What is hypnosis? Despite widespread misconceptions, hypnosis is not a treatment in itself; instead, it is a facilitator -- a useful diagnostic tool that can help the practitioner choose an appropriate treatment modality and accelerate various primary treatment strategies. The second edition of this remarkable work (first published 25 years ago) is written to provide both beginning and seasoned practitioners with a brief, disciplined technique for mobilizing and learning from an individual's capacity to concentrate. Putting to rest both exaggerated fears about hypnosis and overblown statements of its efficacy, this compelling volume brings scientific discipline to a systematic exploration of the clinical uses and limitations of hypnosis. The challenge was to develop a clinical measurement that could transform a fascinating amalgam of anecdotes, speculations, clinical intuitions and observations, and laboratory advances into a more fruitful and systematic body of information. Thus was born the authors' Hypnotic Induction Profile (HIP), a crucial 10-minute clinical assessment procedure that relates the spectrum of hypnotizability to personality style, psychopathology, and treatment outcome. Structured to reflect the flow of a typical evaluation and treatment session and highlighted by case examples throughout, this remarkable synthesis describes how to use the HIP, reviews relevant literature, and details principles and short- and long-term treatment strategies for smoking control; eating disorders; anxiety, concentration, and insomnia; phobias; pain control; psychosomatic disorders and conversion symptoms; trichotillomania; stuttering; and acute and posttraumatic stress disorders and dissociation. Meticulously referenced and indexed, this in-depth work concludes with an appendix on the interpretation and standardization of the HIP.This unique work stands out in the literature because It is written both as an introduction for practitioners new to hypnosis and as an in-depth guide for practitioners with wide experience in hypnosis. Unlike current clinical works, it emphasizes the importance of performing a systematic assessment of hypnotizability to identify, measure, and utilize a given patient's optimal therapeutic potential -- a process that, until now, has been relegated to clinical intuition. It describes human behavior phenomenologically as it relates to hypnosis in a probable rather than an absolute fashion. It reviews only specific portions of the literature that are particularly relevant to the important themes presented by the authors. Wherever possible, the authors apply statistical methods to test their hypotheses. The realm of scientific investigation encompassing hypnosis and psychological dysfunction is comparatively new. This exceptional volume, with its profusion of systematic data, will spark controversy and interest among scientific students of hypnosis everywhere, from psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychoanalysts to physicians, dentists, and other interested clinicians.

This book describes a new model for trance as well as practical techniques to analyse and design trances. Writing from his personal experience, Wier suggests that some of these ideas might represent new practical precision tools for psychologists as well as for those who work with the occult. Practical suggestions for meditators, yogis, witches and others are included to deepen trance and to increase the trance force as well as techniques to terminate a trance. Pathological trance and trance abuse are also described with suggestions on how they may be recognized and prevented.

Dissociation challenges many comfortable assumptions. Dissociative phenomena are often stark, extreme, and vivid. The identities of individuals with dissociation disorders shift between apparent opposites. Their pain is ignored. Trauma victims report floating above their injured bodies. Are these arcane, dramatic, or staged events, or does dissociation underlie some fundamental aspect of mental organization? Is dissociation the product of a troubled mind or a key to understanding the structure of consciousness and the mind-body relationship? Dissociation: Culture, Mind, and Body is the first book to combine cultural anthropology, cognitive psychology, neurophysiology, and the study of psychosomatic illness to present the latest information on the dissociative process. A variety of leading experts in each of these fields bring their knowledge on the unique role that dissociation plays in moderating social and psychological effects on the body. Dissociation: Culture, Mind, and Body is an invaluable resource for every student of dissociation and is designed for professionals in cross-cultural psychiatry and the influence of the mind on the body. Dissociation: Culture, Mind, and Body includes New theories of dissociation New measures of dissociation New evidence of the physical effects of dissociative processes

Despite their clinical utility, hypnotic phenomena are vastly underutilized by therapists in their work with patients. Whether this is due to uncertainty about how to use specific techniques constructively or how to elicit particular phenomena, or anxiety about not being able to obtain a desired result, this volume will guide hypnotherapists toward higher levels of clinical expertise. By describing varied hypnotic phenomena and how they can be used as vehicles of intervention, The Phenomenon of Ericksonian Hypnosis takes the therapist beyond these fundamental applications toward a broader, more sophisticated scope of practice. This immensely readable book addresses the selection, eliciting, and therapeutic use of hypnotic phenomena that are natural outgrowths of trance. It offers step?by?step instruction on eliciting age progression, hypnotic dreaming, hypnotic deafness, anethesia, negative and positive hallucination, hypermnesia, catalepsy, and other hypnotic phenomena. The book includes specific instruction on how to use the phenomena manifested in trance to provide more effective treatment. Numerous case examples vividly illustrate intervention with anxiety disorders, trauma and abuse, dissociative disorders, depression, marital and family problems, sports and creative performance, pain, hypersensitivity to sound, psychotic symptomatology, and other conditions. The Phenomenon of Ericksonian Hypnosis will be used by therapists as a valuable clinical tool to expand their conceptualizations of hypnosis, and thus enable them to offer a wider repertoire of skills with which they can confidently treat clients.

