Setting the Stage: “As you listen to my voice, you may notice that your mind starts to wander… or maybe you’re trying to focus on what I’m saying. It really doesn’t matter which, because whether you’re focused or wandering, you’re already beginning to relax.”

Layered Ambiguity: “It’s interesting, isn’t it? You could be focusing on the sound of your breathing, or maybe the feeling of your feet on the floor, or perhaps you’re thinking about how easily your body can relax… But as you try to notice all these things, perhaps one part of you starts to relax without even noticing.”

Double Bind: “You might find your eyelids becoming heavy now, or maybe they’ll wait until later to close, but it doesn’t really matter because as they close, whether now or later, you’ll find yourself becoming more comfortable.”

Contradictory Instructions: “And as your body relaxes, your mind might become more alert… or maybe your mind will relax while your body stays alert. Either way, you’re getting closer to that deep, calm feeling, aren’t you?”

Counting with Interruptions: “I’ll count from 1 to 10, but as I do, you might notice that you’re already drifting deeper, even if I haven’t reached 10 yet… 1… feeling calm… 2… or maybe you’ll relax more at 3… 4… or maybe you’ve already reached that state before I even get to 5…”

Pattern Interrupt: “And as you relax even more… or maybe you’re still relaxing… it’s hard to say exactly when or how that deeper state comes… but it does, doesn’t it?”