ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how hypnotic inductions can be accomplished through associational strategies or dissociational strategies as the basis for trance development. It provides an induction transcript with detailed commentary. The transcript illustrates how associational and dissociational techniques blend together and emphasizes some practical points regarding clinical inductions. The chapter describes how Ericksonian techniques can be modified in special situations such as those involving children, psychotics, emergencies, or groups. It also discusses how the hypnotherapist might proceed when a variety of induction strategies have all proved ineffective. Upon developing mutual rapport and attentional absorption, the therapist gradually and subtly introduces hypnotic communications to elicit trance responses. Trance inductions are often inappropriate, but unorthodox trance utilization procedures that are sensitively applied can stimulate meaningful changes. The Ericksonian approach considers hypnotic inductions as interactional sequences that absorb and direct a person's attention into a therapeutically utilizable altered state of consciousness.
