James W. Duncan, C.Ht
James W. Duncan, C.Ht
It is possible to go to any search engine like Google, HotBot or Yahoo Search and type in “hypnosis script” and you will be bombarded with links. I recommend doing this with one very important caveat; USE WHAT YOU MAY FIND ONLY AS SOURCES OF IDEAS TO BUILD YOUR OWN SCRIPTS.
This is a great exercise in script writing for those who are unsure of where to begin in the process. I regularly do searches for scripts to see what folks are using and how they phrase suggestions. It is a good idea in any profession to keep abreast of what is out there in your industry. There are excellent scripts out there, but there are some downright terrible ones as well. Just because a script has a title saying it is for some particular problem doesn’t mean it is well constructed or beneficial to use. When I find a script in a search process that I find interesting, I save it, then go through the whole thing tossing anything I find to be incorrect technique. If there is a concept or imagery I find interesting but the fleshing out isn’t exactly what I would use, I make a note of the concept for possible later use. I then take the remaining script and go through it word by word and phrase by phrase, selecting phrases that I find well constructed and of possible use. What I then have is a skeleton of concepts and phrases that in no way resembles a script but has potential for benefit to a client. I can then use this skeleton in the creation of my own scripts.
When I begin to write a script, I keep in mind several things.
1) What is the main goal of this script?
2) What concept can I use to achieve this goal for the client?
3) Are there secondary goals to be achieved?
4) How can I tie those into this script concept with fluidity?
5) How can I create a use this concept to build a basic script, which can be customized easily and freely for each individual who may benefit from it?
6) Where can I leave “holes” in the script that will allow the resulting session to flow where it needs to go spontaneously?
After writing a script I then read and reread it aloud many times so I can hear how it sounds and if it comes off as me speaking comfortably. I am sure many of you find the same issue I do, that I write much differently than I speak. This is important to understand when constructing scripts.
One concept to note is actually a well known Theater reality. Performers can do a play, 8 shows a week for 6 months straight, repeating the exact same words each time, yet every performance is different, sometimes radically different. It is the energy of the audience that drives those differences. Understand that a Hypnosis Script is exactly the same. Understand that when you write a script that the energy of the person on the receiving end of it will guide the energy of the session. Build your scripts which are not specifically meant for a single client as if they are a skeleton that each new client who may hear it will flesh out in the ways that are right for them.
James Duncan, CHt, is the President and Executive Director of Infinity Institute International, Inc. a State Licensed School of Hypnosis. Celebrating 29 Years of World-Class Hypnosis & Holistic Education. James is a Life Fellow of the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association & and former Chairman of Mentoring Programs for the IMDHA. He is known worldwide as a dynamic and innovative lecturer and teacher as well as keeping a busy in Private Practice in Royal Oak, Michigan. Visit on the web at www.DuncanHypnotherapy.com.
