Chapters 7-10 Summary and Analysis

Erickson believes that therapy may not always work. However, there are times when the treatment will prompt a response in the patient. That response may act as a catalyst and in the end, solve or diminish the problem in place of the therapy.

Dream states are commonly used as catalysts, whether or not the technique is an intentional move by the therapist. Many times a patient will resist treatment but have a dream in which the problem has been resolved. The dream had convinced the patient that circumstances had changed. This tends to happen most with patients who attempt to intellectualize the treatment or are convinced that they are among those who can't be hypnotized.

There is a lot to be said for experiential learning. No matter how much theory one has it is only the experience that can...