Guiding Associations - Jeffrey Zeig

Zeig (1995) demonstrates the Ericksonian approach to psychotherapy while working with Carol, a woman whose nail-biting habit is rooted in anxiety. After gathering information on her personal history, Zeig helps Carol utilize her values and history to affect change. The process is both humorous and dramatic. After working to change associations linked to the problem behavior, Zeig offers Carol an ordeal that will produce a "guaranteed cure." Hypnosis is offered as the "dessert", rather than the main course.

Educational Objectives:

1. To describe the method of "orienting toward."

2. Given a patient, demonstrate appropriate use of the technique of guiding associations.