Milton Erickson Wisdom – First Meeting

When Milton Erickson invited me to train with him at his home in Phoenix, Arizona I knew that a wonderful opportunity had been opened to me. It was 1975 and I had just started my practice as a therapist. That year I had read a book about Milton Erickson’s treatment methods. I was moved by his insight and compassion and inspired by what I perceived to be his unusual approach to healing the wounded soul. In fact I was so excited that I picked up the phone and called information for his number. Amazingly the operator gave me his home number and when I dialed it his wife answered. When I told her who I was she said, “Here’s Milton” and handed the telephone to him. He immediately invited me to train with him. So I eagerly got on a plane from San Diego and flew to Phoenix. Milton and his wife welcomed me with warmth and an eagerness to teach equal to my eagerness to learn.  There were several other therapist there who I could tell felt the same as I. By 1975 Milton was along in years but nonetheless enthusiastic about passing on his wisdom. Upon settling in his wife informed us that Milton was color blind to a high degree and that he saw the color purple as green, his favorite color. Consequently there were a number of items covered with hand knitted purple ‘cozies’ so Milton could see his favorite green color. I was grateful to Milton and his wife for allowing us to see his human side. That was the beginning of what I have come to see as Milton Erickson’s wisdoms.