EP90 Dialogue 10 - Trialogue: The Contributions of Milton H Erickson - Jay Haley, MA; Ernest Rossi, PhD; Jeffrey Zeig, PhD

Description:

Educational Objectives:

1. Given a topic, to become aware of the differing approaches to psychotherapy, and to identify the strengths and weaknesses in each approach.  

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

• Ericksonian Communication Techniques

  • Jeffrey Zeig explains Erickson’s use of indirect, injunctive communication and creating “social vacuums” to promote change.

  • Emphasizes “R and R”: building Responsiveness and Resources in clients.

  • Describes how subtle cues and embedded commands engage the unconscious.

• Erickson’s Perception and Analogical Thinking

  • Known for extreme perceptiveness and attention to nonverbal behavior.

  • Trained himself to intuit patients’ histories and verify them.

  • Zeig describes Erickson’s detail-focused editing and correspondence.

• Humanism and Personal Impact

  • Helped clients generously, often without payment.

  • Deeply respected by those he worked with—brief interactions felt profound.

  • Zeig is writing a biography capturing stories from those who knew Erickson.

• The “Wounded Healer”

  • Ernest Rossi describes Erickson as someone who turned personal adversity into healing others.

  • Supported Native American communities and used indirect teaching methods (e.g., human anatomy with a young boy).

  • Worked with professionals to uncover personal issues.

• Apprenticeship and Observational Genius

  • Jay Haley admired Erickson’s patient dedication and flexibility.

  • Ray Hyman saw him as a master of observation—second only to himself.

  • Stories reveal Erickson’s subtle cues and deep insight during sessions.

• Therapeutic Confidence and Flexibility

  • Erickson was open to many approaches and confident in his influence, even while physically limited.

  • Known for simplifying complex ideas for others to use effectively.

• Research and Innovation

  • Viewed his work as field experiments in human behavior.

  • Constantly learning and adapting, even in later years.

  • His work advanced understanding of hypnosis and interpersonal dynamics.

• Influence on Therapy and Growth

  • Inspired Haley’s therapy style and personal development.

  • Demonstrated respect, deep listening, and elegant interventions (e.g., treating phobias with subtle influence).

• Social Experiments and Influence

  • Created real-life scenarios to observe and shift behavior.

  • Used micro-expressions and nonverbal cues to guide clients gently.

  • Helped people in abusive situations with care and ingenuity.

• Objectivism and Behavioral Clarity

  • Rejected mystical explanations like ESP.

  • Focused on clear behavioral descriptions and practical results.

  • Even with physical challenges, he continued refining his methods and impact.