The separator or separating is a (pattern) interruption used in hypnosis and in various forms of therapy. A pattern or even a situation can be interrupted by the therapist or hypnotist saying or doing something that takes the client out of the current situation or feeling experience. This does not always have to be profound, sometimes just asking what time it is or even a nonverbal gesture such as a movement of touch is enough. The separator can be used both to initiate the trance and to reorient you to the present.