Pausing

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Method

When saying something that you want the subject to imagine, pause to let them form a picture and get into the experience.

The purpose of getting them to imagine something is often to move them into a desired state, such as being relaxed. When you pause, watch for physical signs of them going into that state.

Pausing can also be useful when you have given the person any other suggestion and it needs a little time to sink in.

Example

Imagine you are stepping into a nice, warm bath ... the water is pleasant on your skin as you lie down ... you close your eyes and think back ...

Now you can let go of that uncomfortable time. How does it feel now? ... Better? ... Of course!

Discussion

Imagination takes time. If the person is remembering something they have to find and play the video. If they are creating something new, they have to make up things.

Note also that pausing can cause problems as their minds might wander elsewhere or start thinking about the techniques you are using. Pauses should thus be used with care and should not be too long. When you see signs of them going in the right direction, give encouragement and move on.

Practice will tell you the right amount of time to pause in various situations.

Going fast and not pausing to let people fully do what you suggest can be a deliberate act to confuse and so shake them from a previous stuck state.