The Dave Elman handshake induction is a classic and highly effective hypnosis induction technique developed by Dave Elman, one of the most influential figures in hypnotherapy during the mid-20th century. This induction is particularly prized for its speed and reliability in getting subjects into a deep trance state quickly, often within seconds, making it a favorite among hypnotherapists and medical professionals.
History of Dave Elman and the Handshake Induction
Dave Elman (1900–1967) was a radio host, entertainer, and hypnotherapist who developed several methods and scripts for hypnosis that emphasized rapid induction and deep trance states. Unlike older hypnosis methods that could take many minutes or even longer to induce trance, Elman's techniques were designed to be practical and efficient, especially useful in clinical and dental settings where time was limited.
The handshake induction is one of his signature methods, rooted in utilizing natural social behavior—like a handshake—to bypass conscious resistance and quickly engage the unconscious mind.
How the Dave Elman Handshake Induction Works
The Basic Principle
The handshake induction uses the common social ritual of a handshake as an opportunity to subtly guide the subject into hypnosis. The idea is to catch the subject off guard with a simple request or action during the handshake, which creates a moment of confusion or distraction. This moment is then used to suggest relaxation, heaviness, or downward movement, leading the subject rapidly into trance.
Step-by-Step Process
Initiate the Handshake:
The hypnotist extends their hand for a normal handshake. The handshake should feel natural and comfortable, putting the subject at ease.Interrupt or Alter the Handshake:
Instead of just shaking hands normally, the hypnotist gently but firmly stops the subject’s hand partway through the handshake. This slight interruption creates a small moment of surprise or confusion, which helps break the subject's conscious focus.Guide the Hand Movement:
The hypnotist then instructs (either verbally or non-verbally) that the subject’s hand must stay in place or be pulled down slowly. This can be done by gently pulling the hand downward while maintaining eye contact and a calm tone.Introduce Suggestions of Relaxation:
As the hand is pulled down, the hypnotist suggests that the arm is becoming heavy, relaxed, and limp. For example:
“As your arm drops down, it becomes so heavy it just feels like it wants to go all the way down.”Deepen the Induction:
The hypnotist continues to deepen the trance by suggesting further relaxation in other parts of the body or by using classic deepening phrases such as:
“With every breath you take, you go deeper and deeper.”Test for Hypnosis:
After a few moments, the hypnotist may test for responsiveness or trance depth by suggesting something like:
“Your eyes are feeling so heavy you can’t open them.” Or use other conventional post-hypnotic tests.
Why It Works
Distraction and Confusion: The interruption during a familiar social ritual causes a brief moment where conscious resistance is lowered.
Muscle Fatigue and Heaviness: Physically guiding the hand down taps into natural muscle relaxation responses.
Focused Attention: Eye contact and verbal suggestions direct attention inward.
Bypassing Critical Mind: The sudden change in expected behavior helps bypass mental filters that resist hypnosis.
Advantages of the Dave Elman Handshake Induction
Rapid induction: Often takes less than a minute.
Natural and subtle: Uses everyday social behavior.
Easily repeated: Can be done multiple times with different subjects.
Deep trance: Effective for both light and deep trance induction.
No props needed: Purely verbal and physical interaction.
Summary
The Dave Elman handshake induction is a quick and effective method of inducing hypnosis using a natural social behavior—the handshake—to create a moment of confusion that leads into trance. Developed by Dave Elman, it leverages physical cues (hand lowering) and verbal suggestions of heaviness and relaxation to bypass conscious resistance and engage the unconscious mind. It has been widely used in therapeutic settings for its efficiency and depth.
References
Elman, D. (1964). Findings in Hypnosis. Dave Elman Productions.
Heap, M., & Aravind, K. K. (2002). Hartland's Medical and Dental Hypnosis. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Yapko, M. D. (2012). Trancework: An Introduction to the Practice of Clinical Hypnosis. Routledge.