Milton Erickson Hypnosis Technique

Hand levitation hypnosis induction

The Ericksonian Hand Levitation Induction is said to have been developed by the hypnotist Milton Erickson.

The Erickson hand levitation induction, or the arm raise induction, is a pace and lead induction. A levitation induction works because when you extend your hand, it will naturally rise and fall slightly. The hypnotist reinforces every upward movement by mentioning it positively, then suggests that the movements will continue, and the hand will continue rising. A levitation induction links the upward movements to becoming hypnotized... as the hand goes higher the hypnosis gets deeper.

There are variants to the Erickson Levitation hypnotic induction. The hypnotist can choose to let the hand fall, or suggest it continues to rise until the hand touches the face, or even leave the levitated arm suspended in the air. The Milton Erickson hypnosis induction is an easy way to hypnotize someone.

Milton Erickson Levitation Induction

The Setup
Just settle yourself comfortably in that chair.... and when you are comfortable... I would like you to lay your arms along the arms of the chair...	I	Seeding comfort, relaxation
and then choose one arm.... and just raise it up slightly so that you hand is hovering about an inch above the chair arm.... that's right... raise the whole arm so that your elbow is also about an inch off the chair....		set the arm so that it is floating above the chair arm
The Induction
now just look at your hand... focus on that hand..... notice that the hand is moving very slightly.... very slightly upward.... that's right it's moving upwards...	I	Dissociation
and with each movement you feel it getting lighter and lighter... moving up all the time.... gently moving.... rising...	D	Pacing experience
that's right... and it's getting lighter and lighter.... and maybe now you are becoming aware that your arm is bending at the elbow.... as that hand lifts and rises.... more and more...	D	Pacing and leading
[continue pacing and leading, noting and encouraging every movement]
it is as if something is lifting that hand.... lifting and moving...		Pacing experience
[the rate of movement usually accelerates after a few small rises, so be careful not to get left behind, start suggesting trance as soon as there is sustained movement. It is also common for the hand to stop half way, just suggest that is exactly as it should be and carry on leading. ]
and as that hand moves on you may be feeling your eyes are getting heavier.... unfocusing.... as that hand moves upward... those eyes are getting heavier and heavier....	D
and maybe you want to close them now... or when that hand touches your [mention whatever the hand seems be heading for...] chest....	D	Bind of alternatives
and when that hand touches your chest... your eyes will close completely... and that hand will drop into your lap as quickly as you go into a deep trance.... that's right.... going into trance now...	D
Deepener
and with each breath out... you feel yourself going deeper and deeper.... more relaxed... more comfortable... more at ease...	>
It's as if you have a voice in your head saying... with each breath out... 'Deeper and Deeper'... 'More at ease'... 'Deeper and Deeper'... 'More at ease'...	D
And each gentle breath is making you more relaxed... letting go.... nothing to do.... and just take a few moments to enjoy that wonderful feeling of relaxation... as every part of your body relaxes deeply... deeply deeply relaxed ... now.	D	look for eyelid trembling, or test for eye catalepsy


[Carry on with the therapy]

Milton Erickson Hypnosis Technique

Hand levitation hypnosis induction

Milton Erickson Levitation Induction

The Setup

The Induction

Deepener