The Hypnotic Psychotherapy of Milton H. Erickson

Abstract

The principles of hypnosis and suggestion permeate most of Milton Erickson's psychotherapy, although formal trance induction is used in less than ten percent. Characteristic of Erickson's style is his indirect manner of phrasing suggestions or interpretations. They come not as outside impositions, but as subtle manipulations leading the patient to institute constructive behavior from within, often without full conscious awareness.

Usually Erickson first attempts to meet the patient at the patient's level, thereby gaining rapport. As trust is developed, he modifies the patient's productions by covert suggestions, thereby gaining control. In this manner, he is able to convert a chaotic psychotic hallucination into an orderly hypnotic one, or the desperate cries of a terminal cancer patient into hypnotic anesthesia.

As interpreted here, Erickson's therapeutic approaches can be divided into three categories. First are techniques resembling modern behavior therapy, with frequent use of desensitization. Second, uncovering or abreactive techniques are only rarely used for rigidly resistant and severe symptom patterns. With these, extreme care is taken to protect against too rapid a disclosure to conscious awareness. Third and most important, are techniques enabling the patient to shift or displace large amounts of emotional cathexis from his original problem to some new constructive outlets, usually involving the development of trusting interpersonal relationships. These techniques are the cornerstone of Erickson's therapeutic technique.