Dr. Milton H. Erickson

Dr. Milton H. Erickson (1901 - 1980) was a psychiatrist, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist as well as a highly acclaimed educator and author. Erickson is considered to be the founder of Clinical Hypnosis and undisputed expert on various techniques including hypnotic experiences, trance induction, and the development and effectiveness of rapport between the therapist and the patient.

Erickson's childhood was unusual in that he was part of one of the last migrations from Nevada to a Wisconsin farming community via covered wagon. Many consider Erickson's tragic bout with polio at age 17 a significant factor in his decision to become a medical doctor. Against all odds, Erickson recovered from polio and worked his way through college at the University of Wisconsin. Erickson became fascinated with hypnosis while he was an undergraduate in psychology at the university.

Erickson's fascination with muscle skill led him to pursue his medical career while...