Myths about Erickson and Ericksonian Hypnosis

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Since the death of Milton Erickson, many myths have been perpetuated about his style of therapy. These myths include the belief that hypnotic suggestions should always be permissive and direct, that metaphor was the primary Erickson technique, that the therapist should simply trust the spontaneity of his/her unconscious, that therapy must be conducted differently with every patient, and that magical hypnotic formulas may be followed for instant success. In evaluating these myths, reference is made to the writings of Erickson and the consultative opinions of the four individuals who studied most intensively with Erickson over a period of many years: Jay Haley, Kay Thompson, Robert Pearson, and Ernest Rossi. The author calls for an end to cultism, encourages the expression of personal preferences rather than making authoritative interpretations about the correct “Ericksonian Therapy,” and calls for an eclectic hypnotic approach characterized by openness to learning from all sources.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: