The Ericksonian approach to trance induction and it\u27s application to nonhypnotic therapy

Milton Erickson reasoned that since each person is unique, psychotherapy should be adapted to meet the individual\u27s needs, rather than attempting to tailor the person to fit the therapist\u27s theory (Zeig, 1985). He said that he invented a new theory for each individual (Lankton & Lankton, 1963). The unconscious or \u27the back of the mind\u27 as Erickson described it is the reservoir of learning (Erickson, 1980). It constitutes a storehouse of experiences, learnings, memories and skills that could be utilized by therapists to bring about desired changes. Clients were helped to find both the tools and the raw materials for changes within themselves. By mentioning such experiences as learning to walk or learning the alphabet Erickson helped clients begin to feel confident in the abilities which they had \u27forgotten\u27 or taken for granted. Recapitulating these resources and experiences helped clients become ready to work on a variety of therapeutic tasks, which often involved reassociations with previously mentioned resources (Lankton & Lankton, 1963)