Covert Metaphor

Recently, a friend and I were discussing the possibility that a few readers may not understand that what I write about are just models to guide one in the right direction. These models of covert hypnosis and persuasion are not one-pill solutions. Each person and every situation is different. What may work on one person may not work on another. Tweak a little here, tweak a little there, and eventually you find the right spot; covertly that is. You have to play with this stuff. You have to actually go out and use it. Reactions may not always be positive, but with experience you’ll be able to divert their conscious attention very quickly, and come in at a different angle.

And now something completely different, maybe. I think it was in Bandler and Grinder’s Frogs into Princes, Bandler stated that everything is hypnosis, and Grinder disagreed by saying, “all communication is hypnosis.”

Not all conversations have the same effect, but we’re basically hypnotizing each other every time we speak. Hypnosis is not, as so many people falsely believe, a state where you lose control of your will and start clucking like a chicken. Or as the late Steven Heller says, “There’s no such thing as hypnosis.” because hypnosis is just a word to represent a myriad of different states of consciousness. Maybe I will say something to you that your mother always said, something which made you furious, and presto! You instantly relive that state. Could that be hypnosis?

Ever hear the phrase, “Fake it ’til you make it?” If you pretend something, most people will pretend along with you, but it’s possible you’re the only one who is aware of it. This reminds me of a story Milton Erickson told either Bandler or Grinder, I’m not sure.

“You don’t consider yourself a therapist, but you are a therapist.” And I said, “Well, not really.” He said, “Well, let’s pretend . . . that you’re a therapist who works with people. The most important thing . . . when you’re pretending this . . . is to understand. . . that you are really not . . . You are just pretending . . . And if you pretend really well, the people that you work with will pretend to make changes. And they will forget that they are pretending . . . for the rest of their lives. But don’t you be fooled by it.” And then he looked at me and he said: “Goodbye.”

Think about that one for a bit. When you think you got it, then go ahead and apply this advice to any situation you want to.

This makes me think of an old TV series called The Pretender about a character who could integrate himself into any walk of life.  Some of it may have been a little far fetched, but it is really amazing how far you can go when you pretend, and those surrounding you pretend right along with you.

admin :: Aug.04.2007 :: persuasion, covert hypnosis, hypnosis :: 2 Comments »

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