How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Wondering

Disciplines > Hypnotism > Techniques > Wondering

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Method

Wonder out loud about things you want them to do, see or otherwise achieve. Muse about what might have happened or will happen. Express uncertainty and doubt.

Wonder if they can do something.
Wonder if they can imagine something.
Wonder if they are feeling better.
Wonder about the benefits of hypnosis.

Example

I wonder how deeply you can fall into a deep trance now.

I wonder what will happen when you let go of that old thought.

I don't know whether you have completely relaxed yet.

Discussion

Wondering gives a useful way of telling people to do things whilst avoiding resistance to a direct command. In fact a contrary person who would be resistant is faced with a challenge when somebody wonders about their capability, and may feel a strong need to show that they can do something where the hypnotist seems to be doubting their capability.

Wondering is assumptive in the way it presumes a future. In the manner of forced cognition, it makes the person think about the subject but without overtly suggesting that this future will happen. Subtly, of course, that is just what is going on.