and heavier.
Right hand going down, down, down, lower and lower ………..left hand rising
up, up, up, higher and higher …………OK. Now open your eyes and see just
what your imagination has accomplished.”

Suggestibility Testing/Hypnotic Conversion

“That’s wonderful, you’re doing perfectly. Now, just continue sitting with
your feet slightly apart and parallel, with your head straight in a relaxed and
comfortable position. I’m gong to continue testing your suggestibility and © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

then we’ll convert to hypnosis. Since this is not a test you can pass or fail,
please do not help me or hinder me in any way. Just allow any sensations
that come to you to take place and you’ll find this to be a wonderful experience.
Now kindly sit up straight in the chair, feet on the floor. Take your right hand
and hold it out about 10 to 12 inches, even with your nose. Look at your
middle finger and concentrate on your fingers .................spreading and
jerking ...........................pulling further and further apart
...........................Spreading and jerking and pulling further apart. Further
apart, just pulling and jerking ............................... Spreading and jerking
.............pulling further and further apart. Fingers spreading and jerking and
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“pulling further and further apart as you allow relaxation to set in. Now,
just close your eyelids down and concentrate on your hand moving closer
and closer to your head. It’s just as though there’s a string tied to your
hand and it's pulling it closer and closer to your head ..........pulling your
hand closer and closer to your head closer and closer and closer and
closer. Now, as you imagine that string pulling your hand closer and closer
to your head I want you to imagine a magnet on your hand and a magnet on
your head, and these magnets attracting each other hand to the head
…………head to the hand ……………to the head to the hand
…………..attraction getting stronger and stronger ………….stronger and
stronger ………..stronger attraction …………much stronger attraction
………..hand to the head ………….head to the hand ………….closer and
closer …………closer and ………….closer and closer ………….more and
more relaxed ………..closer and closer …………….more and more relaxed
……………closer and closer …………and more and more relaxed
…………..going deeper and deeper into drowsy relaxation ……….deeper
and deeper into inner self ………….deeper and deeper into inner realization
…….and deep sleep!” (As you say the words “Deep Sleep,” touch the person
on the hand, shoulder or forehead. This further anchors the statement).

Deepening and Hypnotic Challenges

Begin gently rocking the client and continue..... “The more I rock you, the deeper
you go deeper and deeper into drowsy relaxation deeper and deeper into
hypnotic sleep ……………..further and further into inner self. Just rocking
back and forth, going deeper and deeper into drowsy relaxation. As I press
your shoulder, you go deeper into relaxation. Now, I want to see just how
relaxed you are. I’m going to pick up your right arm by the thumb and just
let it drop down. As I take your right hand and lift it by the thumb just allow it
to dangle freely, just like a piece of overcooked spaghetti totally and
completely relaxed. As I drop your hand into your lap you go deeper into
relaxation and deeper into comfort. Twice as deep …………or could it be
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

three times as deep ………………perhaps it’s really ten times as deep. Now,
I’m going to count from five down to the number one. With each number I
count, your eyelids lock tighter and tighter closed, and by the time I reach
the number “one.” They lock so tightly closed that the more you try to open
them, the tighter they are locking closed. Five - Eyelids pressing down tightly.
Four - They’re pressing down and sealing shut. Three - They’re locked. The
more you try to open them, the tighter they are locking closed. One - Try to
open them and they lock even tighter …………..OK. Stop trying and go
deeper into relaxation....................”

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Reactional Hypnosis / Fractionation / Instant Sleep Suggestion)

Deepening Technique

“In a moment I’m going to count to three.............. and at the count of three, I’m going
to ask you to open your eyes. And when I say the words ‘Sleep Now,’ and snap my
fingers like this (demonstrate by snapping your fingers)..........your eyelids close right
down and you go even deeper............. Not because I say so, but because it’s the nature
of your wonderful inner creative mind to respond in such a perfect and magnificent
way............... Repeat the instructions. That’s right........... I’m going to count to
three.............. and at the count of three, I’m going to ask you to open your eyes. Yet
when I say the words, ‘Sleep Now,’ and snap my fingers like this (demonstrate by snapping
your fingers).......... your eyelids close right down and you go even deeper into this
wonderful relaxing state............. Certainly, not because I say so, but because it’s the
nature of your wonderful inner creative mind to respond in such a perfect and magnificent
way.......... One....... two......... three........... eyelids opening.......... opening............
opening................... And ‘Sleep Now! (snap your fingers while saying the words, ‘Sleep
Now’)..................... eyelids closing right down and going even deeper.................. and
again............One......... two.............. three........... eyelids opening.......... opening............
opening................... and ‘Sleep Now!’ (snap your fingers while saying the words, ‘Sleep
Now’) ..................... eyelids closing right down and going even deeper.................. and
again...................... ” Repeat a number of times with constant suggestions for going deeper..

