rdings.

Let me describe another varied approach to achieving self-hypnosis. One
of the chief assets of a good hypnotist is to be flexible in his
approach in hypnotizing his subjects. As I have already pointed out, it
is necessary many times to adopt a technique that is suitable to the
subject and not to make the subject adapt himself to the method of
induction.

We know that with somnambulistic subjects any procedure will put the
subject under hypnosis immediately. The hypnotist gains complete control
of his subject as the subject is able to put himself in the proper
psychological frame of mind for hypnosis. Unfortunately, most subjects
do not respond at the first session or sessions because of conscious or
subconscious fears that must be gradually eliminated. Once you get the
subject to relax, or "let go," he will naturally succumb to hypnosis.
This is the problem that confronts all hypnotists.

Merely suggesting to the subject to relax is not sufficient, as a rule,
to bring about this desired mental state. The subject, at this point,
cannot easily turn on or off his mental and physical feelings. Even if
we have the subject lie down, this does not assure the hypnotic state as
the subject can still be tense. Our main problem is to get the subject
relaxed. Our situation is similar to the physician telling his patient
to go home and forget about a certain problem. I'm sure you'll agree
that the advice is virtually impossible to follow.

One of the major stumbling blocks in hypnotizing a subject or in
self-hypnosis lies in the fact that although we use terms such as
"relax," "let yourself go," and others, the subject cannot readily put
the meaning of these words into effect. It is difficult for most people
to let go when we live in a society that beckons us to "look sharp," "be
sharp," "be alert," "be on the ball" and "make every minute count."
Emphasis on productivity does not lend to a society of relaxed
individuals.

In my long experience as a professional hypnotist, I have tried many
novel innovations for inducing hypnosis and teaching individuals
self-hypnosis. Some have met with a great deal of success and others
have failed. It is, furthermore, difficult to determine the causal
factors for success or failure. We can only theorize.

I have used the following unorthodox technique for about a period of 15
years. Exceptionally good results have been attained with it, although
it must be admitted that it is not i