Directive Versus Non-Directive Hypnosis

In the past, many more therapists practiced directive hypnosis than do today. With this hypnosis technique, the therapist essentially orders you into a trance state. (The basic, "you are getting very sleepy" cliché line most people think of when they think of hypnotists.) Non-directive hypnosis is more "permissive." You are in control and participate freely in your own trance state with the aid of a therapist.