Writing an Introduction for a Hypnosis Script

When writing a hypnosis script, whether it is to be used in-person or as an audio recording, having an introduction or pretalk section is important and is necessary to establish rapport with your clients/listeners.

The advantages of having a proper introduction are immeasurable, from building trust, discussing benefits, setting expectations, and reassuring your audience that nothing can go wrong during their trance state. Covering all these factors will help ensure a safe, effective, and successful hypnosis session.

Hypnosis sessions should always begin with a few words of pretalk, whether it’s live or recorded. This is to reassure the patient that they are in a safe place and also encourage them to embrace their own vulnerability and utilize their inner resources. Hypnotherapy can help bridge the connection between body (physical), mind (thoughts), heart (emotions), and the subconscious (beneath the surface), as well as lead to lasting changes in emotion, behavior and cognition. It is important for patients to be aware of this before any hypnosis session begins so that they can gain the most from it.

How to Address Resistance to Hypnosis

A trained professional understands that although some of their clients may be open to hypnosis and easily allow themselves to be guided into a suggestive state of mind, there are some clients who are hesitant to the very idea of hypnosis no matter how much you try to dispel the myths. Therefore, sometimes it is necessary to replace the word hypnosis with a less intimidating word such as mindfulness practice or meditation, or even present it as a conversation that involves listening to a narrative, a hypnotic induction known as the narrative technique. 

As you may know, the concept of the subconscious mind and the brain’s innate ability to change, known as neuroplasticity, has recently gained popularity in mainstream media. This is another way one can write a hypnosis pretalk without mentioning the word “hypnosis”.

“Welcome, today you will be accessing the brain’s innate ability to reprogram itself, otherwise known as neuroplasticity. Together, we will work with the power of the subconscious mind to achieve your desired outcome. Remember, you are in control of your experience and can choose to accept or reject any suggestions given. This is a natural and safe process that can bring about positive changes in your life.“

Why are Cautionary Warnings Important in Hypnosis Scripts?

Adding a cautionary warning to hypnosis scripts that will be turned into audio recordings is important for several reasons:

Safety: It is important to remind listeners of any potential risks or contraindications associated with hypnosis and to instruct them to discontinue use if they experience any discomfort or negative effects.

Legality: A cautionary warning can help protect the creator and distributor of the recording from legal liability in the event that a listener experiences negative effects or harm as a result of using the recording.

Ethical: It is important to be transparent about the potential risks and limitations of hypnosis and to provide listeners with accurate information about what they can expect from the recording.

Professionalism: Including a cautionary warning in a hypnosis recording can demonstrate the creator’s professionalism and commitment to the well-being of the listener/client.

How Long Should Hypnosis Introductions Be?

The length of a pre-talk for a recorded hypnosis can vary depending on the specific context and intended use of the recording. In general, a pre-talk should be long enough to provide any necessary information or instructions for the listener but should not be so long that it becomes tedious or detracts from the main content of the session. As for the number of words, it can vary, but generally, it should be around 150 to 300 words. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Some hypnotists like to merge their pretalk and induction. For example, a hypnosis session with the theme of “Overcoming Addiction” can include a 500-word pretalk sequence that serves as a mental reinforcement before or after asking the client to close their eyes. Psychoeducation and reiteration of one’s ability to overcome their given addiction can be added here. This is especially helpful for those new to hypnosis.

What to Include in Your Hypnosis Pretalk/Introduction

In a pre-talk for hypnosis, it is important to address misconceptions and misinformation by educating your audience or client on what hypnosis is, and their role and expectations during the hypnotic experience. It is sometimes more effective to provide information and educate the patient before initiating a hypnosis session, rather than relying solely on complex induction techniques that are best used by trained professionals.

When performed by trained professionals and researchers, hypnosis is a safe practice.

Lynn, Martin, D. J., & Frauman, D. C. (1996). Does hypnosis pose special risks for negative effects? A master class commentary. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 44(1), 7–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207149608416064

Please refer to my article here about the potential dangers of hypnosis.

Many individuals who have undergone hypnosis do not refer to the experience as “trance,” but instead describe it as having heightened focus on the suggestions provided.

McConkey. (1986). Opinions about Hypnosis and Self-Hypnosis before and after Hypnotic Testing. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 34(4), 311–319. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207148608406996

During hypnosis, individuals retain the capability to govern their actions, decline to comply with suggestions and even counter suggestions.

Hypnosis does not enhance the accuracy of memories or enable a precise re-enactment of past experiences from childhood.

Please refrain from using this recording while driving or operating machinery.

The practice of hypnosis does not replace professional mental health services.

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Examples of Introductions or Pretalk for Hypnosis

PRETALK HYPNOSIS SCRIPT FOR OVERCOMING GRIEF

When writing hypnosis scripts, it is important to begin with a clear and effective pre-talk to establish the appropriate tone, especially when dealing with sensitive topics such as grief and loss. It is crucial to be aware of your competency and expertise to avoid potential adverse reactions. Here is an example of a hypnosis script for loss and grief.

When creating hypnosis scripts for a broader audience, such as on a YouTube channel or podcast, it is important to be mindful of the potential for triggering different listeners and to provide a disclaimer that the hypnosis should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health care services.

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PRETALK HYPNOSIS SCRIPT FOR SELF-IMPROVEMENT