The Raikov Effect: The Complete Guide to Borrowing Genius Through Deep Hypnosis

The Raikov Effect is a technique in which a person in deep hypnosis is guided to imagine that they are a famous, highly skilled person, such as a great artist, musician or chess player, so they can tap into abilities they did not know they had. It is named after Vladimir L. Raikov, a Moscow psychiatrist whose experiments in the 1960s and 1970s reported improvements in drawing, music, chess and learning that carried over into everyday waking life.

Hypnosis and performance · Helps with: creativity, learning new skills, confidence, performance, motivation

Last updated: 30 October 2026

Written by Saj Ali

Reading time: about 15 minutes

How we wrote this guide: this guide was written by Saj Ali. Every research claim below links to the original study, its DOI or an official record.

Quick answer: what is the Raikov Effect?

• You “become” a genius in deep hypnosis. In Raikov’s method, a deeply hypnotised person is told that they are a famous person with a specific talent and then performs tasks as that person (Raikov, 1976).
• The gains carried over after hypnosis. Raikov reported that skills improved during hypnosis persisted afterwards “through a kind of momentum”, without relying on post-hypnotic suggestion (Raikov, 1977).
• It worked best with deep hypnosis. People capable of deep hypnosis showed improved creativity, while low-hypnotic participants and control groups did not (Raikov, 1976).
• Modern research echoes the idea. People who were “embodied” as Einstein in virtual reality performed better on a cognitive task than those in an ordinary body (Banakou et al., 2018).
• It is also called Deep Trance Identification. Today hypnotists teach versions of the technique under names such as Deep Trance Identification, artificial reincarnation and “Borrowed Genius”.

Contents

1. What Is the Raikov Effect?
   • The Raikov Effect at a Glance
2. Where the Raikov Effect Came From
3. How the Raikov Effect Works
   • 1. Deep hypnosis
   • 2. Identification
   • 3. Performing the skill
   • 4. Carry-over to everyday life
   • Why it might work
4. How to Try a Raikov-Style “Borrowed Genius” Practice
5. What People Use the Raikov Effect For
6. What the Research Shows
   • Raikov’s experiments
   • Becoming Einstein in virtual reality
   • Hypnosis more broadly
   • The studies at a glance
7. The Raikov Effect vs Visualisation vs NLP Modelling
8. Getting the Most from the Raikov Effect
   • Image Streaming
9. Choosing Your Role Model
   • Questions to explore as your model
10. Working with a Hypnotist
    • What to look for
    • Costs
11. Watch, Listen and Follow
12. Frequently Asked Questions About The Raikov Effect
13. Key Takeaways
14. Explore More on Self Help Supermarket
15. Sources

What Is the Raikov Effect?

The Raikov Effect describes the improvements in creativity and skill that Vladimir Raikov observed when deeply hypnotised people were told they were someone famous and talented. A student who wanted to draw might be told, in deep hypnosis, that they were a great painter, and then asked to draw as that person. Raikov reported that people not only performed better during hypnosis but kept much of the improvement afterwards (Raikov, 1976; Raikov, 1977).

Raikov saw this as a special “active” form of deep hypnosis in which the person’s self-image is temporarily transformed. He suggested that hypnosis may unlock latent creative potential that is normally blocked in everyday consciousness (Raikov, 1975).

The Raikov Effect at a Glance

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Where the Raikov Effect Came From

Vladimir L. Raikov was a psychiatrist in Moscow who carried out a long series of experiments on hypnosis and creativity in the Soviet Union. He published his findings in leading English-language hypnosis journals, including the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis and the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis (Raikov, 1976; Raikov, 1977), and later in the Journal of Creative Behavior (Raikov, 1992).

His work became known in the West partly through American psychologist Stanley Krippner, who described Raikov’s experiments in his book Human Possibilities: Mind Exploration in the USSR and Eastern Europe (1980). Western writers often called the technique “artificial reincarnation”, because subjects seemed to take on the personality of another person.

In 1996, Win Wenger and Richard Poe’s book The Einstein Factor brought related ideas to a wide audience with a self-guided technique called “Borrowed Genius”, alongside Wenger’s visualisation method Image Streaming. In 2014, hypnotists Shawn Carson, Jess Marion and John Overdurf published Deep Trance Identification, a practical guide to using identification with role models in modern hypnosis and NLP.

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How the Raikov Effect Works

1. Deep hypnosis

Raikov worked with people who could reach a deep hypnotic state. He described an “active” form of hypnosis in which the subject is not passive but fully engaged in imaginative experience (Raikov, 1976).

