February 2025

Metaphors are powerful tools for influencing the unconscious mind. Milton Erickson famously used metaphors to connect with people’s experiences, engage their imagination, and help them discover inner resources or solutions. In NLP, metaphors, similes, and analogies are all used to create associations and transfer meanings from one context to another, even though they technically have […]

Causal linkages are a key element of the Milton Model, used to suggest a cause-and-effect relationship between one event and another desired outcome. These linkages are frequently employed not only by hypnotherapists but also by marketers and sales professionals to subtly influence behavior. For example: Types of Causal Linkages By using causal linkages, you can

Tag questions are a powerful part of the Milton Model, used to transform statements into questions by simply adding a short phrase at the end. This technique is especially effective when communicating with individuals who tend to resist direct commands or suggestions. For example:“I really enjoy using this pattern, don’t you?” Tag questions work by

Conversational postulates are questions that, while they could be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” typically prompt a behavioral response instead of a direct answer. For example, if you ask a young child on the phone, “Can you get Susan?”, they might reply with “Yes,” meaning they have the ability to do so. In

Selectional restriction violation is a hypnotic language pattern within the Milton Model. It involves attributing human qualities to objects or beings that cannot logically possess them. For example, a tree cannot experience sadness, a man cannot become pregnant, and a rock is not truly a pet. When someone hears such a statement, their unconscious mind

Ambiguities occur when a word or phrase has multiple possible meanings. This can occupy the conscious mind as it attempts to determine the correct interpretation. There are four main types of ambiguity: phonological, punctuation-based, syntactic, and scope-related. Phonological Ambiguities These arise from words that sound the same but have different meanings. Punctuation-Based Ambiguities These occur

The quotes pattern in the Milton Model involves embedding a suggestion within a direct or indirect quote from another person. When framed as something someone else has said, the suggestion bypasses resistance and is more likely to influence the unconscious mind. This technique can also be used subtly to give compliments or even deliver criticisms

Embedded commands allow suggestions to be subtly placed within a broader sentence structure. By adjusting vocal elements such as tone, speed, and volume, certain words or phrases can stand out, influencing the listener on a subconscious level. Analog Marking This technique, known in NLP as analog marking, leverages non-verbal cues to highlight specific parts of

The double bind is a powerful conversational hypnosis method often used—sometimes unknowingly—by parents, salespeople, and persuaders. It works by offering two options, both leading to the same intended outcome. The Illusion of Choice By structuring a conversation to create an illusion of choice, you increase the likelihood of cooperation. Instead of seeking alternatives, the other

Conversational hypnosis is the idea that all communication has a hypnotic effect. From infancy, we are influenced by the words and actions of those around us, shaping our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors—whether we realize it or not. When people think of hypnosis, they often imagine a mysterious figure swinging a pocket watch and commanding someone