Foundations of Clinical Hypnosis: From Theory to Practice [Hardcover]

This very conveniently sized hard-back would fit into almost any bag and yet manages to deliver an enormous amount of information. It is a very comprehensive overview of clinical hypnosis and its therapeutic methods and applications. Considering the reasonable price, that has to be applauded. The writing style is for the most part very approachable and the range of subject matter most impressive - just click on the 'Look inside' cover illustration above to see what I mean.

Those are the pros, but are there any shortcomings . . . I have not finished the entire book yet, but certain elements are quite obviously missing. For example, whilst the book is great at citing relevant studies throughout, it rarely gives any idea of the number of participants - a detail that can shed additional light on findings. That said, as no big drug company tends to fund such studies for profit and domination, it is not surprising that many fascinating hypnosis studies feature a small number of participants, and I would be the first to vouch for the fact that it is arrogant to pass over one profound breakthrough for any person, especially where it doesn't conform to the 'norm'. Science all too often screens out the often inexplicable wonders of such 'outliers', but if we really are seeking revolutionary breakthroughs in health and consciousness, such cases definitely deserve attention.

It would have been nice to have more detail in the section covering applications for conditions like PTSD or warts, for example. PTSD protocol, for example, is summed up in about 3 lines and yet it is such a rich area, surely worth a paragraph with a tad more depth at least? There is enough to tantalise, but not really enough to suggest any concrete structure. However, one could argue that this is deliberate, since it filters consequent practice so that newcomers will not tackle anything too complex. In some such segments, there is the tendency for the book to be more of an 'observer' than to meaningfully cover either the theory or practice its title suggests. Even so, it remains highly informative and a great reference work and there are other good titles that deliver this much needed information to those in the know.

Finally, early into the book on page 23, there is mention of Erickson testing suggestibility by standing directly before the patient and slowly fully extending his arm to the side at the periphery of the the patient's visual field, then asking, 'What do you see over here?' The ideal response is stated to be 'your hand' and the author confesses that although he doesn't doubt the validity of the test when performed by Erickson, he hasn't personally found it valuable. He states that the test appears to be about the sensitivity of the subject to the word 'here' versus the non-verbal gesture . . . and in that light I would agree with him. However, I feel there is a far more straightforward dynamic which does indeed focus upon the word here. Put simply, if the patient is suggestible and compliant, they will allow themselves to connect the gesture of the moving hand with the word here. If they are unwilling, scared or non-compliant, they resist that temptation and the answer will not be 'your hand', but instead something that moves independently of the therapist's actions, such as 'the wall' or 'a clock' etc. Taken in this light, it really is an excellent measure of willingness, established rapport and trust. Either they are ready to work with the therapist or not . . . and in this light it is a simple, fast and useful test which has the additional facet of being a metaphor for questioning what they are perceiving in this time period and/or in this environment etc.

Overall though, I highly recommend this book. I am loving it and will dip into it often, I am sure! It intrigues newcomers and encompasses a breadth impressive enough to warrant any hypnotherapist's purchase.

Foundations Of Clinical Hypnosis
From Theory to Practice
Edwin K Yager, PhD
ISBN 978 184590122 6
Crown House Publishing Ltd
Edwin Yager is an academic as well as maintaining a private practice in San Diego, California, so this book is an academic tome yet is flavoured fully with concrete experience at the chalk face.
The book is a remarkably slim tome for a work that is so comprehensive in its breadth and scope of content. It is an ideal reference book which gives you, the practitioner, a breadth and depth of knowledge in different areas to equip you with the confidence and ability to translate what you read in to what you do as a matter of practice.
The book is written clearly and succinctly. There is jargon, unlike the book reviewed above, but there is an excellent glossary of all terms used so that one can fully understand what one is reading.
I like its brevity. Nothing is lost through it not being a=2 0thick book. In fact much is gained as it makes it immediately readable.
I would have found this book immensely useful when I was doing my initial training. I find it immensely useful now that I am approaching my 20th year in the profession. This work is ideal for both those setting out on the hypnotherapy road and for those who may feel they have arrived. There is always something new to learn. Always new ideas and strategies to consider. As William C Wester ( USA) says g It is a blend of theory and practice covering most clinical problems and providing a complete bibliography for further investigation. This volume will become a valuable resource in a hypnosis library as well as a basic text in the fieldh. I couldnft have put it better myself.
Dr Yagerfs extensive clinical experience has made him an ideal author for such a book. Here we are in safe hands and we know that we can come away from reading the book with new ideas, new enthusiasm and wider understanding. I feel it has the potential to help us be more creative in our approach to our work and at the same time, more effective.
As is so often the case the excellent format of the book and the care that Crown House has put into its design and production helps to make this book even more impressive, attractive and useable. Another triumph for them, I feel.
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