Ronald Laing (1985) interviews a home-less woman diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Her presenting complaint is that her brain does not work right and that people are out to get her. Laing relates to the client and explores her theories of human conspiracy, the power of the mind and mind reading, issues of Christianity, and how these concepts relate to her.
A client asks Erickson to help him stop smoking tobacco. Rather than using a formula, Erickson tailors a treatment approach to both address underlying problems and elicit resources.
Stephen Gilligan (2008) demonstrates the induction of a trance with a volunteer who wants to “feel at home” with herself, but often feels disconnected and scattered. He invites intention and uses mindfulness and body movement to release the weight of fear and disconnection. Afterward, the volunteer claims the experience was “intense,” and “beautiful.”
Patsy and Josh are a volunteer couple, already in Emotionally Focused Therapy. They are further helped through an EFT session with Sue Johnson. Patsy, suffering from deep wounds of the past, is vulnerable and fearful, and often shuts down—even though she knows her actions prevent connection with Josh. Her husband tries to be caretaker and nurturer. Johnson helps them stay with emotion, expand their connection and shapes their interaction bringing both to a safer, more loving place.