Well, the first part of the questions is very easy to answer. As a hypnotherapist, it’s our job to work with our clients to create positive changes in their lives. However, if our standard session is an hour, and we spend 15-20 minutes (or more) getting out client into trance, then that leaves us with very little time to do the actual change work. Utilizing instant and rapid inductions in our clinical practice (and a post hypnotic suggestion for re-induction can be considered an instant or rapid induction) allows us to spend less time getting our clients into state, giving us more time to do the actual change work.

The second part of the question go toward marketing and promotion. Some hypnotherapists frown on the street and stage hypnosis segment of our business and sometimes they have good reason to. There are many ill-trained and unprofessional people out there doing street and stage hypnosis in a way that is either unsafe for the participants, or inconsiderate of the subjects dignity, or both. However, there are many, many more out there doing an excellent job of depicting hypnosis in a positive light.

The hypnotherapy segment of our market owes its ability to be in business to the street and stage hypnotist. For most people their very first exposure to hypnosis is through street and stage hypnosis. That’s where they discover that hypnosis is ‘real’ and ‘powerful’ and from this new understanding, many people then seek out hypnotherapists to help them make changes in their lives. So, in a sense, we who practice hypnotherapy, to a certain extent, live off of the aftermath of a street or stage hypnosis show.

But why should a hypnotherapist familiarize themselves with street and stage hypnosis techniques? What is the benefit in doing so? Well, here’s your answer “Instant credibility”. That’s right, if you are speaking to someone at a party, or that you just met somewhere and they ask you what you do for a living, you normally spout out your typical elevator speech about being a hypnotherapists and helping people make positive changes in their lives, such as stopping smoking, or losing weight, etc. There’s nothing wrong with this approach, however it’s not really a convincer for the person you’re talking to. It would be much more powerful to show them.

Using instant and rapid inductions and a few simple hypnotic phenomenon you can utilize some street hypnosis techniques to lock someone’s eyes closed, or perform an arm catalepsy or stick their hand to a wall or table. Any of these will quickly and easily demonstrate your skills as a hypnotist and, most importantly, overcome any doubts and objections that the subject may have pertaining to the reality and legitimacy of hypnosis as a powerful tool for change.

These skills are also excellent for promotional activities like demonstrations during speaking engagements with various clubs and special interest groups. At parties and other social gatherings, doing a demonstration with a single person can often turn into a full blown impromptu show. Every time I’ve done this at an event, I always get a handful of prospects asking me about therapy work afterwards.

If you are interested in learning these skills to use in promoting yourself and your practice, then look around on YouTube for and endless amount of examples. If you are looking for a live training with hands- on experience, then keep your eyes open for the announcement of my Street and Stage Hypnosis training in the spring of 2012.

That’s all I have for this month. See you all soon.

Michael C. White, C.Ht.