What is Ericksonian therapy: The use of core competencies to operationally define a nonstandardized approach to psychotherapy.

Abstract

Ericksonian therapy (ET) is a treatment modality practiced internationally by medical and mental health providers who wish to utilize experiential techniques and practical problem-solving as an integral part of general therapeutic protocol. As a nonstandardized approach to psychotherapy, which places high value on creativity and differentiated treatment, ET has been notoriously difficult to operationalize in terms precise enough for rigorous outcome study. Building a foundation for ongoing research, this article provides an operational definition of ET using six core competencies that have been observed and measured. This conceptual frame is set within an historical context and delineated using principles discovered during a qualitative analysis of data from the field's leading authorities as well as extensive scholarly research.

What is Ericksonian therapy: Is there more at the core?

“…This lack of standardization in ET has likely been a major factor in its absence from the teaching and research of it in academic clinical psychology. Short (2021) does an admirable job describing the development of ET, starting with the life and work of Milton Erickson. He further describes the founding of the Milton H. Erickson Society in 1979, the first International Congress in 1980, and the introduction of the term Ericksonian Therapy (ET) by Zeig in 1982.…”

Can Ericksonian therapy become mainstream?

“…We applaud the forthcoming publication of “What Is Ericksonian Therapy? The Use of Core Competencies to Operationally Define a Nonstandardized Approach to Psychotherapy” (Short, in press). Short attempts to provide a pathway to transform an approach to psychological interventions that has wide appeal and influence, although as a school of thought it has not become mainstream due to a lack of scientific rigor.…”

“…Viewing the patient as an individual human being, and not just a collection of abnormal behaviors, cognitions, and emotions or, worse yet, simply as a diagnostic category; responding to that individual with as much empathy and understanding and flexibility as possible, while helping that patient find solutions to problems that confront her or him; and using the strengths a person has as a basis for developing more effective cognitions and behaviors, all hallmarks of ET, are surely core features of any competent approach to psychological practice. Beyond that general approach, Erickson and Ericksonian therapists have developed a remarkably broad range of techniques of intervention, some of which are described by Short (in press), which also have been influential both among practitioners who consider themselves Ericksonian and among those who do not. In fact, it may be that Ericksonian techniques have become so ingrained in the practice of psychology that some, if not many, newer therapists use such techniques without even knowing the contributions of Erickson and ET to the practice of psychotherapy.…”

“…As Short (in press) points out, however, given a lack of clear definition of terms and lack of consistency with psychological professional language in general, it has been difficult to determine exactly what ET is and to submit it to scientific study. Short’s article attempts to bridge that gap and it does so in a helpful manner.…”

“…At the same time, we think that there is further work to be done and we write this response article as a friendly attempt to assist Ericksonians in moving down the path toward empirical support and wider professional acceptance. In particular, we would like to focus on two elements that we believe are lacking in ET and are not sufficiently addressed by Short (in press): falsifiability and competencies.…”