Book excerpt: The work and legacy of Milton H. Erickson, M.D. - his interpersonal approaches and techniques designed to liberate potentials for self-help in either the hypnotic or waking state - are having an increasing influence on numerous mental health professionals, as well as on the whole field of psychotherapy. Jeffrey K. Zeig, Ph.D., a leading practitioner and teacher of Ericksonian psychotherapy and a former student of Erickson's, who remained close with him until Erickson's death, has written a uniquely personal view of Erickson himself, his basic ideas and techniques, his contributions to psychotherapy, and his highly individual methods of teaching.