The 5 phases of Elman induction
The impact and effectiveness of Elman induction should not be underestimated;
It is based on 5 phases These 5 steps are described in more detail here; This will give you an understanding of what happens during induction and why induction is so efficient;
- Phase: Relaxation of the small muscle groups (eyes)
Test: The eyes remain closed when “trying” to open them - Phase: Extending the relaxation to the whole body
- Phase: 3x fractionation (open and close eyes)
Test: The respondent follows the instructions.phase: 3x fractionation (open and close eyes) - Phase: Relaxation of large muscle groups (arm)
Test: The subject leaves the arm completely limp and relaxed; - Phase: Amnesia (numbers disappear)
Test: The respondent confirms the disappearance of the numbers; (does not count)
Let’s take another look at the whole text
Phase 1:
“When you are ready, allow your eyes to close.
Take a deep breath – let all the outer tension fall away… Exactly.”
“Now please focus on your eyelids…and allow the muscles of your eyelids to become completely LOCKER…SLEEP…AND HEAVY…when you know your eyelids are completely loose…completely relaxed…completely heavy…then hold that relaxation and allow them to continue to stop functioning…”
Test:
“Check your eyelids by pulling your eyebrows up slightly so I know you are checking them … (watch the client try to open their eyelids – then say:)
Phase 2:
good, stop testing… and… send the same quality of relaxation from your head to the tips of your toes… EXCELLENT!”
Phase 3:
“We will continue to deepen the relaxation you are in now.”
“RIGHT NOW… I’m going to ask you to open your eyes… here’s what we’re going to do…” (Remember to move your hand up and down in front of the client’s field of vision)
“I will count to three…On the count of three you will open your eyes, then I will gently snap my fingers, (if you want to skip the snap you can use a pen as a click) this is a cue for you to close your eyes again and increase relaxation.”
“1… 2 … 3 … open (flick gently) and close them. Double the relaxation.”
“1… 2 … 3 … open(gently flick) and close it. Once again, relax more deeply.”
“1… 2 … 3… open(gently flick) and close it. Deeper and deeper.”
Test:
Ensure that the subject follows the instructions exactly; The eyes should only be opened at the number 3, and not before. If he does not do this, point this out to the test person again; Even if it is difficult for him, he should still open his eyes.
Phase 4:
“I’m going to lift your hand here at the wrist (gently tap the wrist with your finger). Don’t help me, because this way you can fully enjoy your relaxation.”
“When I do this for you, just allow your hand to remain loose and heavy so that it is absolutely limp, like a rag doll. As soon as I let it go, you’ll notice how it just plops down, like a wet sponge or rag, and feel how this relaxation expands over your whole body once again”
Test:
(Check the limpness before you continue)
“EXCELLENT! Now we have the physical relaxation we need.
Phase 5:
I’m about to show you how to achieve mental relaxation with a fully alert and clear mind.”
“IN A MOMENT…I will ask you to count backwards slowly but loudly from 100 so that I can hear you. I’ll show you first, then you do it when I ask you to”
100 … 99 … 98 … (give suggestions to breathe deeply in and out between the numbers) and because you do this, you will find that after just a few numbers, the ones that come next have simply disappeared from your mind. There are simply no more and you don’t care at all whether there are any left. Imagine it and just let it happen.”
“Start now.”
(CLIENT) 100 (HYPNOTISEUR) “double the relaxation.”
(CLIENT) 99 (HYPNOTISEUR) “let them fade away.”
(CLIENT) 98 (HYPNOTISEUR) “shove it.”
(CLIENT) 97 (HYPNOTISEUR) “let them all go now.”
(Remember, don’t let them count past 96)
Test:
“All disappeared? Very good, go deeper now.” (Don’t ask: Are the numbers gone?)
To the individual phases:
It is important to carry out the individual steps in the exact order and only go to the next phase if the test is positive, i.e. the test person follows the instructions exactly.
Of course, the instructions must therefore be simple, clear and unambiguous;
Your test person does not know what to do and what will happen if you have not told them beforehand;
It should be mentioned once again that this is a rather indicative, dominant induction;
About the tests
These are not tests in which you win or fail. It is merely a matter of ensuring that the test person has understood the instructions and follows them exactly. This makes the hypnotist a leader of the hypnotic process.
If the test person does not follow an instruction, no problem at all. Tell him again what you expect from him and carry out the last test again if necessary.
“KISS” Keep it short and simple
Always be aware:
Your respondent usually has no idea what is going to happen; So don’t make it any more complicated than it is. Stay clear and understandable in your explanations;
It is allowed to laugh
. Hypnosis can also be fun, especially in a therapeutic context. It often happens that the test person smiles or even laughs at the beginning of the induction because he simply feels comfortable, or you point out to him once again that he should follow you;
It can also happen that you slip up or even forget to do something… No problem, just smile and carry on 😉
Learning by doing… Here we go!
Below you will find some exercises; This will quickly give you the knowledge and confidence you need to put this induction into practice and guarantee the success of your sessions;
In addition, the faster you internalize and memorize the induction, the better it is and you can concentrate entirely on the reactions of your test person and not on a script;