“Life isn’t something you can give an answer to today. You should enjoy the process of waiting, the process of becoming what you are. There is nothing more delightful than planting flower seeds and not knowing what kind of flowers are going to come up.” – Milton H. Erickson.
The Nature of Hypnosis and Suggestion (The Collected Papers of Milton H. Erickson, Vol. 1) Paperback – 1 Jan. 1989
by Milton H. Erickson (Author), Ernest L. Rossi (Editor)
In the world of Hypnotherapy, there tend to be two schools of thought. One is the Dave Elman, direct approach – do this and you will get this, or the Milton H. Erickson way.
While I have an appreciation for both – and I use both styles in my work, I do favour the Ericksonian way of storytelling and ambiguity. The subtle art (when done well) of leading a client into a dreamy state where suggestions for change are embedded within language patterns and loops that make no sense to the conscious mind but are mesmerizing to our unconscious.
Milton. H. Erickson was a renowned psychiatrist and hypnotherapist, arguably made infamous by Dr. Richard Bandler Co-Founder of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Bandler observed Erickson’s methods and modeled these into techniques that have been taught to NLP students, like me, for decades.
In the book, a collection of papers edited by Rossi, Erickson discusses the nature of hypnosis and suggestion, and their potential uses in therapy and healing.
Erickson defines hypnosis as a state of heightened suggestibility and focused attention, in which an individual is more open to suggestion and influence from the hypnotherapist. He emphasises that hypnosis is a natural state that can be induced in almost anyone and that it is not a form of sleep or unconsciousness.
Erickson also discusses the use of suggestion in hypnotherapy, and how it can be used to help individuals make positive changes in their lives. He explains that suggestion can be used to bypass the conscious mind and directly access the unconscious, allowing the hypnotherapist to plant seeds of change that can grow and take root in the unconscious.
Throughout the book, Erickson provides practical examples and case studies to illustrate the use of hypnosis and suggestion in therapy and healing. He also discusses the ethical considerations that should be taken into account when practicing hypnotherapy.
Overall, “The Nature of Hypnosis and Suggestion” while a significant investment is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field of hypnotherapy.
You can click this link to purchase this book.
Read my blog on, “How to apply the principles of hypnotherapy in your daily life.”
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