Source: Milton H. Erickson

A light trance induction is sometimes required if the client seems to be experiencing some sort of emotional turmoil. This famous elevator induction is not suitable for clinical hypnotherapy procedures, but is very useful in calming down an agitated individual.

“Close your eyes and get comfortable. You could very well fall into a comfortable, relaxing trance as you listen to my voice and follow my guidance. Imagine yourself in a pleasant and secure elevator on the top floor of a building. Let’s say you’re on the twentieth floor. As the elevator moves downward, you look at the illuminated floor number. As you descend to the lower levels, you can see the floor numbers changing to 19, 18, 17, 16, and 15, and then the doors open to reveal a pleasant memory from five years ago. You step outside and find yourself doing something enjoyable with your friends. Enjoy the moment as if it were today. (Pause.) Re-enter the elevator and keep an eye on the floor numbers, feeling the elevator go down, down, down as the numbers will change. 14, 13, 12, 11, and 10. The elevator stops and a new adventure begins. Step out of the elevator and savor the moment. . (Pause.) Re-enter the elevator and feel it descend. 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 Five more years to another enjoyable experience. You’re proud of yourself and excited about the future. (Pause.) Re-enter the elevator and feel it descend. 4, deeper now, all the way down to 3, 2, 1, deep sleep, even deeper now, all the way down, that’s it…”

Suggested Awakening protocol:

“We’re back near the elevator… Another pleasant experience awaits. You are a young person with dreams of the future. Plan what you want to do with your life now and how you want to achieve it as you walk around this floor. Now return to the elevator with those ideas. Closing doors Feel the elevator rise. Counting the elevators. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Doors open. Step into this pleasant experience and observe. Take what you need for progress and learn from your mistakes. Re-enter the elevator and watch it rise. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. The future holds more pleasant surprises. Imagine applying what you’ve learned before to this situation, and then bringing those skills back into the elevator. Closing doors 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 The future looks bright. Apply what you’ve learned and learn new things. Re-enter the elevator knowing this. 16-17-18-19. Consider all of your life’s lessons and how you can apply them now. Feeling good about yourself. Twenty. You are now at the top and are enjoying a good time. When the door opens, return to this time and place, and open your eyes wide awake. 1 2 3 4 5, wide awake and alert. Welcome back…”