Trance is an altered state of consciousness in which a person’s focus and attention become intensely focused on and absorbed in a specific experience or idea. The conscious mind is less active in this state, allowing the unconscious mind to take center stage. Trance is a natural phenomenon that people encounter in their daily lives. It can range from mild daydreaming to deep, hypnotic trance states.

the client is not unconscious during trance but rather highly responsive to specific suggestions and ideas. The conscious mind, which frequently serves as a gatekeeper, is temporarily bypassed, allowing direct communication with the unconscious mind. Because the unconscious mind is more receptive to suggestions and solutions, this opens up new avenues for positive change and therapeutic interventions.

Deep trance Non-Verbal Cues Worksheet (worksheet #107 from the book “500 Practical NLP Forms, Templates & Worksheets”):

Trance is not an all-or-nothing state; people can be in varying degrees of trance without realizing it. For example, when immersed in a compelling book or film, a person enters a state of trance in which they are fully immersed in the story and temporarily detached from their immediate surroundings. Similarly, when driving a familiar route and arriving at the destination without conscious recall of the journey, a mild trance state called highway hypnosis occurs.

The Milton Model, named after Milton H. Erickson, focuses on using naturalistic and covert methods to induce trance in others through everyday conversation. Erickson was a hypnotherapist and psychotherapist who was known for his ability to induce trance states in his clients without them realizing it.

To engage the unconscious mind subtly, the Milton Model employs various language patterns such as vague language, embedded commands, ambiguity, and metaphors. A therapist, for example, may use ambiguous language such as “As you relax and go deeper within yourself, you may notice positive changes happening effortlessly” to invite the client’s unconscious to embrace positive change.

Conversational hypnosis can be a powerful tool in therapeutic settings because it allows the therapist to communicate directly with the unconscious mind, which is the source of many behaviors and issues. Therapists can guide clients toward healing and positive transformation by employing the Milton Model with skill.

Overall, trance and conversational hypnosis are fascinating aspects of human psychology that provide important insights into how our minds work and how we can use the power of the unconscious for personal growth and well-being.