Hand-clasp

Disciplines > Hypnotism > Techniques > Hand-clasp

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Method

Tell the subject (or subjects) to clasp their hands together with fingers interleaved. Talk about this for a short period to ensure they have their hands locked together.

Then suggest that they are unable to pull their hands apart. People who are suggestible and more easily hypnotised will find it difficult to pull their hands apart.

You can help them get their hands apart by suggesting they relax and loosen their fingers.

Example

Please clasp your hands tightly together. That's right, interleave your fingers and hold tight. Now if I told you that you could not pull your hands apart whilst they are tightly clasped together, you might find that is impossible now to pull them apart, no matter how hard you try. That's right!

Discussion

The hand clasp is a popular method with stage hypnotists who want to quickly find suitable subjects.

There is also a useful effect in that the subject may well be impressed with the hypnotist's 'power' and so become even more suggestible for the main exercise.