(continued rant)
In fact, I'd go so far as to say that Ericksonian methods verge on the demonic.
In ancient Chinese mystical literature, extreme yin (passive, feminine, indirection, dampness, shapelessness, etc) is considered the home of "demoniacs," and is a state that must be avoided or madness might ensue.
It's certainly conceivable. And something I've thought of more than once.
I don't recall if he was agnostic or nominal Christian. I have in mind the latter.
I don't know what to do with the enormous good he did--much of it without any significant payment or return to him but knowing he'd done a suffering soul some lasting good.
I think he was one of the most self-less psychiatrists I've ever known of.
I suppose you've come across Jay Hayley's book on Christ's supposed skillful use of such techniques. I think Hayle's more than a little off the wall. Nevertheless, Christ's Sermon on the Mount and many other things do fit within the paradigm from that perspective.
Many things are powerful methodologies more or less neutral in and of themselves.
We can hoe weeds or crops to death.
We can affirm good or evil.
It appears that Milton did only good with his skills. I have no other evidence. I think I must leave him to God's wise, just, loving judgment.