Stephen R. Lankton, LCSW

Stephen Lankton, LCSW, DAHB, graduated from the University of Michigan. In addition to extensive training in Gestalt Therapy and Transactional Analysis, he studied regularly with Milton H. Erickson, M.D., for four and a half years. He maintains a psychotherapy practice and has trained psychotherapists worldwide.

Recognition & Professional Leadership

He is the recipient of two Lifetime Achievement Awards: for “Contributions to the Field of Psychotherapy” from the Milton H. Erickson Foundation, and for contributions to the “Field of Hypnosis and Hypnosis Education” from the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.

He is Editor Emeritus of the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, a Diplomate in Clinical Hypnosis, a Life Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, an Emeritus Clinical Member of the International Transactional Analysis Association, and Past-President of the American Hypnosis Board for Clinical Social Work.

Writing & Teaching

He has authored, co-authored, or edited 20 professional books on psychotherapy and hypnosis, with translations in nine languages, as well as dozens of peer-reviewed articles and chapters in major professional handbooks and books, including reference works from APA, Harvard, Oxford, and Routledge, and handbooks devoted to Ericksonian psychotherapy, family therapy, innovative and constructive psychotherapy, and social work.

His books include The Answer Within and Tools of Intention. His more recent work includes “Chapter 8: States of Consciousness Model and Ericksonian Approaches to Hypnosis” in the Routledge International Handbook of Clinical Hypnosis. Since 1980, he has taught psychotherapy to professionals in more than 21 countries.

Academic & Professional Service

He has served as Faculty Associate at universities in Michigan, Florida, and Arizona. In Arizona, he taught in Arizona State University’s Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Program (2004–2008), ASU’s Graduate School of Social Work (2011–2018), and on the faculty of the Milton H. Erickson Foundation.

He served as a member of the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners from 2009–2016 and as Chairperson from 2014–2015.

“People already have within themselves the resources for change.”