What Is Ericksonian Hypnosis?
- sibylle malphettes
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
Ericksonian hypnosis is the most widely practiced form of modern hypnotherapy.
It was developed by Milton Erickson, a psychiatrist and psychologist whose revolutionary approach transformed the way hypnosis is used in therapy.

A Natural and Respectful Approach
Hypnosis isn’t a trick. It’s not mind control. It’s a natural state of consciousness — one that humans have experienced for thousands of years. In fact, references to hypnotic states go as far back as ancient Sumerian tablets.
At age 17, Milton Erickson was struck by polio. During his recovery, he began experimenting with ways to activate his body and mind differently. This personal journey led him to develop the foundations of therapeutic hypnosis, based on respect for the individual and their inner resources.
His key belief was simple yet powerful:
Each person already has within them the resources to respond appropriately to life’s challenges.
From this perspective, Ericksonian hypnosis is not about giving advice or imposing change. It's about activating your own internal abilities and adaptive potential, in a gentle, respectful, and solution-oriented way.
What Happens During a Session?
Ericksonian hypnosis uses language, imagery, and communication techniques to gently guide a person into a naturally altered state of awareness — one where the unconscious mind becomes more receptive to suggestions that can support positive change.
There’s no need to "believe in it" or to have any special ability. Hypnosis is not like the dramatic, manipulative displays seen in stage shows or on television. What I offer is therapeutic, ethical, and designed to empower you.
Through personalized techniques, the practitioner communicates with your unconscious mind to help shift the way you perceive a problem or situation, opening new pathways for healing and resolution.
What Are the Benefits of Hypnosis?
Hypnosis speaks directly to your unconscious mind, helping you make meaningful changes in your life.Sessions typically induce a deep sense of relaxation, quieting the constant inner chatter and helping you reconnect with a clearer sense of self.
As neuroscience now confirms, hypnosis modifies our cognitive and sensory processes. It can help reshape our perception of reality and support the emergence of new behaviors, insights, and emotional responses.(Cerveau & Psycho, Sept. 2017)
Why Choose Ericksonian Hypnosis?
Part of the brief therapy approaches
A natural and respectful method
Accessible to everyone (except in specific mental health conditions)
Encourages autonomy through self-hypnosis
Helps address the roots of personal blocks
Supports the release of limiting beliefs
Facilitates behavioral change
Promotes deep relaxation
A powerful ally for personal development
Is Hypnosis Right for Me?
Whether you're seeking to improve your quality of life, manage stress, or work through deeper emotional wounds, hypnosis can be a powerful support. In my practice, I use hypnosis when I feel it’s the most effective approach for your situation.
You don’t need to know how it works to benefit from it — I’ll always explain the process clearly, so you feel safe and informed.
I integrate hypnosis into a solution-focused approach, where we work together to unlock what's already in you — often just waiting to emerge.
What Can It Help With?
Hypnosis is particularly effective for:
Stress reduction and deep relaxation
Sleep improvement
Emotional regulation
Self-confidence and self-worth
Healing from trauma
Changing compulsive or self-sabotaging behaviors
Managing addictions (sugar, smoking, food, shopping, TV, gaming…)
Releasing fears, breaking negative cycles, shifting limiting beliefs
A Personalized Approach
Every person is unique. That’s why I tailor each session to your personality, your pace, and your life journey. My role is not to fix you — it's to help you access your own capacity to evolve, grow, and feel better.
You are the most important part of this process.And I’m here to walk beside you, gently and effectively.
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