Potential Not Pathology

Reviews / Votes

'Paul J. Leslie has written a delightful introduction to some of the core concepts of an Ericksonian approach to therapy. Well-illustrated with cases stories from both Milton Erickson and the author's own extensive experience as a psychotherapist, Leslie makes Erickson's approach accessible to a broad spectrum of practitioners. We celebrate Leslie's inspiring and down-to-earth contribution to fostering a resource-focused, Ericksonian approach to helping people transform.'- Hillary Keeney, PhD, and Bradford Keeney, PhD, authors of Circular Therapeutics: Giving Therapy a Healing Heart and Creative Therapeutic Technique: Skills for the Art of Bringing Forth Change'There have been three great waves that have swept through psychotherapy. The first was oriented to the past, what was wrong with people, and the therapist as the expert who diagnosed and treated the illness. The second was more present-oriented, here and now, but still focused on problems and the therapists' expert diagnosis of the pathology. The third wave, mostly initiated by Carl Rogers and Milton Erickson, moved away from pathology to potential, resources, and possibilities. This wave was present- to future-oriented. Paul J. Leslie has written a practical, fun book firmly based in this third-wave sensibility. You will likely come away from this book feeling hopeful and energised, having learned a great deal about being a more effective therapist.'- Bill O'Hanlon, author of Do One Thing Different and Change 101