called _Conditioned Reflexes_. Pavlov's
book will further explain and clarify the concept of the conditioned
response mechanism. It covers necessary conditions for the development
of conditioned responses, their formation by means of conditioned and
direct stimuli, plus a tremendous amount of material which will help you
in your understanding of the significance of the role-playing technique
in relationship to learning self-hypnosis.

Chapter 11

Psychological Aids and Their Function

Psychological or mechanical aids are used to help put the subject in a
state of hypnosis. The use of the aids helps increase the suggestibility
of the subject toward hypnosis. The two most widely used hypnotic aids
are the crystal ball and chain and the 12-inch hypnodisc. One reason is
that these two items have no other use or function outside of the area
of hypnosis. Therefore, when the hypnotist proceeds to use one of these
hypnotic devices, it must follow that a certain mental set, readiness,
or receptivity must follow as a result of its introduction into the
hypnotic setting. If the subject is uneasy about the hypnotic setting or
his response, the introduction of the hypnotic aid can mobilize the
subject's defenses which may be on a conscious or unconscious level.
Generally, the mental set which follows helps augment whatever hypnotic
suggestions are given. Certainly the same mental set would not follow if
the hypnotist used a paper clip as a means of helping with the induction
of hypnosis. It would only start the subject wondering about the
relationship of the paper clip to hypnosis. It obviously isn't in
keeping with what the subject expects.

It is important to utilize the subject's expectation as to what he
believes takes place in the setting as long as this expectation does not
hinder the induction of hypnosis. The mere act of turning down the
lights or drawing the curtains before the hypnotist begins to work with
the subject is a non-verbal suggestion which can be considered as a
psychological aid. The subject knows that the hypnotist is ready to
begin at this point. Actually, it isn't necessary to darken the room at
any time to induce hypnosis. Doesn't the stage hypnotist work with
glaring lights? The room is darkened (and I might add that I use this
procedure myself) mainly for the psychological effect. If I feel that
this procedure might cause anxiety, I proceed with the room undarkened.

In discussing psychologi