2. Identification

The hypnotist suggests that the subject is a particular famous person with the desired talent. The subject experiences themselves as that person, often adopting their manner, voice and confidence (Raikov, 1977).

3. Performing the skill

While in this state, the subject draws, plays music, solves problems or learns new material as the famous person. Raikov found that performing several creative tasks in succession under hypnosis produced especially strong gains (Raikov, 1976).

4. Carry-over to everyday life

Raikov reported that what was learned in hypnosis continued afterwards through a kind of momentum, rather than depending on post-hypnotic suggestions (Raikov, 1977).

Why it might work

Raikov suggested that hypnosis can unblock access to information, memory and abilities that are normally held back in ordinary consciousness (Raikov, 1975). Other explanations people offer include freedom from self-doubt, a temporary boost to self-image and confidence, and the power of detailed mental rehearsal, which is also central to visualisation and Psycho-Cybernetics.

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How to Try a Raikov-Style “Borrowed Genius” Practice

Raikov’s own work used deep hypnosis guided by a trained professional (Raikov, 1976). This home practice is a gentle, self-guided visualisation inspired by his approach and by modern Deep Trance Identification. Choose a skill you are actively learning, such as drawing, public speaking, a sport or an instrument.

1. Choose your model. Pick someone who is outstanding at the skill you want to develop. It can be a historical figure, a living expert or a teacher you admire. Spend a little time watching or reading about how they work.
2. Set your intention. Write one sentence about what you want to learn from them, for example: “I want the calm focus of a great pianist.”
3. Relax deeply. Sit or lie comfortably, close your eyes and breathe slowly. Count down from ten to one, relaxing more with each number, or use a self-hypnosis recording you enjoy.
4. See your model. Imagine your model in front of you, performing the skill at their best. Notice their posture, breathing, movements, expression and the way they pay attention.
5. Step into them. Imagine stepping into their body, so you see through their eyes and feel what they feel. Let yourself take on their posture, confidence and focus.
6. Practise as them. In your imagination, perform the skill as your model would. Feel how easy and natural it is. Repeat a few times, enjoying each detail.
7. Create an anchor. At the peak of the feeling, press your thumb and finger together and take a deep breath. This becomes a cue to recall the state later.
8. Return and act. Step back out, count up from one to five and open your eyes. Then practise the real skill straight away, using your anchor, while the feeling is fresh.

Repeat the practice a few times a week alongside real practice. Many people keep a short journal of what they notice and how their skill develops.

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What People Use the Raikov Effect For

• Creative skills. Drawing, painting, writing and music were the focus of Raikov’s experiments (Raikov, 1976).
• Learning. Raikov also reported gains in maths problem-solving, attention tasks and learning foreign-language words (Raikov, 1977).
• Performance and sport. Many coaches use role-model visualisation to help people rehearse skills and build confidence.
• Public speaking and presence. Imagining yourself as a confident speaker can help you step into that role. See self-confidence and fear and phobias.
• Self-belief. Experiencing yourself as capable can lift your sense of self-worth. See self-esteem.
• Motivation. Connecting with someone who inspires you can make practice more exciting. See motivation and procrastination.
• Calmer performance. The relaxed state of hypnosis helps many people perform with less worry. See anxiety and overthinking.

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What the Research Shows

Raikov’s experiments

In his 1976 paper, Raikov described a series of experiments in which deeply hypnotised subjects were told they were famous people with specific talents, then asked to draw, play musical instruments or play chess. Creative processes were facilitated in people capable of deep hypnosis, and the achievements carried over to the waking state. Low-hypnotic subjects and control groups did not show the same improvements. The largest gains came when subjects performed several creative tasks in succession under hypnosis (Raikov, 1976).

In a 1977 paper, he reported successes in drawing, piano playing, solving mathematical problems, attention tests and learning foreign words. He described how learning in hypnosis persisted afterwards “through a kind of momentum” and said the procedure “mobilizes potentialities that may be unknown to the person” (Raikov, 1977).

Becoming Einstein in virtual reality

A modern study by Banakou, Kishore and Slater at the University of Barcelona echoes Raikov’s idea using virtual reality instead of hypnosis. Fifteen men were given a virtual Einstein body and fifteen an ordinary body of similar age. Taking account of prior IQ, the Einstein group performed better on a cognitive task, with the greatest improvement among those with low self-esteem. Einstein embodiment also reduced implicit bias against older people (Banakou et al., 2018).

