
Ericksonian Hypnotherapy
Ericksonian hypnotherapy (indirect hypnosis) refers to hypnosis characterised by indirect suggestions. Indirect suggestions are often harder to resist, because the conscious mind does not recognise them as suggestions. An example of indirect suggestion is “You may want to close your eyes if you are feeling sleepy”. Meanwhile, direct hypnosis would be “Close your eyes when I say three”.The indirect suggestion hinted at the possibility of the client’s eyes closing.
Erickson found that clients were more receptive to indirect suggestions, because there was little conscious resistance. Hence, Erickson began developing ways to initiate change indirectly to allow for less resistance from the conscious mind.
History
Dr Milton Erickson developed this method. He is considered the “father of hypnotherapy” as he was a prominent psychiatrist and psychologist. At 17 years of age, he was paralysed from polio. This made him observe the people around him and he began to realise the importance of nonverbal communication such as tone and body language. Erickson noted that nonverbals often contradicted with what was being said. Hence, he started analysing body movement and vocal intonation. His works have inspired guided imagery and neuro linguistic programming.

Key Elements of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy
Indirect communication
Erickson focused on the unconscious mind, when he realised it was able to elicit change. Indirect suggestion allows the unconscious mind to understand the points made, but would go undetected by the conscious mind. Transformation was able to be initiated even though it would appear as normal conversation on the surface.
Flexibility
Erickson recognised that each client is unique. Thus, he spent time getting to know his clients and use their life experiences to promote change. Erickson also tailored each client’s approach to help meet their specific needs.
Symptoms for change
Erickson believed that client’s symptoms were part of the process, hence he focused on changing the symptoms. For example a client has a compulsion to ensure the light switch is turned on and off twenty times before feeling certain that the switch is turned off. Erikson would instruct the person to turn the light switch on and off forty times instead. He believed that this would change the client’s behaviour as the client would realise that it is a chore.
Techniques
Confusion Technique
Ambiguous sentences and complex words are used to confuse clients and disrupt their train of thought. As clients try to understand these sentences, their brain becomes overloaded with information- the conscious mind is busy. Subsequently, indirect suggestions are made to the unconscious mind. The unconscious mind is able to access these indirect suggestions, as the conscious mind is occupied.
Encouraging Resistance
Rather than encouraging clients to elaborate on their narratives, Erickson would tell clients to withhold information and discuss only what they wanted to. This passive approach allowed clients to feel that they needed to save this upperhand for something important. Nonetheless, clients would have revealed everything to the therapist by the end of the session.
Seeding Ideas
Through indirect hypnosis, therapists would “seed ideas” into clients’ mind via stories or metaphors or stories. By “seeding ideas” the suggestion is in clients’ mind. Stories are often multilayered, while metaphors uses comparisons to allow the unconscious mind to work on the concealed meanings.
Shock Therapy
Erickson would use psychological shock therapy to let clients face their fears. For example, a client did not want to leave her house because she thought she had small feet. Erickson actually stepped on her feet and exclaimed “How is a man supposed to marry a woman with such big feet?” The client was shocked and cured.
Utilisation
Relaxation is needed for trance work. Erickson would personalise the hypnosis session by pointing out the clients’ posture, position of the feet, or angle of their arms, to make it more meaningful for clients. Furthermore, he would use external sounds-beyond the hypotherapist’s control- such as a phone ringing or people talking loudly to deepen the trance. For example, “The phone continues ringing, this is a sign for your body to relax deeper. With every ring, you can go deeper into a state of relaxation.”
To see therapists specialised in this field, visit thetherapy.co
Janna is our in-house blog writer and therapy specialist. She is supporting The Therapy Platform users towards successful therapy experience.
You may also be interested in
Psychological effect of social media
Social media platforms have served multiple purposes. They facilitate ease of online purchase, and are boredom...
Sexual Abuse: Trauma & Healing Process
Trauma Traumas are normal stress reactions to abnormal circumstances. The subsequent effects of trauma comes in...
