"Demystification" has become an intellectual buzzword; finally, we have a book that accurately fits the definition. When most people think of "hypnosis" they imagine either a sinister, Mesmer-esque figure declaring to his subject "you're getting sleepier and sleepier ... your eyelids are getting heavier and heavier, you vill go into trance", or an entertainer compelling a subject to "cluck like a chicken". In this comprehensive introduction to hypnosis based on the pioneering work of Milton H. Erickson, William O'Hanlon demystifies the concept of "trance" and "hypnosis". He goes to the heart of the subject by answering the question: "What is trance?" But be forewarned: This is no dry, formal discourse on trance induction techniques. Rather, readers are invited to share the experience of attending one of O'Hanlon's lively and popular two-day workshops on Ericksonian hypnosis. In an energetic and often humorous manner, O'Hanlon takes his audience through the basics of trance induction and explains the how, what, and why of hypnosis. Readers familiar with Erickson's work will be delighted at the author's Class of Problems/Class of Solutions approach, which deconstructs Ericksonian interventions and provides a powerful new tool in directing clients toward solution. Each individual element of trance induction is explained clearly, through the use of case examples, demonstrations, and audience participation exercises. The book's gradual approach takes readers through the hypnotic process in a step-by-step fashion, increasing their skills and confidence. An integral part of the presentation is O'Hanlon's belief in the importance of respect for client-therapist boundaries and for individualdifferences with regard to experience with and reaction to trance. This sensibility pertains especially to the section on survivors of sexual abuse, but also informs all of his trance work. In the end, it is this respect for others that makes solution-oriented hypnosis and therapy so effective and successful.

A friendly and brief guide to the essentials of hypnosis. Popular author Bill O’Hanlon offers an inviting and reassuring guide to the essentials of hypnosis, alleviating the newcomer’s anxieties about how to make the most of this clinical tool. This brief book illustrates the benefits of solution-oriented hypnosis, which draws on the work of the pioneering therapist Milton Erickson (with whom O’Hanlon studied) and emphasizes doing what is needed to get results—which, more often than not, means trusting that the client holds within him- or herself answers or knowledge that need only be tapped or released by the therapist. O’Hanlon covers the key aspects of hypnosis, including: using possibility words and phrases; using passive language; and inducing trance. O’Hanlon offers practical tips and friendly encouragement for the novice hypnotherapist—in his characteristic warm, reassuring, and humorous style.

Winner of the 2021 Arthur Shapiro Award for "Best Book on Hypnosis" from the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. In Process-Oriented Hypnosis, internationally recognized psychologist Michael D. Yapko provides clinicians with a new framework for utilizing hypnosis with clients. Yapko encourages clinicians to take a broader perspective, in which patterns rather than individual symptoms are the emphasis of therapy. He offers numerous insights into ways clinicians can hone in on the process of how people come to suffer various types of emotional distress. Beyond these insights, Process-Oriented Hypnosis provides highly practical information and specific examples for integrating this innovative perspective into clinical work. The key patterns of human experience are central to the first section of the book, providing a sound conceptual foundation and a wide range of examples. In the second section, Yapko provides ten richly structured hypnosis session transcripts for clinicians to insightfully adapt to their clients’ needs. Process-Oriented Hypnosis offers clinicians a fresh perspective for working with clients that can be integrated into many different treatment models.

The book provides specific and practical techniques, derived fromsolution-focused therapy and Ericksonian hypnosis, for the treatment ofadult survivors of sexual abuse.

A friendly and brief guide to trauma resolution. Here, Bill O'Hanlon uses his characteristic breezy and inviting style to tackle a very difficult issue: trauma resolution. This book details a philosophy and methods of working briefly and effectively with traumatized clients. Simple examples and dialogue, whimsical illustrations, and O'Hanlon's classic reader-oriented approach make this book inviting to therapists and consumers alike.

“If you do one thing different, read this book! It is filled with practical, creative, effective, down-to-earth solutions to life’s challenging problems.” —Michele Weiner-Davis, bestselling author of Healing from Infidelity Tired of feeling stuck all the time when you’re trying to solve a problem or are facing conflict? Do you get easily flustered or angry when a negative confrontation arises? Have you ever wished you could communicate more easily with your spouse, kids, colleagues, or anyone else you have a difference in opinion with? In this newly updated edition of Do One Thing Different, Bill O’Hanlon will arm you with his ten easy Solution Keys so that you can move quickly from “stuck” to “smooth sailing” in all aspects of your life. Humorous, direct, and—most important of all—effective, these keys will help you change how you view and “do” your problems—from difficult relationships to enhancing sexuality and resolving conflicts of all kinds. The next time you have a problem, try one of these Solution Keys: Break Problem Patterns: Change any one of what you usually do in the problem situation by doing one thing different! Example: If you usually get angry and defensive, sit quietly and listen. Find and Use Solution Patterns: Import solutions from other situations where you felt competent. Example: What do you say to resolve a problem with an angry customer that you don’t say to your angry partner? Shift Your Attention: Focus on what you would like to have happen rather than on what is happening. Grounded in therapeutic practice, Do One Thing Different will put you back in control of your emotions and your life.

"This is an essential primer of Ericksonian hypnotherapy and strategic psychotherapy. [...] O'Hanlon provides threads that crystallize practical patterns useful to clinicians at all levels of expertise." -- Jeffrey K. Zeig, Ph.D., Director, The Milton H. Erickson Foundation

This second edition of Solution-focused Therapy remains the most accessible yet comprehensive case-based introduction to the history, theory, research and practice of solution-focused therapy (SFT) within mental health care and beyond. Drawing on contemporary research and the author′s own extensive experience, the fully revised and updated new edition includes: " discussion of recent developments relevant to research and training " a new chapter on challenges to SFT and the integration of SFT with other therapeutic approaches " extended discussion on ethical issues " topical exploration of the application of SFT with patients with personality disorders and dementias " contemporary research on solution-focused coaching and approaches to organizational change " new case material. This highly practical guide should be on the desk of every student or trainee studying this strongly supported, growing approach. It is also a useful resource for practitioners wanting to update their core skills and knowledge.

This volume presents a unique and powerful brief therapy approach that combines the best elements of the strategic and narrative traditions in family therapy. Highly effective in treating a broad range of clinical problems, this integrative model enables therapists to alter meanings while working toward behavior change in a goal-directed framework. Taking readers step by step through the process of change, the book shows how problems develop from the mishandling of ordinary life events and how therapists can map problem cycles, reframe problems with respect, and work with clients to create simple and elegant solutions.

This text highlights the indispensable role of school counselors today, namely as change agents in an increasingly complex and fluctuating school system. Informed by emerging standards of practice and current research, the book adopts the salutary perspective of solution-focused brief therapy as its foundation. It outlines practical and time-sensitive strategies for school counselors to use with students, parents, teachers, and administrators. The Solution-FocusedSchool Counselor encourages readers to envision and proactively construct interactions with students, families, and staff that contribute not only to the formation of an exceptional school, but to the shaping of an effective professional practice. Blending current theory into practice, the authors have consulted research across a variety of disciplines and have related it in an understandable format. School counselors will find this book useful either as a professional resource to be read from cover-to-cover, or as a reference tool from which specific sections may be consulted. This book is an excellent resource for school counselors and students alike. It is also useful for school psychologists and administrators as well as anyone interested in making a difference in the school setting.