Almost every hypnotic metaphor points downward. Deeper. Down the stairs. Sinking into the chair. Ultra-Height reverses the direction. Having taken the body as deep as it will go, it sends the mind up.
Where it came from
Ultra-Height was designed by Gerald F. Kein, founder of the Omni Hypnosis Training Center in Florida and a former student of Dave Elman. Kein was one of the most influential hypnosis trainers of his generation and did much to keep Elman’s methods in circulation. Ultra-Height is a registered trademark, taught through Omni-affiliated courses.
The idea
In depth work, the body and mind are both quietened. In Ultra-Height, they are separated:
- The body is left in profound relaxation, at or near the Esdaile state.
- The mind is guided upward through levels of increasing clarity and alertness, to what its teachers describe as expanded awareness.
From that vantage point, the theory goes, the client can see the origin of a problem clearly and without distress, and can direct change from a position of insight.
How it differs from related methods
| Works at | Client’s role | Communication | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard hypnotherapy | Light to medium trance | Receives suggestions | Normal speech |
| Ultra Depth | Sichort state | Rests; state does the work | Minimal |
| Simpson Protocol | Esdaile state | “Superconscious” does the work | Finger signals |
| Ultra-Height | Deep body, heightened mind | Actively observes and reports | Normal speech |
The last column is the practical difference. In Ultra-Height the client talks, describing what they perceive. That makes it interactive and content-rich, where the Simpson Protocol is largely content-free.
What a session involves, in outline
- Induction and deepening to a very deep physical state
- Guiding the mind upward through a series of levels, each described as clearer and brighter
- At the top, inviting the client to look at the issue and describe what they understand about it
- Asking the client what needs to change, and inviting that change
- Sometimes, a scan of the body to notice areas of tension or discomfort
- Returning down and out
What people report
Clients often describe a pleasant sense of lightness and detachment, a feeling of seeing their life from above, and moments of insight that feel significant. Many find it moving.
The caveats
- No published research supports it. As with the other methods in this series, the evidence is practitioner experience and testimonial.
- Insight is not the same as accuracy. Ideas that arise in hypnosis can feel like revelations. Research on hypnosis and memory shows that vividness and confidence do not guarantee truth. If the method is used to find the “root cause” of a problem in your past, treat what comes up as a possibly useful story, not as established fact, and be very cautious about acting on it — especially where it concerns other people.
- Body scanning is not diagnosis. A hunch about your body in trance is no substitute for a doctor.
- The language is often spiritual. Some people find that meaningful; others do not. Either way, it is a framework, not a finding.
Who might enjoy it
People who like guided imagery, are curious about their inner life, and want an active, exploratory experience. It is less suited to someone who wants a quick, practical fix for a specific habit.
The bottom line
Ultra-Height is a creative variation on deep-trance work that many people find insightful. Enjoy it as a reflective experience, and hold its discoveries lightly.
Next in the series: Fractionation and Deepeners: How Hypnotists Take You Further
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Ultra-Height® is a registered trademark of its owner; this site is not affiliated with it.