I prefer is the Elman Induction because it’s a very step-by-step procedure. It has all the tests and convincers built right into it. And you can pretty much adapt it to any client.
The Elman Induction begins with an eye lock test.
The eye lock test is where you give the suggestion, “Relax the eyelids to the point they won’t work. And when you’re convinced that they won’t work, to give them a test, and satisfy yourself that they won’t work.” So, this can be used to convince a client that something is happening.
This is not a test for hypnosis.
It’s too soon for that. The eye lock test is a test for compliance. Some people think that compliance means control. But all compliance means is cooperation. It shows you whether or not a client is willing to cooperate by following your instructions.
This is useful feedback. But it’s also a test that the client can fail. So, what can happen is that you give them the instructions to relax the eyelids to the point they won’t work. Then, when they test them, the eyes open and they look at you.
It happens. Sometimes it’s because you weren’t clear with the instructions. Sometimes the client wasn’t paying attention. Sometimes they’re challenging you. They’re thinking, “make me!”
The problem is that now you have to deal with that. And that takes time. For some reason, they’re not following instructions. They’re not cooperating. So, what do you do?
Well, the fact that they opened their eyes can actually work against you because the client can start thinking, “This isn’t working …” And now they’re back up in their head.
So, how would you like to make sure that the client is going to pass the test first? How’d you like to make your test fail-safe?
This little trick works every time.
You can use it in individual sessions. You can use it in group sessions. And it works with everyone.
What it does is, it makes the client responsible for the result. So, if they fail the test it’s not that it didn’t work. It’s that the client didn’t do it right. That’s okay because they’re just learning, right?
Make the client responsible for the results.
Here’s how ….
Now, you’ve already established some relaxation. So, all you have to do is instruct the client to bring their attention to their eyelids and double the relaxation there. Tell them to keep doubling the relaxation in the eyelids until they’re sure they won’t work.
Tell them, “I can’t do this for you. So, keep doubling the relaxation until you’re sure they won’t work.”
Here’s how to make it fail-safe.
Tell the client, “If those eyelids were to open, it would simply mean that you need to double the relaxation a few more times. So, keep doubling that relaxation until you’re sure they won’t work.”
Do you see how this makes the client responsible for the result? All you have to do is tell them, “When you feel that those eyelids are that relaxed … that they just won’t work …. take a nice, deep relaxing breath in … and as you release the breath, go deeper.”
Now, all you have to do is sit back and watch for the breath.
As soon as you see the in-breath, just say, “As you exhale, melt down, and go deeper relaxed.” And you’re all set to go. The next step is to conduct the test. This is where you’re going to ask them to make sure that the eyelids won’t work.
The way to do this is to tell the client, “In a moment I’m going to ask you to check to make sure that they won’t work. And if you have followed my instructions the eyebrows will go up and down. But the eyelids will stay relaxed and remain closed.”
You’re reminding the client who’s responsible for the result. The suggestion for the eyebrows to go up and down gives you another visual cue. You’ll know when the client is performing the test because the eyebrows will tell you.
Watch carefully because every client is different.
Some will give you the Groucho Marx eyebrow lift. With others it will just be a twitch or a flicker. So, now all you need to do is say, “Go ahead give them a little check … and satisfy yourself that they won’t work.”
This tells them that they’re not trying to prove anything to you. They’re just satisfying themselves. So, when the client passes the eye lock test, it doubles as a Convincer. (Some clients will be really surprised by this!)
Just say, “That’s good. Stop testing. And go deeper relax.” And you’re all set up for the next step which is to transfer that relaxation from the eyelids to the rest of the body.
Cool, right?
Learn how to create your ideal client for regression hypnotherapy in the Ready for Regression Complete First Session System course.
