Ericksonian Hypnosis

Ericksonian Hypnosis is a method of indirect hypnosis named after Dr Milton Erickson. A prominent American psychiatrist and psychologist, Erickson is widely regarded as the father of hypnotherapy. His discoveries have influenced a wide spectrum of therapy from strategic family therapy to neuro-linguistic programming.

Erickson found that indirect suggestion could result in therapeutic behavioural change. He preferred to converse with clients using metaphors, contradictions, symbols and anecdotes rather than direct orders. Having suffered extreme pain after contracting polio at an early age, he thought it critical to 'put yourself in the patient's shoes' and truly understand the client's present situation.

The Unconscious Mind

Erickson believed trances happen every day to varying degrees — the mind wanders during a commute, in meetings, in daydreaming. Even when the subject is not in a deep trance, the unconscious mind can still be listening. An indirect suggestion, whether the person realises it or not, can result in therapeutic change.

The Milton Model focuses on three aspects

1. 1. Rapport

   Building an empathetic connection with the client — including mirroring body language while avoiding mimicry.

2. 2. Overloading conscious attention

   Distracting the conscious mind with vagueness and ambiguity to open the unconscious to change.

3. 3. Indirect communication

   Clients meet direct orders with acceptance or dismissal (usually the latter). Indirect suggestion is a more subtle and successful way to invoke change.