Ericksonian therapy and utilisation

Domain VI · Brief, integrative, trauma, hypnosis & coaching · Milton H. Erickson

What it is

Ericksonian therapy is an orientation, not a manualised therapy. It derives from the clinical work of the psychiatrist Milton H. Erickson, MD, and is defined by principles (competencies), not by a fixed protocol. Short (2021) notes it is nonstandardised and values creativity and differentiated…

Format

• No standard phase model exists in the primary sources. Ericksonian therapy is deliberately individualised. Two published structures can guide sequencing:
• Zeig's fundamentals: use diagnostic categories to individualise; tailor direct and indirect methods; 'gift-wrap' the idea so the client can act on it; utilise; then process the intervention.

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Is there physical contact? Was it explained beforehand, and do you feel free to say no or stop at any point?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Does it involve intense or unusual breathing? Have you been told about the medical conditions for which that is not advised?
• Does it involve fasting, a special diet or 'detox'? Have you discussed this with your doctor?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• spontaneous transfer.
• a sense of manageability.
• symptom-free zones growing.
• spontaneous generalisation.
• reflection arising without moralising.

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.