Catalepsy is sometimes described as a waxy flexibility.

My kids had a toy called My Gumby. Mr Gumby was made of green rubber and had something in his body and limbs which allowed anyone to bend him about, and he would stay in that shape.

When I first came across catalepsy, I thought it was weird and was taught that it was an advanced technique, but like many other learnings, I began to see it as an extension of so many every day experiences. 

I began to notice that someone including myself could come into a room and not remember why they did that and it's as if someone pressed the pause button.

I've observed people of all ages showing a natural stillness half way through some activity such as being lost in thought, suddenly remembering something that needs to be done ... and then ... after a moment or two ... they continue, usually with a complete unawareness of their stillness.

This natural stillness can be a delightful way into hypnosis by inviting focus and absorption, and has the added benefit of providing evidence that something is happening for anyone who might be sceptical.

Rather than prescribe some use or benefit of catalepsy, I like to help a client to experience it, and ask what they notice is different so we can then make use of this experience and relate it to what might be missing in their problem.

I also notice the benefit of learning this experience as it is a wonderful way of developing our sensitivities about the relationship, the mood and speed of our interactions, but this is something that you can discover best for yourself.

I have included a video of me creating catalepsy in my left arm, and I invite you to try this yourself before you play with it with a friend, colleague or client.