Ericksonian Hypnosis:
A Review Of the Empirical Data
William J.Matthews, Ph.D., James Conti, Ph.D.,
and Lorrie Starr Ph.D.
There are a four basic assumptions underlying Ericksonian hypnosis.These
assumptions are:(1)hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness;and as such (2)there
are markers of this altered state that distinguish it from the waking state;(3)
hypnotizability of the subject/client is more a function of the hypnotist’s skill (i.e.utilization
strategies)than the subject/client’s ability;and (4)the use of indirect hypnotic suggestion
is,at least in some instances,more effective in producing hypnotic responses than is
direct suggestion.The relevant empirical literature reviewed in this article fails to support
the above assumptions.The work of Milton Erickson is considered from a socio-cognitve
model and the relevant theory and research are cited to support this view.(Sleep and
Hypnosis 1999;1:47-56)
Volume 1, Number 1, Year 1999