A suggestion is an idea that reaches the mind through the five physical
senses and/or the basic perceptions.

The Four stages of Programming the client:

1. Conceptualization
Forming idea for; a notion; conceiving, fashioning in the mind; creating mentally and
abstractly rather than with one’s hands.
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

2. Visualization
Forming a mental image of; seeing in one’s mind; creating a visual representation.

3. Emotionalization
Imparting an emotional quality to; feeling; experiencing as real; actuating by emotion
rather than by reason.

4. Actualization
Putting into action; representing realistically; causing to happen.

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Keys to Effective Suggestions:

1. Use only positive words.
2. Use the present tense or present progressive.
3. Be as specific and detailed as possible.
4. Use universal and personal metaphoric images.
5. Use very simple, exciting, and emotional words.
6, Personalize the words.
7. Be repetitive.
8. Maintain a steady Flow and Patter.
9. Once a suggestion Acted Upon - Become slightly more
emphatic.
10.Engage All Sense Modalities (Visual / Auditory /
Kinesthetic).
11. Utilize Subject’s Imagination to Create the Experience.
12.Ratify the Hypnotic Experience.
13.Make sure that suggestions are Logical / Believable.

(For more info on Keys to Effective Suggestions, refer to page 15)

Terminating the Hypnotic Experience

“I’m going to count from one up to the number five. When I reach the number
‘five,’ you will open your eyes, be fully aware, coming out of this state feeling
relaxed and refreshed with a good sense of well-being, and feel absolutely
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

wonderful. One .............Slowly, calmly, easily and gently returning to your

full awareness. Two ...............Each muscle and nerve is loose, limp and totally
relaxed. Three ...............You’re feeling perfect from head to toe.
Four .................Physically and emotionally calm and serene.
Five .................Eyes open, feeling good in every way.”

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Evaluating the Work of Your Hypnosis Partner:

(Use “Feedback Sandwich”. Make sure your feedback is honest and constuctive).

1. What, if anything, was positive about it? _________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. What was effective? Why? Why not? __________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. What could be improved? ______________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

4. Did the hypnotist create an air of confidence? Explain: ____________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

5. Was he/she congruent? Explain: _______________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

________________________________________________________________________

6. What, if anything, gives this person the potential to become a brilliant

hypnotherapist? _____________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

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The First Session

The first session with a subject can be a double-
session approximately 1 1/2 to 3 hours (depending
on whether your sessions are 45 min or 1 1/2
hours). Approximately half of this session should
be used to establish rapport, take a personal history
of the client, perform a behavioral assessment.
(Purpose of Assessment is to clarify the presenting
problem or situation - leads to appropriate
interventions - necessary for accountability). The
remainder of the session should be used to Perform
suggestibility testing, converting into hypnosis, and
program the client.

1. Listen to the client’s presenting problem.

2. Develop a history of the problem.
3. Learn about behavioral excesses and deficits.
4. Clarify the presenting problem.
5. Formulate goals and objectives for the client which act as interventions based
on the behavioral assessment.
6. Establish a behavioral change contract with the client.
7. Develop general information/demographics.
8. Discuss fees.
9. Advise clients they have to participate in the hypnotherapy - i.e. practice self--
hypnosis.

Utilizing a Simple Progressive Relaxation

Preliminary suggestibility tests helps accomplish the following:

1. Hands Drawing Together - 1. Helps relax the client

permissive 2. Creates a state of receptivity
2. Arms Rising and Falling - 3. Hypnotizes the client
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

permissive 4. Deepens hypnosis

3. Handclasp - authoritative 5. Allows for more vivid imagery
4. Forward Sway - authoritative 6. Opens avenues for beneficial suggestions
5. Pendulum - permissive 7. Produces time distortion
8. Helps client experience first step in self-
hypnosis

Utilize appropriate verbal reframes and behavior modifications, and program

the client.

