H is for Hypnosis
“Your unconscious mind works without your knowledge and that is the way it prefers” – Milton Erickson
What do you think of Hypnosis?
Have you tried it and love the feeling and learnings you get from it? Or do you shy away from it for fear of losing control and walking like a chicken?
Hypnosis is often misunderstood thanks to myths from movies and stage shows, but can be very useful as a tool for facilitating change.
NLP and Hypnosis
When learning NLP, you will learn the Milton Model; the basis of Hypnosis. This language model was developed by modelling the esteemed hypnotherapist, Milton Erickson.
Hypnosis uses specific vague language patterns that bypass the logical and conscious part of the mind. The part that resists and says “yes but…”.
This language can then tap into the unconscious mind, helping people focus deeply, become more open to suggestions and therefore facilitates change.
What Hypnosis Is:
- A Safe and Natural State: Similar to being engrossed in a book or daydreaming, hypnosis is a state of focused internal attention and heightened suggestibility.
- Collaborative: Hypnosis requires the person’s willingness. You can’t be hypnotised against your will.
- Therapeutic Tool: Used in clinical settings to treat anxiety, pain, phobias, addictions, and more. This is known as hypnotherapy and is backed by scientific research.
What Hypnosis Is Not:
- Mind Control: Hypnosis cannot make you do something you wouldn’t morally or ethically do.
- Sleep or Unconsciousness: You’re fully aware during hypnosis. You can speak and move during the process and can remember the session.
- Magic: It’s not magic; you still need to take responsibility for the change!
How Hypnosis Works:
The purpose of using Milton Language is to distract the conscious mind and engage with the unconscious part of the mind. This is where habits, beliefs, and memories are stored.
The conscious mind is logical and rational but the unconscious works in a very different way. It uses symbols and metaphors and deals with higher levels of thinking.
By working at this higher level, it is possible to inspire change, deppen connections and reframe negative patterns or strengthen positive ones.
Final Thoughts:
Hypnosis is safe and effective when used responsibly by trained professionals. Its power lies when you are ready to engage and respond to the process.
Want to learn more? You can when you learn NLP!