Speak Ericksonian: Mastering the Hypnotic Methods of Milton Erickson

by Richard K. Nongard, James Hazlerig

This book holds the keys to Ericksonian approaches to hypnotherapy, and they unlock how to apply the solution oriented strategies of Milton Erickson, M.D. to a modern application of his ideas. This book will teach you how to tap into the treasure trove of resources Milton Erickson left us through his writings, case studies, and books.

Milton Erickson, M.D. pioneered medical hypnotherapy and the use of clinical hypnosis to produce rapid change. By understanding the theory and practical techniques of his approach you can produce the same rapid results with your clients.

The book provides scripts, resources, and a clear understanding of what Ericksonian hypnotherapy is all about. You will learn the language patterns that create the foundation for conversational hypnosis, indirect suggestion, and the creation of sensorial experiences. After you read this book and complete the exercises, you will be able to "speak Ericksonian" fluently. This book is a practical guide and an instructional manual that will lead you into success.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2014

About the author

Dr. Richard Nongard is an experienced speaker who is engaging, easy going, and shares actionable strategies for sales professionals, leadership teams, executives and front-line personnel. He is passionate about helping everyone uncover leadership potential and use it to create lasting change.

Richard is an expert in business who started his career in 1983 as a cold-calling salesperson in the auto industry. With stints at both Nissan and Honda dealerships in the mid 1980’s, he learned sales Zig-Ziglar style. Since then, he has been in both medical and educational sales, administration, and product development positions. He is a serial entrepreneur and has owned several restaurants and had his hand in many different business ventures over the years.

Nongard holds a master’s degree in counseling and is a licensed psychotherapist. He is holds a doctorate in Transformational Leadership (Cultural Engagement) from Bakke Graduate University.

“Dr. Nongard shares great insights around viral leadership and how a simple idea, like our DoubleTree by Hilton cookie, can truly transform a business.” – Chris Nassetta, President & CEO, Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

“By activating the Four Quadrants of Viral Leadership identified in this book, you can step brilliantly into a new future.”
- Rand Dobbs, Former CEO and President,
General Electric Capital—Information Technology Solutions

Richard is an innovative leader in the field of psychotherapy and business, and over the last 25+ years he has trained thousands of professionals in leadership and transformation.

Reviews

[Melvin Marsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

He had some good helpful ideas, specifically how to practice the language patterns. I wish I was together enough to remember to do that when driving. It was easy enough to break down although not all is mentioned and several additional supplements are definitely needed.

I am also really confused as to if Richard was the only author of the book or if James was too. Richard references James a lot which detracts from the rest of the book and (in my opinion) acts like a speedbump to the story. In different locations only one is listed and in others both are so I don't know. Of course, I had no idea James identified as an Ericksonian either despite knowing the man, so there is a lot I admit I don't know. If James is a co-author, there are better ways to incorporate his information into the book. I would recommend smoothing that out for the next edition.

I didn't like that there were several scripts which also detract at least from what I was trying to get out of the book. Most hypnotherapists move away from scripts rather early on in their career. So I am not sure who this is really designed for, the newbies or the more advanced practitioners.

If the issues were fixed, I would have given it a higher rating since I believe there is a lot of good stuff Richard can teach but I find the speedbumps really bothersome and a challenge to get through. Send me a note if that is updated and fixed let me know so I can read the new edition and possibly bump my rating.

Unlike the majority of people in my profession, I am not quick to just put a 5 down to any big name in the field. I follow the Goodreads suggestion of what each star means, thus I liked it (3) as it was, but I didn't love it (5). My honesty gets me in trouble, but at least it is an honest opinion.

[Donald Steiny · Rating 4 out of 5]

He reviewed several theories on how Erickson did what he did. I found that most interesting. Looking at all the theories together was helpful. Mastering Erickson's techniques is a combination of knowing how and doing it a lot for a long time. Erickson has said that we each need to develop our own way of doing it and each individual we work with is different, so there is no one formula that will work. This book acknowledges that, so the title is more than it can offer.

[Jenna Borrelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a new hypnotherapist, this book offers plenty of history, stories, and techniques to add more creativity and practical knowledge to my client session. I actually plan on re-reading parts of these book to really soak in the techniques and suggestions.

[Rhett Reisman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book I’ve read (not listened to) in a while (woo)

This is a manual about how to improve your clinical hypnosis practice using the techniques of psychiatrist and master hypnotist, Milton Erickson.

I do not own a clinical hypnosis practice.

However, I believe that mastering the techniques in this book would make anyone a more effective communicator and listener.

I’ve started to think more and more about the idea: what if you applied the practiced techniques and world views provided by niche experts to your own life.

Examples: If I spoke to everyone as if I were a hypnotist how would this effect my work/family/social life? If I apply the dietary constraints of a diabetic will I have more energy/be healthier?

I’m not suggesting you try to hypnotize your grandpa or start seeking out ways to buy black market insulin, but seeing the world through the lenses of niche experts can help you gain an advantage where others (particularly others trained in the same fields as you) see nothing special.

Some of the grammatical error in this book were distracting (maybe I was being ~hypnotized~ to reread the sentences) but other than that, this was a very worthwhile read and I’m looking forward to learning more about Milton Erickson’s methods and trying to hypnotize my family at Thanksgiving.

[Karen Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erickson

Fascinating yet very practical. Richard Nongard takes into the great hypnosis work of Milton Erickson and makes it alive. Read this book if you want to be a better hypnotist.

[Pang Khong Yun · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good overview of Ericksonian therapy and the author had also discuss the techniques with his own experience and case study. A lot of intriguing examples, with hypno-sricpt provided.

[Paul Bard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provides precisely what it promises very well: a guide for therapists to do therapy.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very poorly edited (if edited at all) with many, many errors which make reading it nearly impossible. It contains a lot of information but jumps all over the place and includes much about not just Erickson, but others (including the author) as well. There must be better books about Erickson out there.

[Ivan Voras · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy-going introduction to Ericksonian hypnotic patterns (and way of thinking) bundled with some of the simpler NLP tools. The book contains several "scripts" for different scenarios, which could be helpful to those still developing their own style.