The Structure of Magic II: A Book About Communication and Change

If you’re curious about how psychiatrists facilitate profound transformations, this book is a must-read. The authors draw inspiration from the techniques of renowned psychiatrists like Milton Erickson, Fritz Perls, and Virginia Satir, laying the groundwork for what we now recognize as NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming).

One intriguing strategy highlighted in the book involves Virginia Satir’s approach during a session with a patient. When the patient discusses issues with someone else, she challenges their assumptions by asking, “Are you a mind reader?” This question has resonated with me, prompting me to reflect on it regularly and even pose it to others. It’s a powerful question that can shift perceptions—unless, of course, you truly are a mind reader.

For further exploration in this field, I also recommend Mind-lines: Lines For Changing Minds by L. Michael Hall, which offers an extensive array of change patterns, and My Voice Will Go With You, a collection of therapeutic tales by Milton Erickson. I hope you find this review insightful.