Hypnosis more broadly

Hypnosis itself has a strong research base. A meta-analysis of 57 randomised clinical studies found a medium-sized effect for hypnosis compared with controls (Flammer & Bongartz, 2003).

The studies at a glance

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The Raikov Effect vs Visualisation vs NLP Modelling

The techniques blend naturally. Many people combine Raikov-style identification with the Silva Method, Time Line Therapy or flow state training.

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Getting the Most from the Raikov Effect

• Pair it with real practice. Raikov’s subjects actually performed the skill in hypnosis. Imagination works best alongside hands-on practice.
• Study your model. The more you know about how your model works, moves and thinks, the richer your identification will be.
• Go deep. Raikov’s best results came with deep hypnosis (Raikov, 1976). A skilled hypnotist, or regular self-hypnosis practice, can help you relax more deeply.
• Do several tasks in a row. Raikov found that several successive creative tasks under hypnosis produced especially strong gains (Raikov, 1976).
• Use an anchor. A simple physical cue helps you bring back the state when you practise or perform.
• Be patient. Treat each session as a step in your learning, and notice gradual changes over weeks.
• Keep it playful. Curiosity and enjoyment help you get absorbed in the experience.

Image Streaming

Win Wenger’s Image Streaming is a related practice: you close your eyes and describe aloud, in rich detail, the images that come to mind. Wenger presented it in The Einstein Factor as a way to build visualisation skill and creativity, and it makes a useful warm-up for borrowed genius practice. Try it for about ten minutes, describing your images aloud to a friend or into a voice recorder, so you stay engaged with the flow of pictures and impressions.

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Choosing Your Role Model

The person you choose shapes the whole experience. Raikov used famous figures from each field, such as great artists and musicians (Raikov, 1977). For a home practice, these tips help you choose well.

• Match the skill. Choose someone who is outstanding at the exact skill you are practising, whether that is drawing portraits, playing jazz piano or speaking to large audiences.
• Choose someone you admire. Warmth and respect for your model make it easier to step into their shoes.
• Know them well. Watch videos, read interviews and study their work. Notice how they stand, breathe, move and talk about their craft.
• Consider several models. You might borrow the creativity of one person and the discipline of another for different sessions.
• Include everyday heroes. A teacher, coach or colleague whose skill you admire can be just as powerful as a world-famous name.

Questions to explore as your model

Once you have stepped into your model in imagination, you can explore questions such as:

• What do I notice first when I begin?
• Where do I focus my attention?
• How do I feel when I make a mistake, and what do I do next?
• What do I believe about my ability?
• What would I tell a beginner?

Write down any answers straight after the session. Many people find these insights just as valuable as the feeling of confidence itself, because they reveal habits and attitudes they can practise in daily life.

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Working with a Hypnotist

Raikov’s original method used deep hypnosis guided by a trained professional. If you would like to try the full experience, look for a qualified hypnotist or hypnotherapist who offers Deep Trance Identification or performance-focused hypnosis.

What to look for

• Recognised hypnosis training and membership of a professional body
• Experience with performance, creativity or confidence work
• A clear explanation of what will happen in each session
• A collaborative approach that includes practice between sessions

Costs

Fees vary widely by country, city and experience. Many hypnotists offer a free introductory call, and self-guided practice with books and free videos costs nothing. See our hypnosis guide for more on finding a practitioner.

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Watch, Listen and Follow

Learn about Deep Trance Identification and the Raikov Effect from hypnotists who teach it, and try Image Streaming for yourself.

Videos

• Deep Trance Identification and Alexander Raikov – The Intelligent Hypnotist. The background to Deep Trance Identification and Raikov’s work.
• What is Deep Trance Identification – The Intelligent Hypnotist. A clear introduction to Deep Trance Identification.
• Secrets of Deep Trance Identification – The Intelligent Hypnotist. More on how Deep Trance Identification works.
• How To Learn Anything 10x Faster – Hypnosis Technique – Deep Trance Identification – Dr. David Snyder. A hypnotist explains using DTI to learn faster.
• HYPNOSIS DEMONSTRATION: Deep Trance Identification – David Snyder As “Captain Jack The Hypnotist” – Dr. David Snyder. A live demonstration of Deep Trance Identification.
• Raikov Effect & How It Works: The Steps of the New Raikov Effect – Equilibrium. An overview of the steps of the Raikov Effect.
• Transform Your Life Using The Raikov Effect | Cabral Concept 1970 – Stephen Cabral. Ideas for using the Raikov Effect in daily life.
• Image Streaming – A Technique for Better Visualization and Creativity – The Bioneer. Image Streaming for visualisation and creativity.
• Image Streaming: The ULTIMATE Visualization Exercise – Anthony Metivier. A guided look at Image Streaming.

