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The Induction of Hypnosis: An Ericksonian Elicitation Approach

by Jeffrey K. Zeig

Article  in  The American journal of clinical hypnosis · January 2015

DOI: 10.1080/00029157.2015.985574

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The Induction of Hypnosis: An

Ericksonian Elicitation Approach by
Jeffrey K. Zeig
a
Scott Hoye M.A., Psy.D.
a
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago School of Professional
Psychology, Chicago, Illinois
Published online: 13 Jan 2015.

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To cite this article: Scott Hoye M.A., Psy.D. (2015) The Induction of Hypnosis: An Ericksonian
Elicitation Approach by Jeffrey K. Zeig, American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 57:3, 359-361, DOI:
10.1080/00029157.2015.985574

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 American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 57: 359–361, 2015
Copyright © American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
ISSN: 0002-9157 print / 2160-0562 online
DOI: 10.1080/00029157.2015.985574

BOOK REVIEW

Zeig, Jeffrey K. (2014). The induction of hypnosis: An Ericksonian elicitation

approach. Phoenix, AZ: The Milton Erickson Foundation Press, 250 pp., $27.95
(paperback), ISBN: 978-1-932248-67-8.
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Jeffrey Zeig has edited and written a number of books on Ericksonian hypnosis over
the past four decades. He initially produced and edited volumes of teaching seminars
and various books describing the Erickson’s hypnotically informed work. With each
volume, Zeig has managed to till the rich therapeutic soil that is Erickson’s legacy.
Throughout, Zeig has not only referenced Erickson’s methods and style of therapy, but
he has absorbed and transformed them into his own manner of working with patients.
His writing is always clear, elegant, and succinct. His most recent volume, The Induction
of Hypnosis: An Ericksonian Elicitation Approach, follows in this manner. In many
ways, it is a review of “old standard” practice of hypnosis through an Ericksoninan,
phenomenological lens.
The Induction of Hypnosis fulfills two tasks. It is a book for beginners, with an
introduction to the theories, stages, and techniques of hypnotic induction. It also is
a reframe of these concepts from an Ericksonian perspective; it turns them on their
head, so to speak, and places hypnosis within a larger, phenomenological framework
of client/therapist interaction. These concepts are explained for those new to the world
of hypnosis, but they are shown in light of the elicitation approach. Elicitation, argues
Zeig, is the standard mindset and stance that an Ericksoninan hypnotist takes in working
with a client. Likewise, Zeig also argues that induction is a misnomer; hypnosis is always
elicited. Elicitation is defined as evoking “states” from within, rather than an application
of a technique from without to induce the state. Elicitation can be utilized in a formal
induction or in the manner of a conversational approach to hypnosis within the context
of therapy.
The book touches on several topics. Zeig provides a simple biography of Erickson, as
well as a brief description of the “lineage” of Erickson, pointing out the many important
schools of thought that have been influenced by Erickson’s work. Other chapters are ded-
icated to deconstructing hypnosis, providing both traditional and Ericksonian definitions
of hypnosis, and presenting many examples of elicitation/induction.
 360 BOOK REVIEW

The definition of hypnosis offered subsumes several prior definitions, under a utili-
tarian subset of various “states” that may be elicited from a client. These are dependent
on the practitioner’s particular emphasis due to his/her belief in what hypnosis entails
(i.e., dissociation; relaxation; imagery; active/motoric functions, such as arm levitation;
and social roles). It is also dependent on the orientation and expectancies of the client.
Zeig suggests that clinical use of hypnosis is best offered when the therapist is flexible
with definitions. He argues that this allows the clinician a better view of the client’s
epistemology and presenting problems that is able to provide relevant solutions. Those
looking for a solid, reified construct of hypnosis may be disappointed. Zeig does, how-
ever, briefly describe several operational definitions and gives a general history of the
scientific debates surrounding them.
Zeig culminates the book with the presentation of the absorb, ratify, and elicit (ARE)
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model. The ARE model is a framework for working hypnotically with clients in psy-
chotherapy. Absorption consists of entraining the client’s attention, change awareness,
and focus to elicit/induce the desired state. This can be done with traditional hypnotic
inductions, or through use of elicitation of prior memories. Ratification is likewise a
technique used in traditional hypnosis to convince the client of the special experience
they are involved in during the hypnotic process. Elicitation involves evoking dissocia-
tion, hypnotic responsiveness, and tapping into the client’s inner resources. This chapter
rests upon a previous chapter that discusses in detail Ericksonian communication pat-
terns (such as yes sets, truisms, and persuasive language). The need for building drama
and tension in the therapeutic session is emphasized.
The ARE model is not a new way to conduct hypnosis but is a loose framework or map
of the hypnotic process. The phenomenological geography that the client presents can be
explored, based on his/her needs, personality style, and presenting problem. The ARE
model is described as a “stage” upon which various hypnotic “props” are strewn. If the
client should choose to “play with them,” they can experience various phenomenological
changes that are part of the hypnotic experience. As is typical in Ericksonian discourse
on therapy, process and attitude or the stance of the therapist is emphasized; correct
technique and theory are given a secondary emphasis. This is not to say that the book
does not do justice to technique or theory. It provides a nice explanation and groundwork
of both in this concise volume.
This author has enjoyed much of Zeig’s work and has always found it to be informa-
tive for theory and practice, especially his earlier titles, such as the seminar with Milton
Erickson from the last decade of his life. These are in-depth tomes that bring the reader
into the presence of a master therapist. In Zeig’s later works, he has internalized a great
deal of this wisdom after honing his own knowledge and ability through decades of expe-
rience. In The Induction of Hypnosis, as in his other recent work, he clearly transmits
principles of this phenomenological approach to hypnosis. The language is accessible
even while presenting complex ideas.
 BOOK REVIEW 361

Much has been written by and about Milton H. Erickson. Serious scholars of hypnosis
should take heed that any book about him or his methods by one of his former students is
from their perspective. Since Dr. Erickson did not formulate any theory about his work or
theory of personality, but taught by explaining cases and via teaching tales/metaphors,
one perspective is only a slice of the Ericksonian pie, so to speak. One can thus find
family systems versions of Erickson, hypnotic language pattern explanations, neurolin-
guistic programming versions, and so forth. However, Zeig’s writing stands out among
them all. It is consistently excellent, and he truly knows his subject, having studied under
Erickson, founded and run the Milton H. Erickson Foundation, and taught hypnosis since
1979.
This book can provide a different perspective for therapists already familiar with
hypnosis in their practice, as well as novice hypnotherapists who wish to gain further
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understanding of how to seamlessly introduce hypnotic principles and techniques into

their work. It is not so much about doing hypnosis but rather about being hypnotic and
thinking hypnotically within the therapeutic relationship. Yet, it presents a clear intro-
duction to hypnotic induction. Many of the passages beg further visitation. They provide
rich soil from which new understanding can grow.
Zeig dedicates The Induction of Hypnosis to Erickson, “For his dedication,” explain-
ing that an autographed copy of a book he received from Erickson many years ago rests
on a shelf of his library. It is dedicated to Zeig with the inscription: “Replace this book
with one more detailed and better organized.” It appears that he has accomplished this
task in many ways.

Scott Hoye, M.A., Psy.D.

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Chicago, Illinois

ORCID

Scott Hoye http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0057-2693

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