Milton Erickson invited us to explore what’s missing and overlooked — the inverse of the traditional approach which starts from finding what’s wrong through diagnosis so we can “fix” it. Erickson also appreciated and respected what the client brought to the session: their expertise of the subject, themselves, and the solution to their problem or the change they sought. This resulted in different roles for both client and therapist, creating a more collaborative and empowering relationship.
Instead of the therapist being the expert teacher with the client viewed as defective, the therapist’s role is reduced, with the client now becoming the expert — teaching and guiding the therapist as to what needs to be resolved, what changes are required, and how to effect those resolutions or changes.
This different starting place is not trivial. It requires the therapist to work from a place of humility and curiosity, while the client develops self-trust and expectancy. In doing so, clients often experience improvements in self-esteem, greater emotional resilience, and relief from challenges such as anxiety and depression. By focusing on strengths and possibilities rather than pathology alone, clients begin to reconnect with their own internal resources and capacity for change.
Received the following text message from a client; it read in part:
“Hi Doug, Just wanted to let you know I was officially exited from the methadone program today! Feel great. I know you say it’s down to me but I wouldn’t have attempted without your guidance………….Thank you.”
This client had been addicted to speed, heroin, and other drugs for 38 years. The client had started using substances at an early age in an attempt to mask or escape thought patterns resulting from trauma, anxiety, depression, and extremely low self-esteem.
As with most clients, the addictions were symptoms of unresolved emotional issues. Once these issues were addressed and resolved, the problems associated with addiction, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and health/body image (weight management) began to fade or cease promptly.
The client was supported utilizing counselling, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), clinical hypnotherapy, Ericksonian hypnotherapy, and Empty Chair work from Gestalt therapy. These approaches helped the client develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve emotional regulation, and rebuild confidence and self-worth.
The client was also provided with both conscious and non-conscious tools, enabling the development of new habits, healthier thought patterns, and new possibilities for life beyond addiction and emotional distress.
- Individualization: Techniques are tailored to the unique needs of the individual, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Respect for the Unconscious: The unconscious is viewed as a supportive, creative, and highly resourceful part of the mind.
- Collaboration: The therapist and client work together to unlock solutions already within the client’s experience.
Psychology recognizes that Ericksonian hypnosis is widely applied in clinical settings for issues such as pain management, anxiety, depression, self-esteem difficulties, and habit change. It is considered highly effective at fostering lasting change by enabling clients to discover their own solutions and inner strengths.