Ericksonian Hypnotherapy
Unlike stage hypnosis, clinical Ericksonian hypnotherapy uses conversational techniques to access your subconscious mind. Gentle, collaborative, and remarkably effective for anxiety, performance blocks, and habit change.
What Is Ericksonian Hypnotherapy?
Ericksonian hypnotherapy, developed by psychiatrist Milton H. Erickson, is a form of clinical hypnosis that uses conversational techniques, metaphor, and storytelling to access the subconscious mind. It is fundamentally different from the stage hypnosis you see in entertainment — there is no loss of control, no clucking like a chicken, and no one "making" you do anything.
Instead, Ericksonian hypnotherapy works by guiding you into a state of focused relaxation where your conscious mind can step aside and allow deeper patterns to be addressed. Think of it as a conversation with the part of your brain that runs your automatic responses — the habits, fears, and emotional reactions that happen before your conscious mind has a chance to intervene.
Peggy Martin is a Level 2 Certified Ericksonian Hypnotist through the Milton H. Erickson Foundation. She integrates hypnotherapy with her broader clinical practice, using it as one tool among many to help clients achieve lasting change.
Key Benefits
Myths vs. Reality
Myth: "You lose control under hypnosis."
Reality: You are always in control. Clinical hypnotherapy is a collaborative process — you can open your eyes and stop at any time. You cannot be made to do anything against your will.
Myth: "Only gullible people can be hypnotized."
Reality: Hypnotic responsiveness has nothing to do with gullibility or intelligence. In fact, people with strong focus and imagination tend to respond best — which is why athletes often benefit greatly.
Myth: "Hypnotherapy is not evidence-based."
Reality: Clinical hypnotherapy has a substantial evidence base. Research supports its effectiveness for anxiety, pain management, performance enhancement, and habit change.
Myth: "You will reveal secrets or embarrass yourself."
Reality: Ericksonian hypnotherapy is a gentle, conversational process. You remain aware throughout and will not say or do anything you would not normally do.
What to Expect in a Session
Discussion
We begin with a conversation about what you want to work on. This helps tailor the session to your specific needs and gives your conscious mind a clear goal.
Guided Relaxation
Using conversational techniques, metaphor, and guided imagery, you enter a state of deep relaxation. You remain aware and in control throughout.
Integration
After the hypnotic portion, we discuss your experience and identify insights. You leave with a clear sense of what shifted and practical tools to reinforce the change.
Ready to Talk?
Take the first step toward the life you want. Schedule a free consultation and discover how we can work together.