Today, many advocates of hypnosis claim for it significant therapeutic benefits as an anesthetic, a method for controlling labor pains, an element in the treatment of dermatological conditions, and a way of gaining relief from certain types of chronic illness. But all such claims presuppose that the advocates of hypnosis are correct in assuming the existence of a "trance state" in which these phenomena can take place, and in their beliefs about just how susceptible the general population is to being hypnotized. It would seem, therefore, that even before one gets to the therapeutic claims, these prior assumptions and beliefs must be critically evaluated. Hypnosis: The Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective brings together the work of twenty researchers who seek to analyze the evidence for hypnotic susceptibility, trance states, nonvoluntary behavior, posthypnotic amnesia, the perceptual effects of hypnosis (temporal and otherwise), and more. Throughout these essays the experience of hypnosis is placed within a social psychological context, which the editors believe more accurately explains the phenomena by comparing it to other individual and social behavior. In addition, this fascinating volume discusses socio-political factors affecting popular and clinical attitudes toward hypnosis and offers suggestions regarding future research. The scope of this comprehensive sourcebook makes it an ideal research tool and a handy reference guide for those exploring experimental and theoretical issues as well as the clinical applications of hypnosis.

This book focuses on tested hypnoanalytic techniques, with step-by-step procedures for integrating hypnosis into psychoanalytic processes. In its examination of the latest thinking, research, and techniques, the book discusses historical origins of hypnosis as well as how to apply it to current events, such as using hypnosis in the treatment of trauma with soldiers coming out of the war in Iraq. The text shows how hypnosis can be combined with psychoanalysis to make it possible to understand the subjective world of clients. Its accessible nature, rich detail, and significant updates make the book an invaluable resource for the professional who wishes to incorporate hypnosis into his or her practice. With the authors’ extensive and impressive knowledge, careful updates, and comprehensive coverage of the proper and appropriate techniques to use, this volume is an indispensable addition to the field.

Psychotherapist, Noel Eastwood, takes you on an inner journey of self-discovery and healing. He draws upon numerous case studies to demonstrate how ordinary people can overcome limiting beliefs and traumatic experiences using self-hypnosis. The author illustrates how to use exercises from NLP, Inner Child, Gestalt therapy, Arnold Mindell's process therapy, Jungian psychotherapy and traditional Taoist meditation techniques. Journey into your deep unconscious using simple self-hypnosis techniques to uncover the dragons feeding on your sadness, loneliness, anxiety, anger, and fear. Learn how to tame your dragons and release yourself from limiting beliefs. Embedded in this book are a multitude of simple tools and techniques of self-hypnosis that can change your life, develop undiscovered talents and allow you to live fearlessly. The author's message is that we are empowered by choice and never limited by fate. The book is loaded with a wealth of true stories from elite athletes, age regression, past lives, children's problems, imagery and remote viewing, working with archetypes, stress reduction and many spiritual and psychic growth exercises. Combining 30 years of experience with self-hypnosis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, guided imagery, and meditation - this book is fast becoming a classic in the field of mind control and spiritual growth. It includes chapters for elite sports, martial arts, guided imagery for your child's nightmares, anxiety and weight loss scripts, how to heal your inner child of trauma, astral travel and how to develop your kundalini - to name just a few. Reviews "An incredible book, utterly riveting, absolutely magical!” SP "I really liked this book and thought it was a good read. If you are someone that meditates I'm sure you will also find it interesting. It's not that long and not very expensive so for me it's like, why not? I'm a big fan of self hypnosis as I used it to achieve a beautiful birth several years ago. Since then I have been kind of doing my own thing meditating but this book really helped me expand my mental exercises. It essentially gives a ton of different ways to explore your own psyche. I find it to be a very helpful guide to self hypnosis. The chapter on scary dreams tremendously helped me navigate this problem with my 5 year old daughter. Now each night before bed she gets so excited to go to her personal Fanstasyland, where we often deal with the things that are troubling her in a safe and self-empowered way. For this reason alone it was worth it to me.Also I'm a lifelong student of astrology and I loved his combination of these two worlds, astrological archetypes and deep meditation. Good stuff." AT "This a fun book to read. Noel's writing style is informative and flows nicely. I have the Kindle version. Buy it you'll like it!!" MK "Digs deep into the issues of life, be it struggles or challenges. noel not only explains the roots of inner dragons, but also describes how to identify them. Living with Dragons is an insightful and practical look at the negative thoughts and emotions that can impede our lives on a daily basis. This book will not only help you shed light on things you may have tried to hide, but it will also guide you towards practical steps to slay your Dragons. No matter what negativity fills your inner World, Living with Dragons will help you move towards it, face it head on, and squash it." C "This work is a vital and necessary tool for anyone wishing to understand and confront their 'inner demons'...or 'dragons' as Noel so aptly names them. His prodigious experience as a clinical psychologist is clearly apparent here, yet it is not couched in confusing medical terminology but instead with mythologies we all know, and instructions on 'how to' that are so very easy to read and to understand. In fact he makes it hard not to want to attempt this journey inward, and to meet those inner dragons that we all have somewhere within. Herein he gives invaluable directions on ways in which to make this inward journey via trance and self-hypnosis methods, both safely and productively. The examples he gives are not only fascinating but intensely engaging in every way. This work is inspiring, exciting and riveting, and I strongly recommend it." S

