The Induction of Hypnosis: An Ericksonian Elicitation Approach

by Jeffrey K. Zeig

Offering an entirely new fundamental model of hypnosis from an Ericksonian perspective, this book is valuable to the beginning and intermediate practitioner who wants to add hypnotherapy into clinical practice. It provides a comprehensive genealogy (an Ericksonian family tree), testimony to Dr. Erickson’s significant influence; deconstructs the key concepts of hypnosis; presents real-life cases, dispels myths; and demystifies the process of eliciting trance. It also compares and contrasts the traditional model of hypnosis with the Ericksonian model; delves into hypnotic evocative communication, “the language of hypnosis,” and the ARE model of hypnotic induction; and distinguishes between the three aspects of human emotion, moods, and “states,” with “states” being the most operative in the elicitation of hypnosis, and effecting generative change. Milton Erickson’s close association with hypnosis is well known. In fact, it was merely one tool in his therapeutic arsenal, albeit a powerful one. This book presents my interpretations of some Ericksonian hypnotic methods and is primarily about hypnotic induction. It delves into the fundamentals of Ericksonian hypnosis, as I understand it. I posit hypnosis as a syndrome. It does not have to be seen as a unique entity, which is the common view among experts. Also, the term “induction” is a misnomer. Hypnosis is elicited, not induced. Because “induction” is commonly associated with hypnosis, I use the term, but when I write, “induction,” think “elicitation.” —from the book Contents Include… Deconstructing Hypnosis (What is Hypnosis Anyway?) Milton H. Erickson and the Foundation That Bears His Name Tracking the Evolution of Erickson’s “States”—The Geography of Change An Experiential Salvador Dali Meets Milton H. Erickson The Traditional Model of Hypnosis The Phenomenological Orientation Hypnotic (Evocative Communication) An Ericksonian Model of Induction and Hypnosis The Language of The Microdynamic Gift-Wrapping of Possibilities The ARE Absorb, Ratify, Elicit “Zeig tells the story of the Ericksonian movement, and illuminates the hypnotic process under the Ericksonian lamp, and he accomplishes these objectives well. His delivery in this book mirrors his messages about Ericksonian hypnosis. He seems more intent on evoking in readers a lived experience of Ericksonian transformation than on logically explicating concepts and skills. I recommend this book for practitioners of psychotherapy and hypnosis, and for students in psychology, social work, counseling, psychiatry, medicine, and allied fields.” –PsycCRITIQUES

Genres: Nonfiction

299 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2014

About the author

Jeffrey K. Zeig, Ph.D. is the Founder and Director of the Milton H. Erickson Foundation, He has edited, co-edited, authored or coauthored more than 20 books on psychotherapy that appear in twelve foreign languages.

Dr. Zeig is the architect of The Evolution of Psychotherapy Conferences, the Brief Therapy Conferences, the Couples Conferences, and the International Congresses on Ericksonian Approaches to Hypnosis and Psychotherapy.

A psychologist and marriage and family therapist in private practice in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Zeig conducts workshops internationally (more than 40 countries). He is president of Zeig, Tucker & Theisen, Inc., publishers in the behavioral sciences.

Reviews

[Tg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well thought out exposition of Hypnosis integrated into Therapy and the uses of evocative language and imagery as opposed to pure didactic intellectual language in invoking hidden possibilities. He explains how he can involve a person in a fantasy, memory, sensation or perception,
to access hidden possibilities. Excellent comparison between traditional and more permissive experiential Hypnosis. I am not a Medical Professional but I have integrated this with my Freshman students in Teaching them about gravity. I took them around the state fair ride by ride, and asked about the pull and pushes of the rides they rode on felt to them, they went so far as telling me they could smell the cotton candy in the air, and the breezes across their faces.
Dr. Zeig is a master at explaining multi-level communication embedded within a concept.

Terrific Book

[Rose Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a clinician of hypnosis this is an excellent book.