Rapid inductions, street hypnosis, and demonstrational hypnosis -- the same safety principles apply in every context.
This work is not a replacement for nor a class on inductions. If you do not know the inductions mentioned, it is recommended that you take classes to become proficient in the use of them. This is simply a guideline to conduct yourself safely while doing them.
Definition: Any induction that is rapid, lasting a minute or less; also called "speed inductions."
Rapid inductions come in several forms, including shock inductions, confusion inductions, and misdirection inductions. Many trainers today have come up with fancy names to market their brand in a unique way. The basics, however, are still there.
A shock induction is what its name applies: Shocking a volunteer while forcefully stating a command, such as "Sleep!" then repeating the command to sleep while stating that the volunteer should relax.
Normally these are very physical inductions which people refer to by different names, such as the "Arm Pull". However, if the induction involves shocking the person by doing something unexpected, such as pulling the person's arm or head, taking the person off balance or surprising the person, then the induction is classified as such.
The physical nature of this induction is where problems may occur. Any time you grab someone's arm or head, you are exposing the person to possible injury. The solution is simple. Be gentle. When you do any sort of arm pull induction, make certain that your volunteers do not suffer from any back or neck injuries. Tug their arm; do not pull. And pay attention to their neck and head. Focus on your placement and where you want them to end up.
The same rules apply for any other shock induction, including standing shock inductions. With any standing induction, preface your induction with a statement such as "Your legs will remain balanced and stable. You will not fall."
If you are doing an induction in which the volunteer will end up on the ground, make certain that you can stabilize the volunteer and that he or she will not be able to buckle his or her knees and simply fall to the ground. If you are ever unsure, do not guess. Simply seat your volunteer before performing the induction.
This is another shock induction; however, it is recommended that this induction be performed while the volunteer is seated and the hypnotist has control of the volunteer's body, including his or her head, to make certain that the volunteer does not tumble out of his or her chair or otherwise get hurt.
These inductions are as the name implies and are normally followed by a shock induction of some sort. The same rules apply. Be gentle and keep control of your volunteer.
Although this can be used as a primary induction, it is categorized as an "Arm pull" shock induction. Many hypnotists will awaken their volunteers and ask their names. Proffering a hand, the volunteer goes to shake it while the hypnotist tugs or pulls on their arm and re-induces trance. Again, be gentle. Take the proffered hand and sweep the person's arm across his or her body in the direction you want the person to go. If you want the person to go left, sweep left across the person's chest and vice versa. Do not tug the person's arm away from his or her body, above his or her head or in a direction opposing the direction you want the person in.
Whether you are doing a rapid induction or standard progressive relaxation induction, consider the following:
Always include a seatbelt command.
Tell your volunteers where you want them to go.
Be gentle with your rapid inductions.
Always ask prior to inducing if anyone has back or neck problems.
Use spotters or an assistant if possible.
Always keep control of your volunteers.
State your instructions clearly.
Clear all suggestions before dismissing.
Since the beginning of time, one person has been entertaining another person. The idea of "street hypnosis" may be a new concept in marketing materials, but even Milton Erickson practiced "impromptu demonstrations of hypnosis," which is essentially the same thing.
Street hypnosis may take place in the traditional form of public street performance and busking, which dates back well into the last century. This is quite similar to the street mime, juggler, magician and street musician.
Many cities have a strong tradition of street performance, including San Francisco's Wharf area, New Orleans' Bourbon Street and French Quarter, and Amsterdam's Leidseplein Square.
However, although these traditional community-style venues for street performance exist, the same informal or impromptu techniques, presentations and methods may be used in a classroom, such as during Psychology 101; by a performer before or after a traditional stage hypnosis show; or by a close-up magician integrating impromptu hypnosis demonstrations and magic or mentalism-type entertainers.
