Ericksonian Hypnosis

Overview

Ericksonian hypnosis was born from the exceptional clinical work of Milton H. Erickson (1901-1980), an American psychiatrist considered the greatest hypnotherapist of the 20th century. Struck by poliomyelitis at age 17, paralyzed and in rehabilitation, Erickson developed exceptional sensitivity to nonverbal communication and the unconscious resources of human beings. His approach revolutionized hypnosis practice by breaking with the authoritarian model of classical hypnosis.

Unlike directive hypnosis where the therapist imposes suggestions, the Ericksonian approach considers the patient as an active partner possessing all the resources necessary for their change. The therapist's role is to create conditions allowing the patient to access their own solutions, stored in their unconscious. This approach is today the most taught in therapeutic hypnosis training worldwide.

Core Principles

• The unconscious as a resource reservoir: contrary to the Freudian view of the unconscious as a place of repressed conflicts, Erickson considers it a benevolent ally containing all necessary experiences, learnings, and solutions
• The principle of utilization: everything the patient brings to the session — symptoms, resistance, beliefs — can be used as a therapeutic lever
• Indirect suggestions: rather than "You will sleep," the therapist says "Perhaps you'll notice a certain comfort settling in..." — the absence of directive allows the patient to own the process
• Therapeutic metaphors: stories, anecdotes, and images that communicate with the unconscious without activating conscious defenses
• Conscious/unconscious dissociation: the therapist simultaneously addresses the conscious and unconscious parts of the patient
• Reframing: modifying the meaning attributed to an experience to transform the emotional experience

Main Indications

• Anxiety, stress, and anxiety disorders
• Phobias and panic attacks
• Mild to moderate depression
• Sleep disorders
• Addictions (tobacco, alcohol, food)
• Chronic pain management
• Psychosomatic disorders
• Trauma and PTSD
• Eating disorders
• Surgical and obstetric preparation
• Personal development and self-confidence

Session Structure

An Ericksonian hypnosis session lasts between 45 minutes and 1h30:

1. Preliminary interview (15-20 min): the therapist explores the issue with curiosity, identifies patient resources, observes verbal and nonverbal language. They collect natural metaphors used by the patient ("I'm in a tunnel," "I'm carrying a weight")
2. Hypnotic induction (5-10 min): progressive and natural, it may use visual fixation, arm levitation, confusion, or simply a conversation that gradually shifts toward the altered state of consciousness. The induction is adapted to each patient
3. Deepening (5 min): staircase descent techniques, counting, or catalepsy to deepen the trance
4. Therapeutic work (15-30 min): the session's core uses metaphors, reframing, age regression, age progression, post-hypnotic suggestions, dialogue with unconscious parts, or any other tool adapted to the patient's issue
5. Reorientation (5 min): gradual return to the waking state, often with partial amnesia of trance content
6. Debriefing (5-10 min): the patient shares what they wish from their experience. The therapist remains neutral and avoids over-analyzing, letting the unconscious continue its work

Variations and Derived Schools

Ericksonian hypnosis has generated numerous schools: the New Hypnosis of Daniel Araoz and Jeffrey Zeig, François Roustang's integrative hypnosis, strategic hypnosis inspired by Jay Haley. The approach is often combined with brief therapies, NLP (which directly derives from it), or cognitive-behavioral therapies. In hospital settings, Ericksonian hypnosis is used in hypnosedation (surgery under hypnosis with local anesthesia), notably by the CHU de Liège team led by Marie-Élisabeth Faymonville.

Contraindications

• Active unstabilized psychosis (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder in manic phase)
• Severe dissociative disorder
• Paranoia (the relational dimension of trust is compromised)
• Uncontrolled epilepsy (certain inductions may trigger seizures in highly sensitive subjects)
• Refusal or extreme fear of hypnosis (therapeutic alliance is essential)