After all, people vary a great deal and respond differently to different methods and tests. Some, for instance, may be unable to unlock their hands, but could quite easily open their eyes. Others may be unable to open their eyes, but would have no difficulty in freeing their hands. A domineering technique suits some patients, while others like to be coaxed, and a few like to think they are doing everything themselves. While such phenomena are often present, it must be remembered that this is not necessarily so, and that there is an infinite variety of behaviour with different patients.
Some patients pass quickly through the early stages and reach a deep stage very easily.
Others may be unable to get beyond the hypnoidal, light or medium state at the first attempt. Usually, the depth of trance can be increased with each succeeding session until it reaches the maximum for that particular patient. This may take anything up to a dozen sessions. A few subjects are unable ever to get past the light or medium stage, no matter how much they try.