Often, while demonstrating techniques on a volunteer, Erickson would explain the situation to his student or observer. In that explanation he would place metaphors or embeds that were for the benefit of the trance subject, rather than the student. He would address the student, but indirectly pace and lead the volunteer. He would turn his head slightly toward the volunteer while giving the suggestions, all under the guise of teaching his student, and then turn his head back toward the student while still continuing to explain technique to him. Emily's client family discussed solutions, that all heard and benefitted from, even though they were addressing Emily. As dysfunctional as they were, they still had a good enough level of rapport with each other to intuitively know each other's needs. Hence, the brother's clay metaphor came from his own unique unconscious processes that knew precisely how to heal his sister's behavior.