Historically viewed as a vehicle for entertainment or the occult, hypnosis has slowly gained recognition as an effective tool in the medical arts, sports programs, and stress seminars. Gradually law enforcement specialists also have used hypnosis - specifically forensic hypnosis - as a powerful tool when collecting information from the witness. Hypnosis serves police and prosecutors by enabling the witness to recall minute details that they had previously forgotten due to momentary excitement or fear.
Investigative Forensic Hypnosis presents the practical application and scientific side of this subject, explaining forensic hypnosis in an understandable way, answering many common questions, and identifying its practical use in the courtroom.
The author, with 22 years of experience in law enforcement and 14 years experience in forensic hypnosis, brings his outstanding law enforcement background and valued expertise to this important, informative handbook, dissolving misconceptions or doubts and illuminating forensic hypnosis as a valuable advantage in any case.
Two parts divide the discussion:
The Essence of Hypnosis - covers the origins of hypnosis to its current uses o explains hypnosis from a scientific approach o clarifies misleading information o provides a logical approach to this unusual phenomenon o illustrates its potential in law enforcement
Investigative Forensic Hypnosis - arms its reader with a clear understanding of hypnosis o discusses applications to the criminal justice system o outlines essential guidelines for correctly using forensic hypnosis o identifies specific procedures for determining the facts of a case
The information presented assists:
o the hypnotist performing this investigative technique
o the investigator considering hypnosis
o lawyers and judges determining the appropriate application of hypnosis in a case
This book provides the framework for hypnosis as a successful and dependable tool to assist in investigations - not to solve crimes by magic but to provide useful, indispensable clues and details. This technique improves information gained from that most important asset in a case - the witness. Understanding the proper guidelines provided in Investigative Forensic Hypnosis can make a good witness a great witness.

In the 23 years since this book was first published, numerous books on the same lines have appeared. Techniques vary minimally, and very few discoveries or developments have been made in the field of using hypnosis in therapy. Such research as has appeared largely confirms what has been known for a very long time, such as its efficacy as an adjunct to chemical analgesia and anaesthesia for intrusive and painful surgical procedures. However, during that period a tremendous and astonishing amount of research has appeared in the fields of neurology, especially brain function, endocrinology and immunology and their interaction, or, more accurately, their total integration with psychological processes. While hypnotic techniques are much as they have been for so long, the underlying and mediating roles of these physical mechanisms in hypnosis are now substantially revealed. Understanding how hypnotic suggestions produce physical effects, and how these physical processes affect what is to be done in hypnosis will illuminate and guide what is attempted in hypnotherapy. The more the therapist bears these mechanisms in mind, the more effective and focused his work will be. This new edition therefore includes a summary account of the most cogent discoveries of the last two decades, and references to some of the most important knowledge acquired in this period in psycho-neuro-endocrino-immunology.

The volume here presented does not assume to be a systematic treatise upon hypnotism, nor even upon its therapeutic uses; for that the works of Bernheim, Moll, Wetterstrand, Tuckey and others may suffice - but there are certain phases of hypnotism which seem to the author to be of special interest and present importance, and it is for the purpose of distinctly presenting these special phases that the following chapters have been prepared.

The age-old notion of 'hypnotic induction' receives a fresh look from notable scholars from Canada, England, Sweden, and the USA in this book. These scholars represent a breadth of theoretical perspectives: cognitive-behavioral, Ericksonian, psychoanalytic, and trance-state. It is well known that a wide range of hypnotic induction protocols is used to prepare individuals to enhance their receptivity to test or clinical suggestions. However, despite its popularity of use, it appears that little is known about its relevancy and boundary conditions either for testing for hypnotisability or for enhancing clinical efficacy. In this volume, the authors reflect on issues surrounding its definitions, relevancy, possible components, and approaches; they also suggest considerations and strategies for optimizing inductions. This book will be of benefit to both newcomers to the field and seasoned researchers and clinicians alike - it can stimulate new thinking and research about this important, but often taken for granted, notion of hypnotic induction. This book was originally published as a special issue of the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis.

First published in 1994. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Contents:
Pain and Hypnosis. Hypnosis. Pain. Controlling Pain. Hypnosis in Pain Control. Hypnosis and Clinical Pain. Cancer. Obstetrics. Surgery. Dentistry. A Perspective on the Hypnotic Control of Pain. Hidden Pain and Its Interpretation. The Future of Hypnosis in Pain Control. Supplement to the First Edition. Recent Developments in the Knowledge of Hypnosis and Pain. Appendices. Stanford Hypnotic Clinical State (SHCS). The Availability of Hypnotic Services.