This volume sets forth a holistic application of hypnosis that, although grounded in Ericksonian health techniques, embraces the positive paradigms of wellness, tranquility, and optimal performance. The primary focus is on enhancing mental and physical wellbeing by cultivating the healthy parts of the psyche and soma - a more beneficial therapeutic goal, in the authors' view, than the traditional emphasis on diagnosing and treating pathology.; The authors demonstrate why and how hypnotherapy is a particularly effective means of enhancing wellbeing and present a Variety Of Hypnotherapeutic Techniques For Promoting Health, Harmony, And peak mental and physical performance. The book includes a chapter on writing your own hypnosis scripts.

This is the most important volume on hypnosis and pain since the 1970s. It is a must-have for practitioners and researchers.---Arreed Barabasz, PhD, ABPP, Professor and Editor, International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis; author of Hypnotherapeutic Techniques, Second Edition; and Editor of Medical Hypnosis Primer: Clinical and Research Evidence The strain in pain lies mainly in the brain. Patterson shows us how to take advantage of that fact in clear and evidence-based language. If you want to add hypnotic analgesia to your set of psychotherapeutic skills painlessly, read this book. Your patients will thank you.---David Spiegel, MD, Willson Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine; coauthor of Trance and Treatment: Clinical Uses of Hypnosis Today, hypnosis and hypnotic phenomena are in the mainstream of clinical, cognitive, and social psychology, and practitioners can benefit from a wealth of research to guide their interventions. In this second edition of a landmark book, Lynn, Rhue, and Kirsch have undertaken a significant revision to their classic text, first published over 15 years ago. Through session transcripts, illustrative case examples, and step-by-step procedures, this highly readable volume explores the benefits of incorporating hypnotic methods into treatment plans for such common disorders and conditions as anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, pain and medical conditions, smoking, and eating disorders. This book lays out an empirically documented program for treating patients experiencing acute and chronic pain, two of the most common symptoms in modern society. Going beyond traditional biomedical remedies, Gatchel offers a comprehensive viewpoint that takes into consideration not only biological but also psychological and social variables. Clinical Hypnosis for Pain Control is a compelling argument for the use of hypnotic analgesia as a viable alternative to psychopharmacological interventions for controlling acute, chronic, and postoperative pain, as well as pain from nonsurgical procedures. Yet clinical hypnosis is not an "alternative" medicine, Patterson argues; rather, it is an innovative way of using a patient's subconscious resources to distract, dislocate, or reduce pain in a variety of clinical settings---from the ER to the hospital's rehabilitation wing. As the staff psychologist at a bum center, Patterson draws on his experiences---and many hypnotic inductions---in helping patients deal both with severe pain and with other types of acute and chronic pain, such as headaches, fibromyalgia, cancer, and neuropathy. Written for a general clinical audience---but particularly for pain specialists---this volume also provides a masterful survey of the different types of pain as well as a variety of easy-to-follow induction examples (with instructive commentary) for the major types of pain syndromes. The book is also an excellent resource for students and researchers who want to explore hypnotic analgesia's scientific basis and its growing acceptance as an evidence-based practice. In the penultimate chapter, Patterson outlines a groundbreaking approach of combining brief counseling techniques and Ericksonian hypnosis for long-term pain management.

For nearly four decades, Trancework has been the definitive textbook for thousands of professionals undergoing training in the art and science of clinical hypnosis. Now in its 5th edition, this classic text continues its legacy of encouraging sound clinical practice based in established scientific research. This latest edition incorporates new studies and emerging topics within the field of hypnosis, including new chapters on depression and the construction of process-oriented interventions. Readers can expect to receive a comprehensive overview of current developments in the domain of hypnosis, an in-depth consideration of the practical and ethical issues associated with its use, and a greater appreciation for its many therapeutic applications. This thorough, engaging text equips professionals with the essential skills to change clients’ lives by using hypnosis to enhance treatment of both medical and psychological issues.