Books

• Deep Trance Identification – Shawn Carson, Jess Marion and John Overdurf (Changing Mind Publishing, 2014). A practical modern guide.
• The Einstein Factor – Win Wenger and Richard Poe (Prima, 1996). Image Streaming and the Borrowed Genius technique.
• Human Possibilities: Mind Exploration in the USSR and Eastern Europe – Stanley Krippner (1980). Includes an account of Raikov’s work.

Raikov’s papers

• Raikov, 1976 – The possibility of creativity in the active stage of hypnosis.
• Raikov, 1977 – Theoretical analysis of deep hypnosis.
• Raikov, 1992 – Hypnosis as an active creative act.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Raikov Effect

What is the Raikov Effect?

The Raikov Effect is a technique in which a person in deep hypnosis imagines they are a famous, highly skilled person in order to unlock their own abilities. It is named after Moscow psychiatrist Vladimir Raikov, who reported improvements in drawing, music, chess and learning.

Who was Vladimir Raikov?

Vladimir L. Raikov was a Moscow psychiatrist who researched hypnosis and creativity and published his experiments in journals including the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis and the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis.

Does the Raikov Effect work?

In Raikov’s experiments, people capable of deep hypnosis improved at drawing, music and chess, and the gains carried over after hypnosis. A 2018 virtual reality study also found that people embodied as Einstein performed better on a cognitive task.

What is Deep Trance Identification?

Deep Trance Identification (DTI) is a modern hypnosis and NLP technique based on the same idea as the Raikov Effect: in trance, you identify with a role model to take on their skills, attitudes and confidence.

Can I do the Raikov Effect on my own?

Raikov used deep hypnosis guided by a professional, but you can try a gentle self-guided version using relaxation, detailed visualisation of a role model and immediate real practice.

What is Borrowed Genius?

Borrowed Genius is a self-guided technique from Win Wenger and Richard Poe’s book The Einstein Factor, inspired by the same idea of imaginatively stepping into the mind of a genius.

What skills can the Raikov Effect help with?

Raikov studied drawing, piano playing, chess, maths problem-solving, attention and learning foreign words. People also use the idea for sport, public speaking and confidence.

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Key Takeaways

• The Raikov Effect is named after Moscow psychiatrist Vladimir Raikov.
• In deep hypnosis, people imagined being a famous, talented person and performed tasks as them.
• Raikov reported gains in drawing, music, chess, maths and language learning that carried over after hypnosis.
• The best results came with people capable of deep hypnosis.
• A 2018 VR study found people embodied as Einstein performed better on a cognitive task.
• Modern versions include Deep Trance Identification and Borrowed Genius.

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Explore More on Self Help Supermarket

Use these guides alongside this one:

• Hypnosis – the complete hypnosis guide
• NLP – modelling excellence
• Visualisation – mental rehearsal
• Psycho-Cybernetics – your self-image
• Silva Method – relaxation and creativity
• Flow state – peak performance
• Time Line Therapy – another NLP-based approach
• Self-confidence – believe in yourself
• Self-esteem – build self-worth
• Motivation – stay inspired
• Procrastination – get started
• Fear and phobias – perform without fear
• Anxiety – calmer performance
• Browse all self-help techniques – compare every method on Self Help Supermarket.

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Sources

1. Raikov, V. L. (1976). The possibility of creativity in the active stage of hypnosis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 24(3), 258–268. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207147608405612
2. Raikov, V. L. (1977). Theoretical analysis of deep hypnosis: Creative activity of hypnotized subjects into transformed self-consciousness. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 19(4), 214–220. https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.1977.10403878
3. Raikov, V. L. (1975). Theoretical substantiation of deep hypnosis. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 18(1), 23–27. https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.1975.10403766
4. Raikov, V. L. (1992). Hypnosis as an active creative act and posthypnotic development of enhanced creativity. Journal of Creative Behavior, 26(3), 148–155. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2162-6057.1992.tb01170.x
5. Banakou, D., Kishore, S., & Slater, M. (2018). Virtually being Einstein results in an improvement in cognitive task performance and a decrease in age bias. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 917. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00917
6. Flammer, E., & Bongartz, W. (2003). On the efficacy of hypnosis: A meta-analytic study. Contemporary Hypnosis, 20(4), 179–197. https://doi.org/10.1002/ch.277

Self Help Supermarket guides are for general information and are not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.