EP09 Topical Panel 18 – Approaches Derived from Milton Erickson: Compare and Contrast Solution-Focused, Self-Relations and NLP – Robert Dilts, Stephen Gilligan, and Michele Weiner-Davis
- Average Rating:
- Not yet rated
- Topic Areas:
- Topical Panels | Self-Relations | Solution Oriented Approach | Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) | Psychotherapy | Brief Therapy | Couples Therapy | Ericksonian Hypnosis and Therapy Techniques | Milton Erickson
- Categories:
- Evolution of Psychotherapy | Evolution of Psychotherapy 2009 | Pioneers in Couples and Family Therapy
- Faculty:
- Robert Dilts, BA | Stephen Gilligan, PhD | Michele Weiner-Davis, LCSW
- Duration:
- 1 hour
- Format:
- Audio Only
- Original Program Date:
- Dec 12, 2009
- License:
- Never Expires.
Description
Description:
Educational Objectives:
- To compare and contrast clinical and philosophical perspectives of experts.
*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*
Outline:
Introduction and Panel Setup
-
Lillian Borges introduces the panel on Ericksonian approaches: NLP, self-relations, and solution-focused therapy.
-
Panelists: Robert Dilts, Stephen Gilligan, and Michele Weiner-Davis.
-
Lillian encourages listening closely and saving questions for the end due to time constraints.
Robert Dilts on NLP and Erickson’s Influence
-
Acknowledges Milton Erickson's foundational influence on NLP.
-
NLP developed from observing Erickson, Satir, Perls, and others.
-
Emphasizes "the difference that makes a difference" and working with symptoms, not against them.
-
Highlights Erickson’s unique presence, soul-level connection, and subtle observational skill.
-
Notes NLP's evolution from language patterns to body language and minimal cues.
Stephen Gilligan on Erickson’s “Double Wings”
-
Describes Erickson’s dual focus: external attention and inner creativity.
-
Key Ericksonian principles: future orientation, utilization, and unconscious wisdom.
-
Shares a story of Erickson creatively using a client’s gap-toothed smile to help her build confidence and find a partner.
Michele Weiner-Davis on Solution-Focused Therapy
-
Transitioned from pathology-based to solution-focused methods at the Brief Family Therapy Center.
-
Focuses on resilience, strengths, and forward movement.
-
Integrates psychoeducation and directive techniques into her practice.
-
Emphasizes quick, practical change over problem analysis.
Audience Questions and Panel Responses
-
On shifting from pathology-based models:
-
Gilligan: Use curiosity and "active non-doing" to stay open.
-
Weiner-Davis: Reframe diagnostic questions, then pivot to strengths and goals.
-
-
On child behavior disrupting a family: panel stresses understanding broader context and relational dynamics.
-
On existential psychotherapy: audience member connects Ericksonian principles with their approach.
-
On healing from betrayal:
-
Weiner-Davis offers guidance and resources, stressing persistence and hope for recovery.
-
Overall Themes
-
Erickson’s legacy lives on through creative, non-pathologizing, client-empowering approaches.
-
Therapy is about presence, flexibility, and evoking client strengths rather than fixing problems.
Credits
Faculty
Robert Dilts, BA Related Seminars and Products
Robert Dilts, has been a developer, author, trainer and consultant in the field of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) - a model of human behavior, learning and communication - since its creation in 1975 by John Grinder and Richard Bandler. A long time student and colleague of both Grinder and Bandler, Robert also studied personally with Milton H. Erickson, M.D., and Gregory Bateson.
Stephen Gilligan, PhD Related Seminars and Products
Stephen Gilligan Ph.D., is a Psychologist in Encinitas, CA. He was one of the original NLP students at UC Santa Cruz; Milton Erickson and Gregory Bateson were his mentors. After receiving his psychology doctorate from Stanford University, he became one of the premier teachers and practitioners of Ericksonian hypnotherapy. This work unfolded into his original approaches of Self-Relations and Generative Self, and then further (in collaboration with Robert Dilts) into Generative Coaching. These different traditions have all been updated and integrated into the present Generative Change Work, which includes the applications of Generative Coaching, Generative Psychotherapy, Generative Trance, Hero’s Journey, and Systemic Change work.
Michele Weiner-Davis, LCSW Related Seminars and Products
Michele Weiner-Davis, LCSW is the Founder of The Divorce Busting Center in Boulder, Colorado. She is a popular TEDx speaker and the author of eight books including, Healing From Infidelity, and the bestselling Divorce Busting and The Sex-Starved Marriage. She is the recipient of several prestigious awards including the Outstanding Contribution to Marriage and Family Therapy Award from AAMFT.