PSYCHOTHERAPIST MILTON H. ERICKSON
Milton Erickson (1901-1980) was psychiatrist, psychotherapist and influential hypnosis figure. He is known for using unconventional treating methods that for many people might look bizarre and unethical. In many cases his treatment techniques seems like they are based on OPPOSITE version of today Psychologists code of ethics and conduct.
Throughout his life Erickson had been working with many clients and today I want to talk about one of them.
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT - CASE
A woman came to M. Erickson’s office. This woman had a problem. And even though the problem was physical, it affected her psychological wellbeing to a great degree, too. The problem - she was overweight. She was weighing 180 lbs but WANTED TO REDUCE her weight to 130 lbs.
Had she tried to lose weight BEFORE going to psychologist Milton Erickson? Yes, she had tried it before. Had these attempts been successful? Yes, they HAD been successful, she had managed to reduce her weight to 130 lbs before.
So, what exactly was the problem? The problem was similar to what many people, who are trying to lose weight, face - she was not able to KEEP the weight off. After reaching her weight loss goal she usually wanted to celebrate it with food and REGAINED weight very fast. So, she asked Milton Erickson to help her.
Milton Erickson told her that he has one METHOD in mind, but she probably DOES NOT WANT to hear it. Woman said that she is willing to try ANYTHING in order to lose the weight and keep it off. Erickson agreed to help, but he needed some guarantee form the woman. He said that she has to PROMISE that she will follow the advice he is about to give her. Woman agreed. She does not know that in a moment she will REGRET that decision...
To be continued...
