Accessing archaic involvement: Toward unraveling the mystery of erickson's hypnosis

Abstract

The “essence” underlying Milton Erickson's unique style and uncommon technical maneuvers inheres in his uncommon skill at eliciting patients' archaic involvement. Archaic involvement, as characterized by perspectiveless overvaluation, is explicated and America's beloved tale, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, is used to evoke further perspectives. The importance of such regressive object-representations are noted. Erickson's uncanny ability to access archaic involvement and thereby profoundly influence his client is analyzed in terms of his: (a) relationship style; (b) therapeutic “persona”; (c) theoretical orientation; and (d) specific micro-techniques and interventions. Clinical findings derived from a case transcript and videotaped work are employed throughout to substantiate the argument that Erickson fosters regressive interpersonal shifts. Implications of this skill are discussed, and further avenues for investigation are suggested.