Working in pairs is considered the second most effective non-autonomous methods of entering the phase. One practitioner is to be the active one, and the other fills the role of helper. The active one practitioner attempts to enter the phase while the helper provides various types of support to this end.

For example, the active practitioner lies down in bed while the helper stays nearby, waiting for the active one to fall asleep. When sleep occurs, the helper observes the eyes of the active, watching for the signs of REM sleep, which is mainly characterized by quick eye movements. When REM is apparent, the helper whispers to the sleeper, communicating that everything the practitioner is experiencing is a dream. The helper may vary the volume of the whisper, use touch to strengthen the signal, or shine a flashlight on the sleeper's eyelids - which is very effective.

The active practitioner should detect the signals without waking and indicate a state of conscious awareness by performing quick, cyclical eye movements. If no such indication is given, the helper continues to rouse the active practitioner, who may finally wake.

If the active practitioner is unable to stay in the dream, indirect techniques should be performed. The active practitioner should under no circumstances move upon awakening or waste valuable seconds before transitioning to indirect attempts. If phase entrance does not occur after exercising the techniques, the practitioner should again fall asleep with the intention of making another attempt.

Generally, several such attempts are enough to glean results. Working in pairs is best performed just prior to a daytime nap, or with the same deferred method used for indirect techniques - an early-morning interruption of a practitioner's nighttime sleep.