Conversational hypnosis sounds odd, doesn’t it? It sounds as if two zombies are talking to each other. Actually, it is a form of hypnosis therapy that many consider to be quite effective.

What is conversational hypnosis? It is a technique developed by the late Milton Erickson. Also known as neurolinguistic programming (NLP), it allows a hypnotherapist to make suggestions to his or her subject through a natural conversation. Rather than the stereotypical “You are getting sleepy”, the hypnotherapist leads a discussion and guides the subject to change perceptions about certain situations.

Conversational hypnosis has become one of the most popular hypnotherapy techniques because it can be very effective. People have used to combat anxiety, depression and a host of other ills.

However, some people compare conversational hypnosis to techniques used by a used car salesman: using body language and slick words to persuade someone to buy something he or she doesn’t want. While we don’t like so-called shyster sales staff, there are cases in which conversational hypnosis can work. In fact, here is an example from classic television.

Remember “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”? The one with Mary, Lou Grant, Ted Baxter and the gang? In one episode, Mary was feeling discouraged about her job. The dim-witted Ted Baxter (of all people) shows her the error of her ways. He shows her that he often starts the day downcast and muttering, “Wake up, get out of bed, start the day” Next he perkily advises her instead to “Wake up! Get out of bed!” becoming more and more excited. Mary gets the point. (Ted, of course, does not.)

Another way conversational (or covert) hypnosis works can also be seen in an every day example. Have you ever tried to come up with the name of a song, a movie title or a performer but have been unable to until suddenly it comes to you hours later? The conversation about the question has suggested the problem to your brain, which continues working on it even after the conversation is done.

Conversational works much the same way. We are trained to look at situations in a different light. It can be very effective in changing attitudes and perceptions. Have you ever been so caught up in a conversation with someone that hours passed without realizing it? Then you have been caught up in conversational hypnosis, whether you intended it or not.

Some people say you can learn conversational hypnosis to make anyone do what you want. Such claims must be taken with a grain of salt. While there are indeed very effective conversational hypnosis programs on the market, the good ones are not intended to make you control people’s minds. They are rather intended to help you break bad habits by changing disordered thinking.

If you are interested in learning more about conversational hypnosis, use your favorite search engine. But be cautious. Only buy programs that make realistic claims about what it can do for you. Read product reviews to see what other customers think. Only buy from a secure website that offers your money back if you are not satisfied.

Conversational hypnosis can be a very effective technique in changing your behavior or that of a loved one. By changing the words you use, you can change your life for the better.

If you’ve heard the talk about “conversational hypnosis” you may be wondering what this technique is, whether it really works.

Essentially conversational hypnosis is simply building rapport with people, so that before they know it, they’re agreeing wit you.

Once they agree with you, you subtly plant ideas and suggestions, so that before they realize it, they’re acting in accordance with what you want them to do.

The technique isn’t new, it’s been known for many years. It’s a skill which top sales people use, without being aware of it. If you’ve ever bought a car or a house, and later wondered why you went through with the purchase, even though you were determined not to buy, the chances are good that you’ve been a victim of conversational hypnosis.

Could you use this skill?

You could, if you’re in sales, or in any position where you need to get agreement for your ideas and points of view.

However, the skill does take time to learn, and it takes a lot of practice as well.