Fixation of Attention

The first stage of the Ericksonian trance work phase, in which the practitioner utilizes the client's beliefs and behavior to focus their attention on inner realities. Fixation of attention is the process of narrowing and directing the client's conscious awareness inward, creating the conditions for trance. This can be achieved through eye fixation, guided imagery, progressive relaxation, or conversational techniques. Once attention is sufficiently fixed and focused inward, the client becomes more receptive to suggestion and unconscious processing.