The Transparent Hypnotist

Over the past weekend I received a package from Vat19.com, whose tag line is curiously awesome gifts - such as a Wall Mount Bottle Opener or other unique toys, of which they sent me to play with and try out. The three items were fake snow (a tiny package of white powder that you add to water and the powder has a mild eruption, creating fine granular looking snow), small candles that have flame colors that match the candle wax color, and a DVD of fireplaces all ablaze. An interesting lot. I had thought I might create an Ellie animation involving all, but my time is too limited at the moment.

I needed to pick one to write about here and though the snow was entertaining, it was such as quick eruption that ensued that I have not been able to effortlessly include it in a hypnosis session (someone who is not so one track mind probably could, but I cannot seem to walk and hypnotalk at the same time, so it would be tough). The candles were great, but that is so classically a candle flame induction, it did not seem creative enough. So that left the video.

After playing it on my computer for awhile (it has a lovely soundtrack), it really is almost as hypnotic as a real fire place. What I learned is that I am drawn to fireplaces because of the warmth factor, so this video does not even come close to helping with that, but it could make for an induction. There are a variety of scenes to chose from, each with their own appeal. The Christmas scene would be good because there is an added element of a toy train traveling through the picture on occasion. This could be a deepener (when you see the train coming through, you begin to relax more and more each time). Another interesting scene on the video is a psychedelic fire that twist and turns and is rather warped. It is strange enough that I think it would hold the conscious mind in awe long enough to use it as an induction. And then there are the simple basic, repetitive flames, perhaps my favorite. Again this could function like a candle flame induction.

So, you may be asking “why not just use a candle?” Good question. So here is my answer: one is often in places that do not allow candles. That is the perfect condition for this video (provided you have a television and DVD player or computer handy). And what about airplanes? Ever been sitting next to a fearful soul that you wanted to help? I can see a lot of potential for this in that situation. Sure you could just do a verbal session, but this would give them something to really focus on. Provided there are no fire phobias…

We have discussed inductions and deepeners and I suspect we will continue to discuss these as we go along. And as you may know, I have taken to posting concepts from my recent trip that relate to hypnosis, meditation and consciousness. Just getting out of the office provided me with a sense of being able to think even more outside the box.

And most of you know I am somewhat of a sucker for tech toys, and the digital camera has not escaped my notice. I have two. One is a Canon DC210 DVD Camcorder, which I use exclusively in the office. It serves as a record of the session experience (I tend not to give these to clients unless they really want it), a way to see what I am doing and to make self-improvements, and also for security (I hate to think in those terms, but it is good to be safe). The important thing about recording sessions from a security standpoint is to make sure your date and time are accurate and are imprinted on the footage (so it accounts for time).

My other is a Samsung S630 Digital Camera. This is my fun, throw-it-in-my-bag-and-just- go camera, which of course went with me on my travels. I find myself often taking close up pictures of, well, just about everything. And though it may sound cheesy, I have a whole memory card full of close up of flowers. Keep reading, this does pertain to hypnosis.

What I have tried out on a couple of clients this week was using those flower pictures in my inductions and have been pretty happy with the results.

Using digital picture frames, one specifically, I pop in an edited memory card (of the similar flower pictures), and I turn it on. It is above eye level to where the clients sit. This is the eye fixation idea. The frame slowly shows each picture in a revolving cycle (set on the slowest speed possible). I have the flower pictures go from light colors to darker colors in a progression. And while the client is watching this, I give suggestions for deepening the sense of relaxation and to go deeper and deeper down with each image change until the eyes are too heavy and tired to keep open.

This adds a bit of creativity to the session and can constantly change.