CMH Advanced Induction Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a 'confusion technique' in hypnotic induction?
- To overload the critical factor with contradictory information (Correct answer)
- To make the subject laugh and relax
- To test whether the subject is truly hypnotizable
- To deepen an already established trance
Correct answer: To overload the critical factor with contradictory information
Confusion techniques overwhelm the conscious mind's critical factor with paradoxical or contradictory statements, bypassing resistance and allowing hypnotic suggestions to take hold.
Question 2: During an Elman induction, after achieving physical relaxation, what is the NEXT critical step?
- Issuing post-hypnotic suggestions
- Achieving mental relaxation and somnambulism (Correct answer)
- Testing for arm catalepsy
- Counting down from 10 to 1
Correct answer: Achieving mental relaxation and somnambulism
After physical relaxation in the Elman induction, the hypnotist guides the subject into mental relaxation, then fractionation to achieve somnambulism.
Question 3: Which induction technique involves having the subject open and close their eyes multiple times to deepen trance?
- Arm levitation
- Fractionation (Correct answer)
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Shock induction
Correct answer: Fractionation
Fractionation repeatedly brings a subject in and out of trance, deepening the hypnotic state with each re-entry due to cumulative hypnotic effect.
Question 4: A client resists the standard relaxation induction. Which approach best utilizes their resistance?
- Stop the session and reschedule
- Switch to a permissive, Ericksonian approach using indirect language (Correct answer)
- Insist they must relax for hypnosis to work
- Increase the volume and authority of your voice
Correct answer: Switch to a permissive, Ericksonian approach using indirect language
Ericksonian indirect techniques use permissive, naturalistic language that works with resistance rather than against it, making resistance irrelevant.
Question 5: What does 'waking hypnosis' refer to in advanced induction practice?
- A technique used only when a subject refuses to close their eyes
- Delivering hypnotic suggestions without a formal trance induction (Correct answer)
- The state between sleeping and waking used therapeutically
- A method of waking someone from deep somnambulism
Correct answer: Delivering hypnotic suggestions without a formal trance induction
Waking hypnosis involves delivering effective hypnotic suggestions while the subject remains alert and oriented, without a formal eyes-closed trance state.
Question 6: In the Dave Elman induction, what is the significance of the 'eye-lock' test?
- It measures the depth of physical relaxation
- It confirms the subject has entered a light trance sufficient for therapy
- It tests whether the client can achieve somnambulism (Correct answer)
- It is used to ensure the subject cannot open their eyes involuntarily
Correct answer: It tests whether the client can achieve somnambulism
The eye-lock in Elman's induction confirms somnambulism — the subject genuinely cannot open their eyes because they have internalized the suggestion, not merely complied.
Question 7: Which physiological sign most reliably indicates a subject has entered a medium-depth trance?
- Increased blinking rate
- Catalepsy of the eyelids and slowed breathing (Correct answer)
- Verbal confirmation from the subject
- Rapid eye movements similar to REM sleep
Correct answer: Catalepsy of the eyelids and slowed breathing
Eyelid catalepsy combined with slowed, rhythmic breathing are reliable indicators of a medium-depth trance state without requiring verbal confirmation.
CMH Advanced Induction Techniques 2
What is the primary purpose of a 'confusion technique' in hypnotic induction?