Ever Wonder how Your Hypnotherapist Knows You’re in Trance?
Teaching hypnosis this past week has been such a wonderful experience, because it has reminded me of all the things I learned years ago that I now do automatically without even realising it. That’s how learning happens… eventually what once required conscious effort becomes second nature.
As I’ve been teaching, I’ve also been refreshing my own knowledge.
Hypnotherapists work with many different types of people every day, and part of our role is learning to recognise when someone is entering or experiencing hypnosis so we can work effectively and confidently with the subconscious mind.
One of the ways we do this is by observing External Trance Indicators (ETIs).
ETIs are physical and behavioural signs that may indicate someone is entering or experiencing a hypnotic state.
Common ETIs can include:
- Breathing shifts and often becomes slower and deeper
- Postural changes, such as slumping or the head loweringFacial muscle relaxation, features soften and tension reduces
- Skin colour changes, especially around the face and throat
- Slower blinking or eyelid fluttering
- Delayed or slowed responses (psychomotor retardation)
- Small involuntary muscle twitches
- Eye watering (lacrimation)
- Sometimes a light “hypnotic rash” or colour change around the throat or chest area
Some traditional hypnosis schools also use observational tests, such as the head roll test (gently placing thumb and finger at the base of the skull and rolling) as one indicator of deep relaxation or trance responsiveness, known as somnambulistic trance if the head wobbles freely.
The key principle is something we call calibration. In simple terms, this means noticing how someone normally looks, sounds and responds, so you can recognise the subtle changes that occur as they relax and focus inward.
ETIs show up in everyday life too, not just in a formal hypnosis session, because hypnosis is a natural state of focussed attention and concentration that we are in and out of every day.
Here are some examples of naturally occurring trance states.
- Driving and suddenly realising you missed your turn-off
- Becoming absorbed in a good book
- Scrolling social media and losing track of time
- Being completely immersed in something you love
Hypnosis is dreamy place before sleep or just after waking up. At times like these we can become more receptive and suggestible, which is why the thoughts we repeatedly think and the things we tell ourselves matter so much. It’s the perfect time to give yourself suggestions for making positive changes in your life.
So next time you notice yourself or someone else displaying ETIs, pause and observe. You might be witnessing the mind entering one of its most natural and fascinating states.
If you’d like to learn more about hypnosis, or book a free 30 minute chat, read through my Hypnosis articles or Blogs. I love sharing!
Have a beautiful day!
Carol x 🙏