Hypnosis, Ericksonian hypnotherapy, and Aikido.

Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene 97403.

Several key Ericksonian concepts find cross-cultural validation and practical application in the Japanese martial art of Aikido. The Aikido psychophysiological state of centering shares several important attributes with the trance state, particularly in the relational aspects of shared trance. In Aikido methodology for dealing with others, blending is an almost exact parallel to Ericksonian utilization. The Aikido view of resistance offers an increased understanding of strategic/Ericksonian approaches. Therapist training may be enhanced by combining Aikido principles with traditional methods.

PMID: 1580233 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]