Information-Gathering... when is it enough?

Greetings. Much of what I've read and heard about Erickson consists of anecdotes and stories of his "miraculous" interventions. I am lacking information about how Erickson found out what he needed in order to tailor these interventions to fit the client so well. I'm fairly certain that his "intake" was very flexible, ongoing throughout the therapy, different for and tailored to each client; I am still wondering if you are aware of any consistent approaches, guidelines, or thinking about his information gathering.

When was enough information enough (besides "never")?
What "intake" information would Erickson typically seek (symptoms, early history, family system, level of acculturation, current developmental stage, etc.)?
How would he seek it (face-to-face interview, introductory letter, phonecall, etc.)?
What would he do to garner this information (trance induction, behavioral interviewing, family members, etc.)?

Thank you in advance for your time and thoughts.

Jim Stephens, MA, LPC

Replies:

Re:Information-Gathering... when is it enough?, by Steve Lankton, 11/12/03 More Information..., by Jim Stephens, 11/13/03 Re:More Information..., by Steve Lankton, 11/19/03

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