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Your first session with a client will usually the longest. It is usually the most important because
it establishes a spiral of belief on the part of the client and helps create expectancy for a
positive outcome. Your job is to assess the situation, build confidence and trust, establish an
initial action plan, administer one or more suggestibility tests, hypnotize the client, perform
deepening and hypnotic challenges, deliver a preliminary programming (which can be put on
tape or CD that the client is to listen to daily for reinforcement). The tape/CD should include
suggestions for relaxation, deepening, the hypnotic programming and trance termination), and
teach him/her the first step in self-hypnosis. This first step includes, but is not limited to, having
the client . . .
1. Sit in a chair, recliner, or on a couch, close his/her eyes and imagine his/her body
sinking into the chair, recliner, couch, etc.
2. Sit in a chair, recliner, or on a couch, close his/her eyes, and imagine drifting into a
protective, higher plane of consciousness.
3. It the client has strong spiritual and/or religious convictions (God, Higher Self, Infinite
Intelligence, etc.), use these as elements of comfort, protection and guidance.
4. The client can instead be taught the self-hypnosis script on page 35.

Subsequent Sessions Can Be Structures As Follows:

Sessions Two.....

1. Discuss client’s behavior since the previous session, including any difficulties and/or
setbacks.
2. Review first session’s action plan and modify and/or adjust as necessary.
3. Administer hypnotic induction - hypnotize client.
4. Perform deepening including reactional hypnosis.
5. Perform a basic regression based on directed creative imagery related to the problem.
6. Have client dissociate from problem and search for available resources.
7. Refine and apply resources to problem.
8. Create ego and self-image strengthening through positive programming (which can be
put on tape or CD that the client is to listen to daily for reinforcement, as in session one).
Don’t worry about being repetitive. Repetition is the mother of skill, and this holds true
for the client.
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

9. Teach client second step in self hypnosis - client is trained to respond to a personally set
cue (word, phrase, color, visualization, imagery, kinesthetic cue such as “touching
thumb to index or middle finger, etc.), have client practice this step as necessary until
they feel comfortable and confident with the process.
10.Terminate trance experience.
11. Review and summarize any new behavior modifications and action plan discuss goals
and reinforce modified action plan.

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Session Three.....
1. Discuss client’s behavior since the previous session as in session two, including any
possible difficulties and/or setbacks.
2. Review second session’s action plan and modify and/or adjust as necessary. If previous
outcome was achieved, formulate an enhancement of the previous outcome (or a new
one) and create the necessary action plan.
3. Perform hypnotic induction - hypnotize client.
4. Perform hypnotic deepening including reactional hypnosis.
5. Perform a basic regression based on directed creative imagery related to the problem.
6. Have client dissociate from problem and search for available resources.
7. Refine and apply resources to problem.
8. Deliver suggestions (ego-strengthening), and direct your suggestions as necessary,
applied to the client’s situation (which can be put on tape or CD that the client is to listen
to daily for reinforcement, as in session two).
9. Terminate trance experience.
10.Teach client the concept of working with suggestions, and have client formulate an
action suggestion for his/her immediate problem, and/or and residual parts of the problem,
based on the “Keys to Effective Suggestion”.
11. Teach client the third step in self-hypnosis, which enables him/her to work with the
suggestions in step 10 above. This usually takes approximately 15 - 30 minutes. With
some clients it might require more.
12.Re-define and summarize any new behavior modifications and action plan for the specific
outcome.

Session Four and Subsequent Sessions.....

1. Review prior week’s activities
2. Hypnotize client
3. Deepen hypnosis
4. Create imagery associated with problem or situation.
5. Use “stream of consciousness” as a “hypnotic bridge” to uncover any residual debris of
the initial problem. If none exist, formulate next outcome.
5. Perform an hypnotic reframe(s) to help generate outcome.
6. Deliver suggestions (ego-strengthening, etc.), and direct your suggestions dealing with © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

the client’s situation which can be put on tape or CD that the client is to listen to daily for
reinforcement, as in session three.
7. Teach client the fourth step in self-hypnosis, which enables him/her to be flexible with
his/her suggestions by using a “stream of consciousness” style of programming.
8. Terminate trance experience.
9. After terminating the trance, make sure that any assignments are clear, and stress the
importance of reinforcement to achieve and maintain goals. (Client can be instructed to
create his/her own tape/CD for evaluation during the next session). The importance of
using self hypnosis and autosuggestion techniques cannot be reinforced enough.

