ABSTRACT
Milton H. Erickson is best known for his brilliant innovations in hypnotherapeutic technique, his approach has implications far beyond hypnosis. Erickson is keenly aware that before any therapy can take place the patient has to be receptive. This receptivity can be accomplished only by fully accepting and making use of the patient's irrational beliefs and behaviours. Jay Haley, who worked with Erickson, makes his influence quite clear, and Viktor E. Frankl's paradoxical intention also employs a technique with considerable similarity to Erickson's. One of the innovations which Erickson uses with virtuosity is illustrated in the case of the patient who used "word salad" to avoid meaningful communication. Erickson the consummate strategist and manipulator may have more respected for the patient's unique individuality than have many of the therapists who insist that the patient be sincere only in the fashion that the therapist finds compatible to his own standards.