The concept of instant hypnotic inductions has perhaps been inaccurately tied to or associated with street hypnosis. Although rapid inductions are generally employed for such impromptu demonstrations, the method of induction has little to do with its effectiveness or the risks of hypnosis. In fact, a traditional progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) induction can be used just as effectively in impromptu demonstrations of hypnosis.
The hypnotist should recognize that the same hypnotic process -- including consent, induction (regardless of whether it is a rapid or a more traditional induction), deepening, suggestions and awakening -- is used on stage, in clinical settings and for street hypnosis demonstrations.
Because the same process is utilized by a stage performer doing a 90-minute show, by a clinical hypnotherapist in his or her office or by a street performer entertaining in an informal setting, many of the same safety concerns apply.
The following is a list of guidelines to help guarantee successful impromptu street hypnosis:
Permission.
Whether performing for a fee or busking, always obtain in advance any required local licenses or permits for street performance. Many cities, such as Toronto, New York, Las Vegas, Austin, and others, require licensing fees or permission to engage in street performances.
Consent.
Just as participant consent is expected during stage shows and in clinical settings, it is also expected that street performers and demonstrators of hypnosis -- whether in a classroom, on the street or in a club -- will also seek and receive consent before engaging in the hypnotic process with others. The idea of "covert" hypnosis -- hypnotizing unsuspecting individuals to do outlandish things -- is neither a practical reality nor recommended by any ethical hypnotist.
Physical safety.
Hypnotists engaging in performances near an actual street or other high-traffic areas should take care to maintain sufficient distance from moving vehicles, machinery or heavy foot traffic to ensure participant safety. Hypnotists performing standing inductions should make certain that they have physical control over the subject, or the hypnotist should employ an assistant to act as a spotter to ensure participant safety. Street hypnosis and impromptu demonstrations should be performed in a space large enough to accommodate the act without obstruction, allowing for the movement of participants. In an outdoor entertainment venue, this may include cordoning off an area, or, in a classroom setting, making sure desks are moved to allow for free range of motion. Additionally, if performing in a living room, as Milton Erickson often did, make sure that you move coffee tables and any other potentially hazardous furniture out of the way.
Suggestions.
Guidelines for street hypnosis suggestions should be the same as for hypnotic performance or demonstration in other venues, including respecting the participants and not intentionally causing humiliation or eliciting phobias. Follow the Golden Rule, and treat others with the same respect you would expect to receive. Care should be taken regarding subjects who collapse as they enter trance so that they do not injure themselves or others.
Ethics.
Do not engage in activities that may be construed to be illegal. While it may be popular on television for hypnotists to encourage subjects to do outlandish things, such as give away their money or to have shopkeepers allow the hypnotist to steal their merchandise (even temporarily), an ethical hypnotist should not condone this kind of practice.
Documentation.
Street performers, like all other public performers of hypnosis, are encouraged to video record their demonstrations.
Performing alone.
Street performers are highly encouraged to never perform solo. It is recommended that the hypnotist always bring an assistant -- someone to manage the camera, assist with participant safety, and ensure the safety of the performer as well.
Follow these guidelines when demonstrating hypnosis in a group:
Ask for a volunteer. Discuss the goal for the demonstration (i.e., experience deep hypnosis, or certain hypnotic phenomena or suggestions).
Get explicit and stated permission from the volunteer for his or her participation in the demonstration.
Do not attempt to address or clear a deep emotional issue if that is not part of your original agreement.
If something comes up beyond the scope of the demonstration, give the subject ego-strengthening suggestions and re-alert them.
Ask permission to touch before the induction (i.e., "I might touch you on the shoulder, arm or hand. Is that all right with you?"). Touch only the places where you have permission.
If all is going well, which it most likely will, you can leave the subject in hypnosis while you talk to the audience, with the suggestion that the talking simply deepens the subject's trance.
Keep in contact with the subject by verbal communication and/or by placing your hand on his or her arm while addressing the group witnessing the demonstration.
At the end of trance, remove your hand and move away from the subject. Being very close is fine during trance but can be intimidating and too personal at the end.