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Name of Your Hypnosis Business

Please complete this form at initial session. Note: All information is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
Name: ___________________________________________ Today’s Date: ___________________
Address: _____________________________________________________
City: _______________________________ State: _____________ Zip: ______________
Date of Birth: _____/______/______ oMale oFemale oSingle oMarried oSeparated oDivorced
Home Phone: ( )_____________________ Work Phone: ( )_____________________
Occupation: ____________________________
How did you hear about The Achievement Center? _______________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Have you ever been hypnotized? oYes oNo If, yes, describe when, where, why, by whom?______
____________________________________________________________________________________
Have you ever walked in your sleep? oYes oNo Talked in your sleep? oYes oNo
MEDICAL HISTORY:
Have you ever been under treatment (physical or psychological) in the past year? oYes oNo
If yes, describe: __________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Name of physician: ___________________________________ Phone: ( )_______________
Have you ever been treated for an emotional problem? oYes oNo
If yes, are you currently receiving treatment or counseling? oYes oNo
Have you had any prolonged illness? oYes oNo If yes, when? ___________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Hve you ever been treated for? (Check all that apply): oDiabetes oEpilepsy oHeart Disease
If yes, when? _____________________________________________________________________
Nature of present problem (Reason you wish hypnotherapy treatment): _______________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Any previous efforts to solve this problem? oYes oNo Results? ____________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

Are you currently undergoing medical or psychological treatment for above problem? oYes oNo
Name of physician/therapist: ___________________________ Phone: ( )________________
Are you presently on any medication? oYes oNo If yes, describe: __________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________
By signing this form you acknowledge that you understand this questionnaire,
and all information provided is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

Your Business Address l City, State. Zip Code l Phone Number

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Name of Your Hypnosis Business

Your name followed by initialed credentials Your address
Your title City, State, Zip
Your phone number

WAIVER & ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I, ______________________________________________ ,VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO SIGN
THIS WAIVER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK WITH FULL UNDERSTANDING THAT (Your Name),
HEREAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE HYPNOTHERAPIST, IS NOT A MEDICAL DOCTOR,
NOR A LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER, AND DOES NOT DIAGNOSE OR TREAT
ANY PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISORDERS.

I DO HEREBY WAIVE AND RELEASE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS OF PERSONAL INJURY THAT MAY
ARISE FROM THE HYPNOTHERAPY SESSIONS.

I FURTHER AGREE THAT THE HYPNOTHERAPIST ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE

OUTCOME OF THE PROCESS AND FOR GUARANTEEING ITS EFFICACY.

I CERTIFY THAT I AM A COMPETENT ADULT ASSUMING THESE RISKS AND I TAKE FULL
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE RESULTS. I FURTHER CERTIFY THAT I AM SIGNING THIS WAIVER
WITH MY FULL LEGAL NAME.

THIS WAIVER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK IS EFFECTIVE AS OF TODAY AND MAY NOT BE
REVOKED, ALTERED, AMENDED, RESCINDED OR VOIDED, WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CON-
SENT OF THE HYPNOTHERAPIST.

____________________________________________________
Name (please print)

____________________________________________________
Signature
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

___________________________________ ___________________________________
Address City, State, Zip

____(________)______________________ _______________________________________
Phone Number Date

“Leading the Way to Unlimited Human Potential”

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Name of Your Hypnosis Business

Your name followed by initialed credentials Your address
Your title City, State, Zip
Your phone number

WAIVER & ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I, ______________________________________________ ,VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO SIGN
THIS WAIVER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK WITH FULL UNDERSTANDING THAT (Your Name),
HEREAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE HYPNOTIST, IS NOT A MEDICAL DOCTOR, NOR A
LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER, AND DOES NOT DIAGNOSE OR TREAT ANY
PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISORDERS. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT THE HYPNOSIS SES-
SIONS ARE FOR EDUCATIONAL AND MOTIVATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. FUTHERMORE,
I UNDERSTAND THAT ANY SUGGESTED REINFORCEMENT IS ONLY PART OF AN
EDUCATIONSL, PERSONAL MOTIVATION PROGRAM, WHICH IS SOLELY INFORMATIONAL,
AND NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE INA NY FORM, WHICH MAY
ONLY BE GIVEN BY A QUALIFIED MENDICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.

I DO HEREBY WAIVE AND RELEASE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS OF PERSONAL INJURY THAT MAY
ARISE FROM THE HYPNOSIS SESSIONS.

