Type of Induction

The progressive muscle relation technique is a traditional type of induction. This can take quite a long time initially, as each muscle group is tensed and relaxed, but in subsequent sessions a relaxation response comes into play, and the therapist can go through each muscle group more superficially. We build in suggestions for breathing more easily and we can use the breathing as an indication of the depth of relaxation.

As in the visualisation technique we allow time for the suggstions to sink in and be processed by the subconscious mind, but the Client can become bored and distracted if we go too slowly ... we might even find the eyes pop open! In this case we can change tack and use an eye fixation type induction. In the next session we can progress quite quickly through the muscle tension and relaxation and bring in eye fixation earlier.

I prefer to start the process with the eyes and face muscles and then do the body scan downwards so that the mind is relaxed earlier in the sequence.

Another type of induction is the visualisation of a special place or relaxed scene (Part.1.5), where we find a calming place from the clients memories. If there is no memory of such a place we can create one in the present.

The oldest induction method is the eye fixation technique. As the Client stares up at a fixed point the eyes do actually become tired, so we have an immediately verifiable experience to refer back to - the eyes are actually getting heavier and tired and the Client will want to close them. Then you can suggest ...

"You can close your eyes and fall into a comfortable state of relaxation"

The counting method is another popular and useful induction technique. At each count you can suggest that the client experience twice the relaxation ... so that the depth is compounded at every stage. This can be accompanied by a visualisation of going down an elevator, steps or stages and perhaps becoming much more physically heavier and limp at each stage. A variation is to invite the client to count backwards from a hundred until she is too relaxed and to tired to bring any more numbers to mind. You can suggest that as she reaches 95 the numbers will simply seem to disappear.

Elman used a very rapid and direct induction method, which is appropriate for anasthesia and pain relief.

Finally, Milton Erickson used an "As If" method for Clients who were averse to suggestion. He suggests that the client can "close her eyes as if she were going into a deep relaxation". This seems to have practically the same result, but avoids a potential battle of wills.