Richard Bandler and John Grinder developed the Milton Model after extensively studying the techniques of renowned hypnotherapist Milton Erickson, often regarded as the pioneer of modern clinical hypnotherapy. Their goal was to systematically capture and replicate Erickson’s exceptional ability to facilitate change through hypnosis.
Ericksonian Hypnosis
Traditional hypnosis typically involves structured inductions and direct suggestions. In contrast, Ericksonian hypnosis, often referred to as Conversational Hypnosis, utilizes a more fluid and natural approach. Many of Erickson’s methods may not seem overtly “hypnotic,” yet they effectively induce trance states, allowing individuals to access unconscious resources and new possibilities. Since trance is a naturally occurring altered state experienced multiple times throughout the day, this approach seamlessly integrates into everyday interactions.
Erickson held the belief that the unconscious mind is inherently resourceful, solution-oriented, and instrumental in achieving transformation. Clients seek hypnosis when their conscious strategies fail to resolve challenges. The role of a hypnotherapist is to bypass the conscious mind, creating an opportunity to tap into deeper unconscious resources.
Many core principles of the Milton Model, such as rapport building, utilization, confusion, pacing, and leading, emerged from studying Erickson’s methods.
Milton Model Language Patterns
Bandler and Grinder categorized various language patterns to help others understand and apply them effectively. However, in practice, these patterns are often blended seamlessly in communication.
Milton Model Patterns with Meta Model Reversals
The Meta Model clarifies vague language, while the Milton Model intentionally uses ambiguity to engage the unconscious mind.
- Simple Deletions – Recall a moment when you felt completely at ease…
- Ly Adverbs – Naturally, you can allow yourself to unwind.
- Cause and Effect – Noticing the sensation of your feet on the ground helps you relax.
- Complex Equivalences – With each breath, you find yourself becoming more at ease.
- Lost Performatives – Relaxing opens the door to creative thinking.
- Mind Reading – You may already be wondering about…
- Modal Operators – You might start to notice a sense of calm.
- Nominalizations – A sense of relaxation may wash over you.
- Linguistic Presuppositions – Have you realized how deeply relaxed you already are?
- Comparative Deletions – Which allows you to relax even further…
- Unspecified Verbs – That sensation guides you into deeper comfort.
- Universal Quantifiers – Every breath you take enhances your relaxation.
- Unspecified Nouns (or Lack of Referential Index) – Everyone finds themselves intrigued by this experience.
Additional Milton Model Language Patterns
- Negative Commands – You don’t have to relax just yet…
- Metaphors and Stories – Utilizing symbolic narratives to guide unconscious understanding.
- Ambiguities – Introducing multiple interpretations to bypass resistance.
- Causal Linkages – Establishing implied connections between statements.
- Conversational Postulates – Asking questions that prompt unconscious agreement.
- Embedded Commands – Subtle directives hidden within broader statements.
- Selectional Restriction Violations – Assigning unexpected qualities to words to create unconscious shifts.
- Tag Questions – You’re beginning to feel more at ease now, aren’t you?
- The Double Bind – Presenting two choices that both lead to the desired outcome.
- The Quotes Pattern – Embedding suggestions within attributed speech to bypass resistance.
By integrating these language patterns, hypnotic communication becomes more effective, making it possible to influence thought processes in a subtle yet powerful way. Erickson’s approach continues to inspire modern hypnosis, NLP, and therapeutic communication strategies.