I FURTHER AGREE THAT THE HYPNOTIST ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE OUT-
COME OF THE PROCESS AND FOR GUARANTEEING ITS EFFICACY.

I CERTIFY THAT I AM A COMPETENT ADULT ASSUMING THESE RISKS AND I TAKE FULL
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE RESULTS. I FURTHER CERTIFY THAT I AM SIGNING THIS WAIVER
WITH MY FULL LEGAL NAME.

THIS WAIVER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK IS EFFECTIVE AS OF TODAY AND MAY NOT BE
REVOKED, ALTERED, AMENDED, RESCINDED OR VOIDED, WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CON-
SENT OF THE HYPNOTIST..

____________________________________________________
Name (please print)

© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

____________________________________________________
Signature

___________________________________ ___________________________________
Address City, State, Zip

____(________)______________________ _______________________________________
Phone Number Date

“Leading the Way to Unlimited Human Potential”

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Name of Your Hypnosis Business

Your name followed by initialed credentials Your address
Your title City, State, Zip
Your phone number

WAIVER & ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I, ______________________________________________, VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO SIGN THIS WAIVER
AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK WITH FULL UNDERSTANDING THAT (Your Name), HEREAFTER REFERRED
TO AS THE HYPNOTHERAPIST, IS NOT A MEDICAL DOCTOR, NOR A LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PRAC-
TITIONER, AND DOES NOT DIAGNOSE OR TREAT ANY PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISORDERS.

FURTHERMORE, I AM RECOMMENDING THAT MY SON/DAUGHTER ____________________________

UNDERGO HYPNOTIC CONDITIONING AND SUGGESTION FOR:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________ AND TAKE FULL

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE RESULTS.

I DO HEREBY WAIVE AND RELEASE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS OF INJURY THAT MAY ARISE FROM THE
HYPNOTHERAPY SESSIONS.

I FURTHER AGREE THAT THE HYPNOTHERAPIST ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE OUTCOME
OF THE PROCESS AND FOR GUARANTEEING ITS EFFICACY.

I CERTIFY THAT I AM A COMPETENT ADULT ASSUMING THESE RISKS FOR MY SON/DAUGHTER, AND I
TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE RESULTS. I FURTHER CERTIFY THAT I AM SIGNING THIS WAIVER
WITH MY FULL LEGAL NAME.

THIS WAIVER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK IS EFFECTIVE AS OF TODAY AND MAY NOT BE REVOKED,
ALTERED, AMENDED, RESCINDED OR VOIDED, WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE
HYPNOTHERAPIST.

_________________________________________ ______________________________________
Name (please print) Signature © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

_________________________________________ ___________________________________
Address City, State, Zip

____(________)____________________________ ___________________________________
Phone Number Date

“Leading the Way to Unlimited Human Potential”

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Name of Your Hypnosis Business

Your name followed by initialed credentials Your address
Your title City, State, Zip
Your phone number

DOCTOR: _________________________________________

Your patient, _______________________________________________________,

wishes to undergo hypnotic conditioning and suggestion for the following purpose:

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Since I require a physician’s referral in such cases, I would appreciate your signature below indicating your
approval. Please be advised that I shall keep you informed as to your patient’s progress.

Sincerely,

____________________________________
(Your Name)

I have examined ________________________________________________________

and see no contraindication to the use of hypnosis and hypnotic suggestion in this case.
I have these additional comments and instructions for you:

_____________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Dr. ___________________________________ Dr. _________________________________________

© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

Please print name Signature

License #: ________________________________

Address: ________________________________ ____________________ _________ ________

Street City State Zip

Phone: _(_______)_________________________

“Leading the Way to Unlimited Human Potential”

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT HYPNOSIS:

Most people plod along day after day, realizing just a small percentage of their potential. They hope
luck or some other mysterious, divine power can change their lives. They soon reach that age of
disillusionment and look around themselves. Life seems to have passed them by and they wonder
why and how they missed the boat. What they don’t realize is that the divine power to change is
there, inside them, waiting to be their obedient servant, capable of giving them everything they wish
for. A farfetched idea? No. Not far fetched. It is a scientifically proven fact. The secret starts with self-
awareness and is completed by hetero-suggestions and autosuggestions.
Hetero-suggestion and Self-Hypnosis are self-awareness expansion techniques that are used to
overcome the programming of your past. It moves you toward the natural processes of being
successful, being prosperous, having abundant health and much happiness.
Following are the most common questions asked and the answers concerning hypnotism:

1. WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?
Hypnosis is a natural state of mind. Waking is a state of accomplishment. You are not asleep while in
hypnosis. Sleep is a state of rest. Hypnosis is a state given to us for self-improvement. Sadly, we
seldom use it.

