[This book] uses refined patterning and modeling techniques to identify the elements of genius in legendary professionals such as Gregory Bateson, Fritz Perls, Virginia Satir, and Milton Erickson. [It] demonstrate[s] Bandler and Grinder's enthusiasm, affection, and appreciation for Erickson and his revolutionary techniques. -Back cover.

This book is a fascinating case study that illustrates the use of multiple levels of consciousness and meaning to access and therapeutically reframe traumatic memories that were the source of very severe phobias and depression. A rare record of Erickson's pioneering genius in facilitating the evolution of new patterns of consciousness and identity in a patient.

"...Provides students and professionals with clear examples of the evolution of clinical hypnotic phenomena. Two major innovations in this volume are the utilization theory of hypnosis and indirect forms of suggestion...Each chapter includes an essay by Ernest Rossi which clarifies and elaborates on the relevant issues of Dr. Erickson's work just illustrated. In these essays Dr. Rossi analyzes Dr. Erickson's approach in order to uncover some of the basic variables that can be isolated and tested by future experimental work...A number of graduated exercises are offered as a guide to aid hypnotherapists to develop their own skills in the clinical arts of observation, hypnotic induction, and the formulation of indirect suggestion..."--inside flap.

"A chalice of wisdom for our time."—Ernest L. Rossi, Ph.D., C.J. Jung Institute of Los Angeles Milton H. Erickson has been called the most influential hypnotherapist of our time. Part of his therapy was his use of teaching tales, which through shock, surprise, or confusion—with genius use of questions, puns, and playful humor—helped people to see their situations in a new way. In this book Sidney Rosen has collected over one hundred of the tales. Presented verbatim and accompanied by Dr. Rosen's commentary, they are grouped under such headings as Motivating Tales, Reframing, and Capturing the Innocent Eye.

This wonderful book is for anyone interested in making their life significantly better. It is a goldmine of insights and techniques from one of the greatest geniuses of personal change. As you use the techniques in this book, you will exponentially increase your ability to make dramatic life-enhancing differences. It is by far one of the most entertaining and professionally stimulating books I have read. It will change your life!"--Paul McKenna, Ph.D, author of I Can Make You Thin and host of The Learning Channel's I Can Make You More than thirty years ago, Richard Bandler set out to discover how some therapists managed to effect startling change with their clients, while others were arguing about theories as their face patients waited in vain for help. Now widely regarded as the world's greatest hypnotist, Richard Bandler observed and developed patterns which became the foundation of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), arguably one of the most profoundly effective approaches for self-development and change. Since coauthoring the internationally influential books, The Structure of Magic Volume 1, and Patterns of the Hypnotic Techniques of Milton Erickson, M.D. Volume 1, Bandler has traveled the world, honing his skills and helping people solve problems and achieve goals when other "experts" have been unable to help. Richard Bandler's Guide to TRANCE-formation, he returns to his roots: hypnotic phenomena, trancework, and altered states to provide a highly compelling prescription for personal change. According to Bandler, "trance" is at the very foundation of human experience. People are not simply in or out of trance, but are moving from one trance to another. They have their work trances, their relationship trances, their driving trances, and their parenting trances. Some of these states are useful and appropriate; others are not. With his signature wit and contrarian approach to therapy, Bandler shows how anyone can reset or reprogram problem behaviors to desired alternatives, with lasting and life-altering results. Peppered with case studies and more than thirty exercises, Richard Bandler's Guide to TRANCE-formation, is an intriguing, engaging, and often amusing, read for anyone, whether they are new to NLP, want to further their NLP training, or simply want to make a positive difference in their own lives.

This outstanding manual on Ericksonian hypnotherapy has been thoroughly revised and updated. There are two new chapters - one on Metaphor Therapy and Guided Metaphor and the other on Ernest Rossi`s work on the psychobiology of gene expression. The latter chapter also contains a section on the brain and hypnosis. Thomas South has extended his chapter on utilization with another section on pain control and the chapter on ethics and the law has also been signigicantly updated. Finally there is a new foreword by Roxanna Erickson Klein and Betty Alice Erickson. `This work is the stately tree, supporting individuality, cooperation and diversity. It is filled with common sense and uncommon sense, with atmosphere and sunhsine, with metaphors for more individual growth, with practice exercises for the present and with thoughts for the future. It gives us all lessons in becoming better therapists, better people,.a and better members of our world.` Roxanna Erickson Klein and Betty Alice Erickson - from the new foreword.