Milton H. Erickson (1901–1980) was an American psychiatrist and psychologist specializing in hypnosis and family therapy. His innovative ideas and techniques are the basis of Solution-Focused Motivational Coaching (SFMC).
This charming anecdote—as told by Bill O’Hanlon, who studied directly with Erickson—captures the essence of SFMC:
“Erickson grew up in rural Wisconsin. One day he was playing in the farmyard with a friend when a horse ran in, his reins askew, obviously having thrown its rider. The boys caught the horse, petted it and calmed it down. Erickson said he would take the horse to its owner.
His friend said, “How do you know where to take him?”
“That’s okay —the horse knows,” Erickson replied. He jumped up on the horse’s back and steered it onto the road.
“The horse turned right and trotted off, stopping now and then to munch on the roadside grass. Eventually the horse turned left and pulled into a farmyard some five miles away, a long distance in those days.
“Having heard them come in, a farmer came out of the house and said, “There’s my horse! He threw me a while ago. But I’ve never met you before—How did you know to bring him here?”
“I didn’t—the horse did,” replied Erickson. “I just kept him on the road and kept him moving!”