2. WHY DO SOME PEOPLE HAVE DOUBTS ABOUT HYPNOSIS?

Hypnosis is such a misunderstood phenomenon. For centuries it has-been affiliated with spiritualism,
Witchcraft and various other “unexplainable” events. Based on “B” movies, cheap novels and
exaggerated claims made by undisciplined persons.

3. DOES HYPNOSIS WEAKEN THE WILL?

No. Self-Hypnosis strengthens it. Hypnosis works with the will, not against it.

4. IS HYPNOSIS DANGEROUS?
There has never been a documented case of harm coming to anyone from the therapeutic

5. WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO BE HYPNOTIZED? CAN I BE HYPNOTIZED?

The answer to this is extremely important because it may determine whether or not you can benefit
from hypnosis. Some people give up hypnosis after a few sessions because they were disappointed
in their reactions, believing they are not suitable subjects. Many people believe they will go through
something different, new and spectacular in the hypnotic state. They equate hypnosis with being
anesthetized or being asleep or unconscious. Hypnosis is a very pleasant feeling of complete physical
and mental relaxation. It is similar to that moment between knowing you are awake and going into
the sleep-state. Because, while in hypnosis, you find your mind active, you hear every sound in the
room, that you can resist the suggestions if you wish to, your attention keeps wandering, thoughts
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

racing hear and there, realizing you are not asleep and remember everything perfectly, that you have
not fallen asleep, allows you to believe you have failed to enter the hypnotic state.

6. CAN A PERSON BE HYPNOTIZED AGAINST THEIR WILL?

No one is hypnotized against his/her will. Entering hypnosis is a consent state. The hypnotist assists
and guides the subject, who then hypnotizes him/herself.

7. WHAT IS SELF-HYPNOSIS?
Techniques exist by which on can attain a state of self hypnosis and gain complete relaxation under
the most stressful conditions. In this state, the subconscious mind is open to therapeutic suggestions.

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8. DO PEOPLE HAVE TROUBLE COMING OUT OF HYPNOSIS?

A person may choose to stay in hypnosis after an experienced hypnotist asks them to come out of it.
The reason being, it is such a relaxed feeling of enjoyment, they prefer to stay hypnotized awhile
longer. If the hypnotherapist where to leave or in an extreme situation, die, the person would merely
drift into a natural sleep to awaken at a more personally convenient time. In self hypnosis, you have
complete and utter control, and set your own limits. There has never been a documented case of
someone unable to come out of hypnosis.

9. WHAT IS THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND?

The conscious mind, the mind you are conscious of, is your “ME”. It is the critical part of your mind.
The subconscious mind is the one that directs your conduct through the habits and emotional desires
acquired from the influences of your environment.

10. WHAT IS AUTOSUGGESTION?

Through proper use of autosuggestion, you reprogram the subconscious mind to make decisions
favorable to your welfare. The new suggestions help in overcoming unwanted habits, a lack of
concentration and any other unhealthy attitudes that doom you to failure.

11. HOW DOES SELF-HYPNOSIS DIFFER FROM HYPNOSIS BY HYPNOTIST?

In self-hypnosis YOU choose your own time limits, realizing you have a choice and can now select
your area for self-improvement. Using a hypnotist at the beginning of your awareness training is of
great benefit. It speeds up the retraining process.

12. WHO CAN BE HYPNOTIZED?

Anyone with an open mind, reasonable intelligence and is able to concentrate.