Dementia: Maintaining Cognitive Health for Better Mental Health
Cognitive health and mental health Cognitive health refers to the ability to think clearly, learn and remember while...
When Anger Becomes a Disorder
Anger is a common feeling. Blood boiling. Muscle tightening. Clenched jaw. Want to scream. Pent up energy. These are...
Effects of parental rejection
Being rejected by a dismissive or a distant parent can have negative effects which lasts a lifetime, if without...
Self-isolation with my young child
A solution-focused approach to staying optimistic in the face of challenges.My preschooler son and I recently returned...
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a combination of cognitive and behavioural therapeutic approaches. It focuses on...
Psychodynamic Theory
Psychodynamic Therapy takes a holistic approach towards assessing clients in relation to their problems. Insight is...
Person Centred Therapy
Person centred therapy, or client centred counselling is a humanistic approach that views clients as always trying to...
Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a quick solution focused therapy that emphasises clients’ present and future...
Reality Therapy
Reality Therapy was developed under the theoretical basis of choice theory. Choice Theory suggests that we are...
Who Should I See? Psychiatrist, Psychologist or Therapist for Counselling and Therapy for Mental Health 101
Confused on who you should see for therapy? Don’t worry. This article provides a comprehensive explanation for these...
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a nontraditional therapy approach that alleviates distress of...
What Do Our Emotional Triggers Say About Us?
Have you ever experienced a moment when someone jokingly makes a comment that may not be a huge deal to other people,...
Is It OK to Be Positive All The Time?
Being positive is good and people usually try to be positive or look good at all times. People feel good through their...
Anxiety Sensitivity: Cause or Consequence of Panic?
Anxiety sensitivity is a tendency to the negative misinterpretation of bodily sensations of anxiety that produces a...
Online vs Face-To-Face therapy
Which to Go For? Advancements in the digital space have certainly introduced more choice to our lives. It has...
Psychological Abuse
What is Psychological Abuse and How Does It Occur? Abuse emanates in numerous forms and it can be a vicious cycle that...
Panic Disorder: Is The Alarm Real?
According to the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), panic disorder...
Fighting the Social Stigma of Mental Health
Growing up in Singapore, I was constantly reminded by others that people with mental disorders were siao or “crazy”....
Existential Therapy
Existential Therapy explores clients’ challenges through a philosophical perspective. This approach focuses on the...
Gestalt Therapy
Self-Gestalt is a German word which translates to “form” or “shape”, suggesting that the whole is greater than the sum...
Ericksonian Hypnotherapy
Ericksonian hypnotherapy (indirect hypnosis) refers to hypnosis characterised by indirect suggestions. Indirect...
Tips on Online Psychotherapy
Given the current COVID-19 situation, many mental health service providers have temporarily closed and stopped...
Ways to Cope When Living Abroad
There are many reasons to relocate to a foreign country: to see a different world and experience a new culture, to...
Covid-19 – A Time of Testing Psychological Resilience
We are in times of uncertainty right now, there’s no doubt about it. And it is in uncertain times like this, our...
Developing the Counselling Relationship
For some people, the thought of having to face your feelings can be difficult. Though it may seem so, it is essential...
ADHD Causes and Treatment in Detail
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? ADHD is the continuous pattern of inattention and/or...
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Sleep and Mental Health
Wanting More
The Price of Wanting More We all want more out of Life. More fulfillment, more love, more fun, more travel, more...
Self Care with Play
As play therapists, we provide a safe space for participants to play, so that they can express their emotions,...
Art as a Way Forward
Many have found solace through the therapeutic benefits through art expression. The ability to express thoughts and...
Peter Pan Syndrome (PPS)
In Peter Pan, the famous Scottish novel, Peter Pan comes from the Never-Never Land where children never grow up. In...
Journaling
A counselling tool that transforms the human mind for change What Is Journaling? As a counsellor, I love to use...
0 Comments