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The (dramatic) process of psychotherapy
1Milton H. Erickson Foundation, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA. jeff@erickson-foundation.org
The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis
|August 22, 2008
Summary
Psychotherapy utilizes symbolic drama to facilitate patient change, drawing on hypnotic methods without formal trance. Analyzing Milton Erickson
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy research
- Hypnotherapy
Background:
- Psychotherapy is viewed as a symbolic drama enabling patients to realize their potential for change.
- Hypnotic methods can enhance therapeutic interventions without requiring formal trance states.
Observation:
- A clinical case study involving Milton Erickson is presented and analyzed.
- Erickson's distinct therapeutic patterns are deconstructed to reveal his techniques.
Findings:
- A model is proposed for integrating dramatic elements into psychotherapy.
- This model is situated within a broader framework of choice points in therapeutic decision-making.
Implications:
- The findings offer a novel approach to psychotherapeutic interventions by incorporating dramatic elements.
- Understanding Erickson's methods provides insights into effective therapeutic strategies.
- The choice point model can guide therapists in making strategic decisions during treatment.
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