Patterns of the hypnotic techniques of Milton H Erickson, MD Vol 1 Richard Bandler and John Grinder

Patterns of the Hypnotic Techniques of Milton H. Erickson, M.D. Volume 1 (1975) by Richard Bandler and John Grinder is a foundational NLP text that models the indirect, permissive hypnosis of Milton Erickson. It breaks down complex therapeutic conversations into actionable linguistic patterns (like binds and metaphors) designed to bypass the conscious mind. 

Bandler and Grinder (co-founders of NLP) analyzed transcripts of Erickson's sessions to identify the, previously unconscious, structures of his language, aiming to make his "magic" teachable.

The "Milton Model": The book introduces what became known as the Milton Modela set of intentionally ambiguous language patterns used to induce trance and create therapeutic change.

Indirect Techniques: Focuses on indirect suggestion, storytelling, metaphor, and double binds to engage the unconscious mind rather than direct commands.

Structure of Language: It identifies, for example, how binding ("do you find it easier to relax with your eyes open or with your eyes closed?") creates a "no-lose" situation for the patient, forcing a choice that leads to a desired outcome.

Readability: The text is considered academic, dense, and "dry" by some readers, but extremely valuable and practical for those studying psychotherapy or hypnosis. 

This book is crucial reading for NLP practitioners, hypnotherapists, and psychotherapists looking to enhance their communication skills and understand Ericksonian hypnosis techniques. It is often described as foundational, though the academic approach to modeling can be demanding. 

Patterns of the Hypnotic Techniques is a landmark text that successfully codifies the complex, intuitive work of Milton Erickson, serving as an indispensable resource for understanding the linguistic structures of persuasion and change.