Consensus Trance: A Review of Its Application in Clinical Settings
The concept of consensus trance is a relatively new approach to psychotherapy, developed by Dr. Milton Erickson in the 1950s (Erickson, 1956). Consensus trance is a form of hypnosis that focuses on the power of group consensus to induce a trance state in individuals. This approach is based on the idea that the power of the group can be harnessed to create an altered state of consciousness in which individuals can access deep levels of relaxation and receptivity to suggestion. This article reviews the development of consensus trance and its application in clinical settings.
The concept of consensus trance was first developed by Dr. Milton Erickson in the 1950s (Erickson, 1956). Erickson believed that the power of the group could be used to induce trance states in individuals, and that by harnessing the power of group consensus, individuals could be more easily led into a deep state of relaxation. In this state, individuals are more open to suggestion and more willing to accept the suggestions made by the therapist. Erickson developed this concept in his practice of hypnosis, and began to explore the potential applications of consensus trance in clinical settings.
Erickson’s work with consensus trance was further developed by Dr. Ernest Lawrence Rossi (Rossi, 1983). Rossi explored the idea of using consensus trance in group psychotherapy sessions, as a way of helping individuals to gain a better understanding of themselves and their relationships with others. Through consensus trance, individuals can gain insight into their own behavior, as well as how they respond to the behavior of others. Rossi further developed the concept of consensus trance by developing specific techniques for inducing trance states in groups.
In recent years, consensus trance has been used in a variety of clinical settings, including individual and group therapy, addiction treatment, and mind-body interventions (Miller & Erickson, 2009). In group settings, consensus trance can be used to help individuals gain a better understanding of their relationships with others, as well as their own behavior. In individual therapy, consensus trance can be used to help individuals gain insight into their own thoughts and feelings, as well as to help them become more aware of their own behavior. In addiction treatment, consensus trance can be used to help individuals gain insight into their own behavior and to help them gain control over their addiction. In addition, consensus trance has been used to help individuals gain relaxation in mind-body interventions, such as mindfulness and meditation (Miller & Erickson, 2009).
The potential applications of consensus trance in clinical settings are vast. It is a powerful tool that can be used to help individuals gain insight into their own behavior and relationships with others, as well as to help them gain control over their own thoughts and feelings. In addition, consensus trance can be used to help individuals gain relaxation and access deeper levels of receptivity to suggestion. Although more research is needed to further explore the potential applications of consensus trance in clinical settings, the existing literature suggests that it is a powerful tool that can be used to help individuals gain insight into their own behavior and relationships with others.
References
Erickson, M. (1956). The Collected Papers of Milton Erickson: Volumes 1-4. New York, NY: Irvington Publishers.
Miller, M., & Erickson, M. (2009). Consensus Trance: A Guide to Group Psychotherapy and Hypnosis. New York, NY: Routledge.
Rossi, E. (1983). The Collected Papers of Ernest Lawrence Rossi: Volumes 1-4. New York, NY: Irvington Publishers.