Hidden Hypnotic Patterns: Implications for Counseling and Supervision

The purpose of this article is to examine the hypothesis that many subtle hypnotic patterns used by Milton H. Erickson are found in the person-centered approach to counseling espoused by Carl Rogers. The authors point out that counselors and supervisors need not be trained in hypnosis, but that they should be aware of the possible hypnotic elements embedded in seemingly simple suggestions. Examples of counselor-client and supervisor-trainee dialogue are presented to demonstrate the ways in which a counselor's and supervisor's behavior and words can have profound hypnotic influences. Throughout the article the deep respect afforded the client or trainee as a person and views of self and the world held by Erickson and Rogers are cited to demonstrate the similarities of basic philosophical convictions about the facilitative and therapeutic process.