For this one-hour video, we reached backed into the Erickson archives, circa 1973 to 1978, to Milton Erickson’s teaching seminars. Erickson conducted these teaching seminars in the comfort and intimacy of his own home. In this video, we encounter three cases – each dealing primarily with trauma. And in each of these cases, there is hidden meaning. Erickson demonstrates how to take “extraneous” information provided by the client, understand the context relevant to the client’s problem, and insightfully extrapolate the true meaning for therapeutic effect.
In this video, Dr. Milton Erickson describes sexual development — from infancy to adulthood, with a focus on male sexual maturation. As Erickson’s describes sexual development, the viewer feels as if they are going through the process as well. Erickson also includes humorous anecdotes of his children as they grew into adults. At the end of the video Dr. Jeffrey Zeig comments on Erickson’s fascinating teaching methods and communication techniques.
Erickson demonstrates his utilization method of entering into the client’s world. He demonstrates his unique approach to working with dreams using a parallel process to stimulate strategic understandings of restrictive family patterns.
Rossi (1992) demonstrates his approach to mind-body healing while working with a volunteer, Jennifer, who has rheumatoid arthristis in her hands, which have become distorted and painful. Rossi explains that mind-body healing follows a predictable pattern. During the final phase of this approach, Jennifer begins to experience automatic movement in her hands. She exclaims that her hands are moving more freely than they have in the last five years. Rossi attributes the success to "a genuine moment of self-empowerment."
Erving Polster (1995) demonstrates with Delisa, who is troubled by her work with geriatric patients. Polster leads Delisa quickly and deeply into her own fears of death and loss. Polster jokes, confronts, and directs Delisa into a greater self-awareness. Following the demonstration Polster explains his work and addresses questions.
Eugene Gendlin (2000) demonstrates with two volunteers. The first is guided through feelings of tension in her shoulders and shakiness in her stomach. Gendlin conducts a second demonstration. The next volunteer presents the trauma of a hysterectomy due to cancer. Gendlin concludes with an explanation of his method.
Erickson works hypnotically with a naive subject. He demonstrates the use of arousal state and destabilizing methods. Hypnosis can stimulate resources into play that can promote adaptive living.
James Bugental (2000) explains the importance of focusing on immediate subjective experiences. Bugental works with Glenda who is experiencing deep guilt about an upcoming divorce. Bugental addresses questions from the audience. A second volunteer explores issues surrounding her recent career change. Bugental explains his approach and answers questions.
Bugental (1990) provides two demonstrations. First, Bugental works with Molly, an associate who is familiar with this approach at an advanced level. Next he works with a naïve client, demonstrating what therapy might look like on the first visit. After each session, Bugental and his client reflect upon his methods.
James Hillman (2009) Hillman reveals how to bring “soul talk” back into modern psychotherapy. The case history of a client is the diagnosis, present complaint, family history, employment history, but nothing of the “soul” of the person. Dr. Hillman assures us that we can almost ignore the case history. Using “soul” talk (Longings, dreams, secrets, how a client accepts joy and sorrow) takes the session out of the box and returns a resonance to psychotherapy that it has lost.