Conversational Hypnosis, what is it:

Conversational Hypnosis:

Conversational Hypnosis — also called covert hypnosis or indirect hypnosis — is a communication technique used to influence someone’s subconscious mind through ordinary conversation, without them necessarily being aware that hypnosis is occurring.

Core Concept:

Conversational hypnosis uses language patterns, suggestion, and rapport-building to gently bypass the critical, analytical part of the mind and access the unconscious — where deeper change can happen (e.g., altering beliefs, attitudes, behaviors).

Key Techniques in Conversational Hypnosis:

Rapport Building Establishing trust, empathy, and psychological alignment with the listener. Without rapport, the subconscious is less receptive.

Pacing and Leading Start by stating observable truths (pacing), which builds agreement, then subtly guide the person toward a suggestion or desired thought (leading).

• Example: “You’re sitting here reading this, maybe curious about how your mind works… and as you continue, you might begin to notice…”

  
  

Hypnotic Language Patterns (Ericksonian)Inspired by Milton Erickson, these include:

• Embedded commands: “You might begin to feel more confident.”

• Double binds: “Would you prefer to relax now or in a few minutes?”

• Tag questions: “That makes sense, doesn’t it?”

• Implied causality: “As you sit here, you’ll naturally start to feel more at ease.”

  
  

Metaphors and Stories Personal or symbolic stories bypass resistance and embed suggestions indirectly.

• E.g., “I once knew someone who used to doubt themselves, but something shifted when they realized…”

  
  

Open Loops and Curiosity Creating unresolved ideas or stories keeps the subconscious engaged and primed to accept suggestions.

• “There’s something I want to tell you that could really change how you think about confidence…”

  
  

Applications of Conversational Hypnosis:

• Therapy and coaching (e.g., building motivation, reducing anxiety)

• Sales and negotiation (ethical influence)

• Public speaking (engaging an audience deeply)

• Personal development and habit change

  
  

Ethical Considerations:

Conversational hypnosis can be powerful and should be used with integrity. Misuse for manipulation or coercion can be harmful. When applied ethically, it’s a tool for positive influence, healing, and growth.

Here’s a simple example of a conversation using conversational hypnosis techniques, particularly drawn from Milton Erickson’s indirect approach. Imagine this is a therapist or coach helping someone feel more confident:

Scene: A client feels nervous about public speaking.

Coach: “You know, a lot of people feel a little uncertain before they speak. And it’s perfectly natural, isn’t it? After all, when you care about something, it means you want to do it well… and just the fact that you care means something’s already working inside.”

(Rapport + pacing experience)

Client: “Yeah, I guess so. I just get tense before I speak.”

Coach: “And that tension… that’s just energy, really. A kind of energy that, once it shifts, can actually become focus. Have you noticed how sometimes when you’re doing something important, you almost forget the nervousness… and something else takes over?”

(Reframe + implied causality + open loop)

Client: “Sometimes, yeah… when I’m in the zone.”

Coach: “Exactly. And as you think about times you’ve been ‘in the zone,’ you might find it interesting… that the mind can remember that state and even return to it more easily than expected. Some people are surprised how quickly they can shift, once they allow that process to begin.”

(Embedded suggestion + indirect priming of internal resources)

Client: “Huh, I never thought about it that way.”

Coach: “Most people don’t, until they realize… that calm and confidence are already part of who they are. Maybe they were just waiting for the right moment to come back.”

What’s Happening Under the Surface:

• No direct command like “Relax!” or “Be confident!”

• Subtle suggestions are embedded within casual conversation.

• The client’s subconscious is gently guided to associate past success with present potential.

• The coach uses open language, reframing, and metaphors of natural learning and transformation.

Shervan K Shahhian