13. HOW DOES HYPNOSIS WORK?

The human mind is extremely suggestible and is being bombarded daily with suggestive stimuli
from external sources, and suggestive thoughts and ideas from the inside. A good deal of suffering
is the consequence of “negative” thoughts and impulses invading one’s mind from subconscious
recesses.
Unfortunately, past experience, guilt feelings and repudiated impulses and desires are constantly
pushing themselves into awareness, directly or in disguised forms. These thoughts become feelings
which sabotage one’s happiness, health and efficiency. By the time one has reached adulthood,
there has been a build up of “negative” modes of thinking, feeling and acting which persist like bad
habits. Like any habit, they are hard to break or change. Using hypnosis, we are able to transform
negative attitudes into more positive ones. It takes time to extinguish old habit patterns so do not be
discouraged if there is no immediate effect. As you begin using the principles being taught, you will
notice the change. Even when no apparent changes on the surface, much is happening on the inside.
© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

An analogy may be useful; if you were to hold a batch of white ink blotters above the level of your eyes
so that you see only the bottom blotter. Then begin to dribble drops of ink onto the top blotter, as you
do this, you observe nothing happening or changing to the bottom blotter until sufficient ink has been
poured to soak through into the entire thickness. Eventually the ink will come down. During this
period while nothing seemingly has happened, changes were always occurring. Had the process
been stopped before enough ink had been poured we would be tempted the process a failure.
Hypnotic suggestions are like ink poured on layers of resistance; one must keep repeating them
before they soak in to begin to influence old destructive patterns.

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14. HOW CAN I HELP IN THE TREATMENT PROCESS?

It is important to mention to your therapist your reactions to the process of change, using hypnosis,
regardless of how unfair or ridiculous they may seem. Important clues may be derived from your
reactions, dreams and resistances to provide understanding of your inner conflicts and help in your
progress.

15. WHAT IF I CAN’T BE HYPNOTIZED?

Most people feel or think this very same way. The fear is giving up control. The opposite is true. You
are exercising a more powerful form of thought control than at other times by accepting the suggestions
given. The only thought to prevent you from going into hypnosis is the thought “I cannot be hypnotized”.

16. WHAT CAN SELF-HYPNOSIS DO FOR ME?

Anything you want it to do!
Instant learning and photographic memory systems are based on self-hypnosis. Champions in many
sports use it to improve their game concentration. You can now learn to overcome unwanted and
undesirable habits, such as smoking, overeating or drinking. Effective Pain control is now at your
finger tips. You regain self-confidence. You realize success is within easy reach of an active mind,
and erasing harmful emotions leads to a happier and healthier life.

© 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

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Professional Hypnotherapy Certification Seminar Workbook Part One

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT HYPNOTHERAPY:

1. DO I NEED HYPNOTHERAPY? WILL IT WORK FOR ME?
Hypnosis is an alternative to other methods of treatment for change. If you have nervous symptoms
such as tension, depressions, fears, chronic fatigue and certain physical complaints for which your
doctor finds no physical basis; if you find it difficult to get along in your work or in relationships with
others; if you have school or marital problem; or, if you feel irritable, unhappy and believe you are not
getting the most out of life, then hypnosis is for you.

2. HOW DOES HYPNOTHERAPY WORK?

Nervous symptoms and unwarranted unhappiness are the product of inner emotional conflicts. By
using hypnotherapy, you are assisted in understanding your conflicts. In this way it is possible for you
to do something constructive about solving them.

3. CAN PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS BE CAUSED BY EMOTIONS?

Many physical symptoms are psychosomatic in nature, which means that they have an emotional or
nervous basis. When you come to think of it, it’s not really so strange that emotional strain or worry
should produce physical symptoms.
After all, every organ in your body is connected with your brain by nerve channels; and it is logical that
when you are upset emotionally by some crisis or conflict, you feel the effects in various organs of the
body.

4. IF I CANNOT SOLVE MY PERSONAL PROBLEMS WITHOUT HELP, DOES THAT MEAN THAT I
HAVE A “WEAK WILL” OR AM I ON THE WAY TO A MENTAL BREAKDOWN?
NO. Even if you have no serious symptoms, it is difficult to work out emotional problems by yourself,
because you are too close to them and cannot see clearly. More and more people, even those with
a great deal of psychological knowledge, are seeking help these days because they realize this. The
fact that you desire help is a compliment to your judgment and is no indication that you are approaching
a mental breakdown. In reality, the opposite is true. Seeking professional help is a sign of mental
soundness, awareness, inner strength and confidence.

5. WHAT HAPPENS TO THE INFORMATION ABOUT ME?

It is natural to be concerned. All case records are confidential. Professional Hypnotherapists are
listed in the Federal Register as a non-medical occupation. Since hypnotherapy is outside of the
“Medical” community’s scrutiny, unless your insurance company pays on the treatment, your files are
secret and never become a part of the National Medical Information Network data base. No one
(doctors, family, etc.) has access to your personal records, unless given your written permission. © 1987, 2003, 2012 The Achievement Center

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