Ericksonian therapy (ET) is a treatment modality practiced internationally by medical and mental health providers who wish to utilize experiential techniques and practical problem-solving as an integral part of general therapeutic protocol. As a nonstandardized approach to psychotherapy, which places high value on creativity and differentiated treatment, ET has been notoriously difficult to operationalize in terms precise enough for rigorous outcome study. Building a foundation for ongoing research, this article provides an operational definition of ET using six core competencies that have been observed and measured. This conceptual frame is set within an historical context and delineated using principles discovered during a qualitative analysis of data from the field's leading authorities as well as extensive scholarly research.

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This study reviews relevant literature on: 1) treatment outcomes for anger management programs, and 2) research on emotional process work during treatment. It is argued that relying on conscious deliberate cognition to regulate emotion is not effective for individuals who have long periods of intense emotional arousal. The most significant problem is the refractory period during which cognition is governed by emotion, allowing only thoughts that confirm, justify, or heighten the emotion. Up until now, these two fields of inquiry have remained relatively separate. A call for further research is made after examining the results of a pilot study by the author. Descriptive statistics reveal significant progress following a three month treatment period with outcome data collected at the end of treatment and at a three month follow up. The conclusion is that violence prevention programs based primarily on psychoeducational and cognitive behavioral methods are not the only method for addressing the problem of anger, and perhaps not as effective as other options. Further research is needed to determine if those with severe anger and rage problems require the integration of emotional process work along with traditional treatment approaches.

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