Expectations

In the realm of hypnosis, the course of a session can be influenced by numerous factors, including the hypnotist's experience, preferences, and mood, as well as the subject's background, preferences, and emotional state. Additionally, the setting and goals of the session further contribute to the intricacies involved. It is important to acknowledge that due to these variables, some of the steps discussed may be adjusted, combined, or seamlessly merged with one another.

Pretalk
The first step in a hypnosis session is the pretalk. This phase sets the foundation for the entire session and involves building rapport between the hypnotist and the subject, as well as providing education about hypnosis. During the pretalk, the subject expresses their goals and intentions, and it is an opportune time for the subject to ask any they may have. It is also important for the subject to inform the hypnotist of any relevant medical conditions, as certain conditions like mental illness, heart or lung issues can potentially impact the hypnosis process.

Susceptibility Tests
Following the pretalk, susceptibility tests are often conducted to assess how quickly an individual can enter a trance state. Traditionally, there has been a belief that a certain percentage of the population is resistant to hypnosis, estimated to be around 20%. However, it is important to note that hypnosis involves guiding individuals into a trance state, which is something everyone experiences naturally. Consequently, the notion that a specific portion of people cannot be hypnotized seems contradictory. Modern understanding suggests that susceptibility tests can still be employed for two main purposes: stage hypnosis and aiding individuals in transitioning into a trance state.

Induction
The induction phase is often considered the core of hypnosis, as it involves guiding the subject into a trance state. Numerous methods can be employed for induction, all of which share the common objective of quieting the conscious mind. One well-known induction method is progressive relaxation, where the hypnotist guides the subject through a process of relaxing their entire body until they gradually enter a trance state. However, alternative induction methods may be used for individuals who are highly analytical or have conditions such as ADD or ADHD.

Deepener
Once the subject is in a trance state, the hypnotist may need to deepen the level of trance depending on various factors. Although the subject is not asleep during a trance, the concept of falling deeper into a trance can be metaphorically likened to falling asleep in bed. Initially, distractions may easily disrupt a light trance, but with repeated exposure to hypnosis, subjects tend to enter trance states more quickly and deeply.

Change Work or Suggestions
The essence of hypnosis lies in the change work phase, where the hypnotist incorporates the information obtained during the pretalk to initiate transformative processes using hypnotic suggestions. The hypnotist guides the subject towards acquiring new information, forming new habits, breaking old ones, or implementing any necessary steps to accomplish the subject's goals. The extent of change work required can vary depending on the goals and may be achievable in a single session or require multiple sessions for completion.

Awakening
After the change work is completed, the hypnotist guides the subject to return to a normal waking state. It is crucial to emphasize that there is no risk of getting stuck in a trance. Trance is an intermediate state, and without the hypnotist's continued guidance, the subject will naturally awaken or transition into sleep. However, if the hypnotist fails to guide the awakening process appropriately, it may lead to confusion, headache, or disorientation upon abruptly returning to a conscious state.

Aftercare or Post Talk
Following the awakening phase, an aftercare or post talk session often takes place. During this time, subjects may remain more susceptible to suggestions for a brief period, typically around 5 to 10 minutes after emerging from the trance. Engaging in post talk allows for a gentle transition, ensuring that no unintended changes occur once the session concludes. Notably, the post talk conversation may or may not revolve around the hypnosis itself but may involve casual small talk to allow the subject to reorient themselves to the present moment.