Great Questions

• Two Erickson Questions by The Curious One, 12/10/97
  
  

Great Questions. Thanks for the opportunity to answer them.

Erickson believed that some patients would not change. As far as I can determine, he seemed to believe that some psychopathic personalities would abuse therapy, and not respond to treatment. Yet, he did allow for the fact that circumstances could elicit unexpected results.

A factor for Erickson seemed to be motivation for change. He could ferret out motivation and help patients harness and develop motivations. If significant motivation was not present, change was not forthcoming.

When I asked the same question to Erickson he indicated that not every cancer can be cured, not every arthritis can be healed. To think that every patient can be helped was naive, he explained.

As for your second question, Erickson was determined to be the best Milton Erickson that was humanly possible. He inspired others to bring out the best in themselves. This was not a matter of professional ethics; it was a matter of morality.

Professional ethics have evolved substantially since Erickson practiced. What he could do in his ethical climate cannot be done in today's climate.

Let's take the concept of hypnosis out of your question and replace it with the idea of "eliciting responsiveness to harness resources." Erickson only used formal hypnosis a fraction of the time; yet, he consistently took techniques from hypnosis and applied them naturalistically, i.e., without induction per se.

Erickson was an explorer who investigated responsiveness and resources, the "R & R" of Ericksonian methods. He had tremendous concentration and verve. He worked diligently to develop his skills at R & R and delighted when others discovered their own abilities at R & R.

You are right in inferring that competence develops out of diligence. You are also right in inferring that hypnosis per se should be used judiciously. I do not use hypnosis in nontherapeutic situations, but I strive to use the best communication I can muster in any given situation.

Thanks. Thanks a lot.

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