2025.02.06

Hypnosis therapy for modern hypnosis giant Milton Erixon

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The most representative psychotherapist of the 20th century

The most representative psychotherapist of the 20th century

Milton Hyland Erickson (December 5, 1901 to March 25, 1980) is one of the leading psychotherapists of the 20th century, and his innovative approach continues to have a major impact not only on hypnotherapy, but also on a wide range of psychotherapy, education, and even business and self-development fields.
Born in Aurum, Nevada and ended his life in Phoenix, Arizona, his life is illuminated by numerous difficulties, the unique insights developed through overcoming them, and a deep understanding of humans.
Erickson's journey is not merely a single psychotherapist's footsteps, but rather a history of exploration to maximize the potential and potential of humans.

A difficult childhood and the turning point caused by polio

Erickson's life was by no means flat. Suffering from physical discomfort from a young age, especially at the age of 17, polio caused a major change in his life. Polio paralyzed her whole body and forced her to live in bed for a long period of time.
However, this difficult time has been a valuable opportunity for Erixon to not only endure pain, but also to observe human psychology, particularly nonverbal communication and fine patterns of behavior.
By carefully observing the facial expressions, movements and gestures of his family and those around him, he hone his ability to read unexpressed emotions and intentions, and his observational ability became an important weapon in later therapeutic activities.

Unique therapeutic style utility concepts

Erickson has established his own style of treatment as a psychiatrist and hypnotherapist. Unlike traditional imperative hypnotherapy, he proposed the concept of "utilization," which respects the individuality and circumstances of the client and makes the most of their inner resources.
For Erickson, clients were not just "patients," but were potential forces to make a difference.
He believed that the solutions to the problems his clients faced were within them, and he was committed to helping them unleash their potential. At the root of his philosophy of therapy was the belief that "no clients resist treatment; only the inflexible therapists are," and this idea of flexibility guided him in all his treatment processes.

Indirect approaches, metaphors and storytelling

One feature of Ericsson's therapeutic techniques is its indirect approach. Instead of avoiding direct advice or direction, he effectively used metaphors and anecdotes (storytelling).
The story has the power to engage clients' unconsciousness and to encourage change that is difficult to use direct words.
Erickson encouraged clients to become aware of their own issues through parables and allegorical stories, so that they could gain a new perspective on their own issues. These indirect techniques played an important role in fostering clients' agency in solving problems themselves rather than receiving passive treatment.

The Milton Model: The Power of Ambiguous Linguistic Expression

Among Erickson's treatment techniques, the Milton Model is the most famous. This model is a systematicization of the ambiguous linguistic and figurative communication techniques he used, and unconsciously works to give clients freedom of interpretation. For example, ambiguous expressions such as "You will experience change" encourage clients to freely draw concrete images of how they experience change. Thus, the Milton model is still used by many therapists today as a highly effective tool in reducing client psychological resistance and encouraging the treatment process to a smoother pace.

A unique perspective on the unconscious, a source of creativity and problem-solving ability

Erickson had a unique perspective on the human "unconscious." He did not view the unconscious as merely a collection of disordered emotions and memories trapped deep within the mind, but as a source of "creativity" and "problem-solving ability."
This idea has established a new direction for treatment, not just in the framework of traditional pathological psychotherapy, but by leveraging the inner strength of the client themselves and seeking ways to induce self-growth and self-change.
He helped clients to gain access to and make effective use of unconscious powers, helping them to regain their self-healing capabilities and to regain their own ability to solve problems.

Solution orientation, reframing and the ability to change perspective

Erickson's treatment approach also includes the framework of "solution-oriented." He focused on focusing on solutions and concrete actions, rather than analyzing the problem itself in detail.
A particularly important technique in this approach is the "reframing" technique. Reframing is a technique that makes it easier to find a solution by reconsidering the problems and concerns that clients face from a different perspective.
For example, by re-viewing experiences that clients see as "failure" as "learning opportunities," you can transform negative emotions into positive energy. By changing the perspective of clients, Erickson helped them maximize their own problem-solving skills and regain their self-esteem and confidence.

The source of fighting and observational skills and therapeutic philosophy against polio

Erickson's life was also a struggle against physical difficulties. Paralysis caused by the aftereffects of polio brought great constraints to his daily life, but at the same time he played an important role in fostering his insight and therapeutic philosophy.
For example, during periods of time he was unable to move in bed, he carefully observed the nonverbal communication of his family and nurses, honing his ability to read the subtle nuances.
The findings from these observations played an important role in his hypnotic techniques and provided the basis for working on the client's unconscious.

Positive double-binding, freedom of choice and induction into the unconscious

Ericsson's technology also includes a unique approach of "positive double-binding." This is a technique that induces clients to make constructive decisions unconsciously, while pretending they are giving them options.
For example, the phrase "You can experience change right now or take a little time" actually leads clients to open the door to change, while making them feel like they are giving their clients freedom of choice.
This technique was extremely effective in helping clients break through psychological impasses and take their first steps towards change.

The impact beyond psychotherapy and application to education, business and coaching

Erickson's influence goes beyond the realm of psychotherapy. His treatment techniques have attracted attention in the fields of education, business and coaching and have been widely applied.
In particular, NLP (neurolinguistic programming), which uses Ericsson's Milton model, is used around the world as a tool that helps improve business leadership, negotiation skills and communication skills.
The NLP systematizes Ericsson's communication skills and allows them to be used as concrete skills, making them a powerful tool to help people grow and achieve their goals.

Application to self-development and tips to bring out your inner strength

Erickson's narrative approach and solution-oriented thinking methods can also be applied to the field of self-development. His therapeutic philosophy is full of hints for people to believe in their inner strength and help them overcome their difficulties and grow.
He did not simply provide a problem-solving tool, but he provided universal guidelines for improving relationships and increasing self-esteem.
The essence of his communication skills is based on empathy and understanding, and is an essential element in taking the other person's position, understanding the essence of the problems they face, and leading them to a solution.

Heritage: Ericson's teachings in modern times

Milton Highland Erickson's legacy has not lost its brilliance since his death, and continues to influence many people in the present day. His innovative approach opens up new possibilities in a wide range of fields, including psychotherapy, education and business, and guides people's lives to enrich.

It can be said that Erickson was not just a psychotherapist, but a distinguished thinker who believed in deep insight into the existence of human beings and its potential.

His theory and technology have the potential to change the lives of many people for the better through further research and development. Erickson's journey continues to give us the power to believe in the infinite possibilities that humans have, and to overcome difficulties and grow. And it teaches us the importance of realizing our own inner power and making the most of it.

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