Uncommon Therapy: The Psychiatric Techniques of Milton H. Erickson, M.D. Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. Describe Erickson's technique of "encouraging resistance" and give examples where this technique is used in case studies from the text.

2. Discuss how "amnesia and the control of information" works. How is this technique controversial? In what examples does Erickson use it?

3. Describe Erickson's technique of "providing a worse alternative" and give examples where this technique is used in case studies from the text.

4. Discuss Erickson's methods of family therapy. How does his approach differ from the standard sessions of therapists in the 19th century?

5. Why does Erickson use the...
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