Covert Hypnosis

Definition from Wikipedia (and some observations by Ht. Iyar Velásquez)

Covert hypnosis is a phenomenon not too different from indirect hypnosis (or hypnosis

itself), as derived from Milton H. Erickson and popularized as "The Milton Model"

(NLP work, but from “hypnotic realities” book by Milton) in style, but the defining

feature is that the hypnotized individual subsequently engages in hypnotic phenomena

without conscious effort or choice. Covert hypnosis, like "Ericksonian Hypnosis",

"operates through covert and subtle means... to reach deeper levels of consciousness

than are touched by the surface structure of language" (I add that not only by language

but by spin of consciousness –actions, thinking AND language can be hypnotic). It is the

concept that an individual, 'the hypnotist,' can control another individual's behavior via

(not only and even without) gaining rapport. During hypnosis, the operator –hypnotist-

(is not about mind control, but influence) makes suggestions. The subject is intended to

not be completely aware (covert is completely!), on a conscious level, of the

manipulation (not this, is influence!).

The hypnotist gains rapport with the listener(s) and the hypnotist maintains

psychological congruency (the act of truly acting towards your goals without hesitation

–subconscious resistance-) both linguistically and in one's nonverbal communication.

As the subject listens while feeling a psychological connection with the hypnotist and

the hypnotist displaying behaviors such as confidence and understanding, the hypnotist

then presents linguistic data (not only) in the form of metaphor:

"The Metaphor presents a surface structure of meaning in the actual words of the

story, which activates an associated deep structure of meaning that is indirectly

relevant to the listener, which activates a recovered deep structure of meaning

that is directly relevant to the listener."

In other words, this process builds most likely unconscious states within the listener,

and then associates those states through covert conditioning, also known as covert

anchoring, thereby forming unconsciously controlled behaviors and thoughts. Often

methods of tricking the listener to believe that the hypnotist is talking about something

else other than the subject are employed, for instance, by shifting use of time and use of

identity in language. One famous example is employed by Milton H. Erickson "and a

tomato can be happy" (…NOW this could be covert!)

An example

A state of forgetfulness can be elicited by talking about what it feels like to be in that

state in a manner that implies the other person is currently experiencing it. Once this

state is at a heightened peak the hypnotist can then talk about that state relating to a

concept like the unsuspecting subject's name (a phenomenon called name amnesia), and

the subject will suddenly be unaware of his/her name on questioning (provided the

suggestions implied immediate effect and the reader is suggestible enough to be

influenced in this way). The purpose of covert hypnosis is to shut down or at least

reduce the use of analytical mind in a person. This can be achieved fairly quickly by

someone with practice. (OK)