"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.

A friendly and brief guide to the essentials of hypnosis.

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.

Solution-focused therapy is often misunderstood to be no more than the techniques it is famous for—pragmatic, future-oriented questions that encourage clients to reconceptualize their problems and build on their strengths. Yet when applied in a "one-size-fits-all" manner, these techniques may produce disappointing results and leave clinicians wondering where they have gone wrong. This volume adds a vital dimension to the SFT literature, providing a rich theoretical framework to facilitate nonformulaic clinical decision making. The focus is on how attention to emotional issues, traditionally not emphasized in brief, strengths-based interventions, can help "unstick" difficult situations and pave the way to successful solutions.

"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

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.