Eye Fixation Induction

Technique: The Eye Fixation Induction shows how to hypnotize someone by staring at a point until their eyes get tired, and then suggesting that as their eyes close they will go into trance.

The eye fixation induction was described by James Braid, the first clinical hypnotist (who also invented the word 'hypnosis'). It is the source of the classic movie line for hypnotists 'your eyes are getting heavy, very heavy...'. It works because eyes staring at a point will quickly get tired. The hypnotist paces the physical reactions (blurring, watering, blinking) and implies that the changes are happening because of the hypnotist's suggestions. (The Hypnotic Gaze Induction is a different induction.)

Advantages:It is one of the most commonly used hypnotic inductions. It works well with susceptible people.

Disadvantages:It does not work at all with people who are in the least bit skeptical of hypnosis. The eye fixation induction is taught in hypnosis classes for beginners learning hypnosis, but in fact it is hard to get right. Many clients notice their eyes defocusing and drifting, remember that they were told to stare at the point, and so actively start to control their eyes and keep them fixed on the point, which takes them right out of trance and into heightened alertness. That type of client is left with their eyes wide open staring at nothing, trying to see non-existent changes and all the while their mind is actively disputing what the hypnotist is saying to them. All the hypnotist can do is keep going and hope they will eventually get bored and shut their eyes. Not a good choice.

 

EYE FIXATION INDUCTION

 

	The Setup
	Just make yourself comfortable now... get into a position where you can relax... and look at that wall in front of you....	I	Seeding comfort, relaxation
	lift your eyes up until you are looking up, higher than your normal eye level....		Strain the eye muscles
	and now let your eyes find something on that wall... some spot or corner or maybe a small object.... and let your eyes rest on that .... hold your eyes open... and just look at that spot or that point.... for a few moments	I
	...keep focusing on that spot...
	[pause until you see some signs of eye fatigue]
	The Induction
	and while keeping your focus on that spot.... become aware of the muscles around your eyes.... how they they are holding your eyes up.... and your eyelids... and what they feel like....		Dissociation
	and as you look at that spot you might see that it begins to waver... or maybe you see it blurring ... or that image might start to get a sort of halo round it....	D	Pacing experience
	and you might notice that those muscles are becoming tired... and as you think about those muscles... they are becoming more tired.... and you might need to blink.... and that's OK	D	Pace with blinking
	And you might wonder if that blink is slower than normal.... and you might might like to think about how nice it would be to allow your eyes and eyelids to relax... and close those tired eyes... and your eyes are getting heavy now...	D	Pace with blinking
	and you can feel those eyes now... getting heavier and heavier... and that is telling you that your eyes are getting tired and ready to close... eyes so heavy and tired... when your eyes are so tired and heavy that you just can't keep them open any more...you can just let them close on their own....	>
	...that's right...		Pacing
	and it can be so good and relaxing to close those eyes... and closing those eyes means you can relax now.... really let yourself relax....	D	Leading
	deep... deeply, deeply relax....	D	look for eyelid trembling
	That's right....		Pacing
	[Carry on with the therapy]

 

 

 

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This script is included in the Hypknowsis Scripts ebook.
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