A disciple and friend of Milton Erickson, Ernest Rossi developed a personal method using the hands to engage the brain, activate the neurons and thereby “visualise” changes. Unlike his mentor, he was in fact convinced of the link between psychotherapy and neuroscience. An explanation of how Rossi’s hypnotherapy method works – particularly for influencing states in children with DYS, ADHD or ASD.
Who was Ernest Lawrence Rossi?
Born on 26 March 1933, Ernest Lawrence Rossi earned a doctorate in psychology and developed a passion for dreams, using them to guide his development. In 1974, he consulted Milton Erickson in order to secretly study his method. Discovering his true nature, Erickson offered him a collaboration and training in hypnosis.
Quickly becoming close, they published several books together. Seeking to bring together hypnosis and psychotherapy, Ernest Rossi developed his own method, structured into 4 stages, to kick-start the creative process of change.
What are the 4 stages of Rossi’s method?
The basic premise of Rossi’s method is that using the hands engages and activates neurons in certain areas of the brain, releasing hormones into the bloodstream and creating new synaptic connections. Physically engaged in this way, the body can then take part in the change.
Stage 1: The beginning and creative waiting
The patient identifies the problem to be solved and rates it on a scale of 0 to 10 cm. They then hold their hands up, facing each other, about 15 cm apart. This mirrored hand placement must be understood and mastered: the hypnotherapist is there to explain the process.
Stage 2: Incubation
The patient reviews memories linked to the problem, questions their relevance and lets themselves be helped and guided by their unconscious mind. During this process, one of the hands slowly lowers, the result of a connection between the hands and the neurons.
Stage 3: Illumination
The patient explores possible paths to healing – which corresponds to the hypnotic trance of a classic hypnosis session. At this point, their other hand slowly drifts until it comes to rest, once the solution has been found.
Stage 4: Evaluation and reality testing
If the patient’s mind embraces the solution, they will smile. Then, with the therapist’s help, they will review the moments of the therapy and rate the experience: a score below 7 indicates good receptiveness to Rossi’s method. They can then continue the therapy and work towards 0.
Hypnotherapy according to Ernest Rossi
Unconventional, Rossi’s hypnotherapy is built solely on the patient’s own involvement: obviously present, the professional says nothing, observes and indicates what needs to be done, before assessing the session.
The advantage of this method is the immediately observable nature of the change, through body movements. Having results that are both lasting and visible generates a feeling of self-satisfaction in the patient, who becomes aware that they are the sole instigator of this change.
Don’t hesitate to discuss this approach with the hypnotherapists on the Ora-Visio platform: specialising in DYS, ADHD and ASD, they can support your children through change and improve their wellbeing.
