@ Jack - There is definitely a height factor. When I do stand, I either tend to lean against a door frame or make sure they fill out the intake forms, but I usually exit from the room while they fill it out. So, I try not to loom above them. That would be creepy. When they have finished the intake form, I pretty much try to get them back to the session room, if they are in the chair. I am also with you on the movement thing. That can be completely distracting. Years ago, when I was a little tyke, I had ideas of becoming an actress. The very first lesson (hard lesson) I learned was to hold still, staying in one place and to express myself with my voice (though when I am truly relaxed, I do use my hands as a form of expression).

@ Broadway Matron - Good point about mobility. Interestingly enough, for the clients I do have with such issues, there does not seem to be much problem of rapport. I do like the idea of seating that is equal in height (hence the next post).

And yes, the position of the 2 people in an interview situation is very telling and has a definite affect. The person in the “higher” position is perceived by the person in the “lower” position to have control and power. Perhaps seating that is equal will have a more beneficial affect.

Hypnosis needs a certain amount of trust and if the person feels he/she is being manipulated before the session starts it could affect how the session goes.

What’s the height factor between the two? Couches usually ride pretty low, and I picture straight back chairs having their seat a bit higher in most cases. When you’re on the couch and they’re on the chair, is the angle to them severe? I mean, are they literally looking down at you?

Can’t site a source, I’m sorry, so this is just from memory and probably has inaccuracies — but I recall there being a psychological effect on positioning when seated. Usually something to do with the fact of who is the one looking up, and who is the one looking down. Something about who is leading, and who is following. Control vs release. Dunno.

Does that make any sense? It does to me, but I don’t really remember what I’m remembering this from at all. Anyway, might be something to look into. I’m positive there’s an important point with the height thing — I just don’t know the facts.

But if you’re standing up sometimes, that would put you at the height advantage. Hmm. Body language? Do you walk around while doing it? Hard to picture exactly how it went in that specific instance.

I think if I was having a session and the person doing it was standing above me, I’d be less at ease than if they were sitting down as well. But I get distracted by little things like that. Movement, if any, would unfocus me as well, as my eyes like to follow things around.

Rambling…
…fin