Written by Jay Haley, renowned therapist, teacher and author, this eclectic collection of articles will engage readers with its fascinating mosaic of fact, observation, anecdote, and commentary. The first chapter provides a succinct biography of this extraodinary man, describing how Erickson overcame numerous adversities in early life, and how these events shaped his development as a highly innovative thinker. Commentaries on Milton Erickson, M.D. examines the practical and theoretical aspects of Erickson's methods, including his therapeutic posture, expectation of change, emphasis on the positive, acknowledgement of more than one solution to a problem, blocking of symptomatic behavior, change in relation to the therapist, use of anectodes, and willingness to "let go" of patients. A Review of Ordeal Therapy focuses on a controversial therapeutic technique successfully used by Erickson. Haley cautions the reader, however, of the care with which this powerful technique should be exercised. A fascinating dialogue between Jay Haley and John Weakland, Remembering Erickson provides readers with irresistable anecdotes about Erickson the psychiatrist and Erickson the man. In Why Not Long?Term Therapy? the author examines this issue and its ramifications in relation to Erickson's beliefs, including the concept of charging by relief of the symptom. In a particularly fascinating article, Haley explores the many characteristics of Zen that are relevant to Ericksonian psychotherapy. The volume concludes with Typically Erickson, a paper celebrating and offering new insights into the artistry of this original thinker.

Related link: Free Email Alerting

Hypnosis in the Management of Sleep Disorders combines history and medical science to show that the use of hypnosis and hypnotic techniques is effective in the treatment of sleep disorders -- and that this is increasingly validated through modern tools (computers, fMRI images). Dr. Kohler and Kurz show readers that hypnosis and hypnotic techniques are not to be feared or avoided, but that their use can contribute to effective, non-intrusive, and cost-effective approaches to the treatment of sleep problems. This volume is a much needed reference for therapists and their patients alike on how hypnosis can be helpful in the treatment of certain sleep disorders.

The scope of Erika Fromm's profound contributions to the clinical and research literature in hypnosis and related areas is reflected in this volume, which consists of chapters written by those who have worked closely with the noted psychologist and/or have been significantly influenced by her. The subject matter presented here ranges from detailed accounts and personal observations relating to Fromm's distinguished career, to some very new and valuable data on the psychophysiological correlates of hypnosis, the phenomenology of self-hypnosis, and an integrative model for short-term therapy. Several extensions of clinical technique for the treatment of trauma and severe psychopathology are also discussed. Professional therapists with an interest in personal growth, self-awareness, and creative mastery, whether or not they already have an interest in hypnosis, will derive significant benefits from this book. Readers who have previously eschewed hypnosis may find that this volume stimulates an interest that enriches their clinical practice and/or research.

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.

Related link: Free Email Alerting

"During the past several years there have been ever-increasing numbers of physicians, dentists, and psychologists interested in hypnosis, both therapeutic and investigative. Reliable sources of clinical information and instruction were practically non-existent except for a few scattered individuals. To meet this need, to interest universities, and to stimulate medical and dental schools to an awareness of the importance of teaching clinical hypnosis, a group of experienced clinicians competent in teaching were formed. Throughout the United States, under the auspices of various professional societies and universities, this group conducted seminars on hypnosis. "This book is compiled from the tape recordings of dozens of those seminars, and thus it contains the material as it was presented, with all the simplicity, directness, and effectiveness of the classroom presentation. "It is no more, no less, than a comprehensive presentation of the material upon which thousands of clinicians throughout the United States have based the initiation and development of their successful clinical use of hypnosis." -Milton H. Erickson, M.D. (1961)

The subject of hypnosis has not lost any of its ability to fascinate and intrigue - and this holds equally true for both the layperson and the student of hypnotic behavior. Phenomena of hypnosis range from simple tasks involving ideomotor response to more complex tasks involving substantial distortions of perceived reality such as age regression, hallucination, and amnesia. Obviously, with a topic so diverse and so interesting, there are plenty of books around. Originally published in 1982, what makes this title stand out is the authors' focus: instead of trying to survey the whole field and evaluate the full spectrum of theories about hypnosis, they hone in on specific points of view with the aim of illustrating the nature of hypnotic phenomena.

Originally published in 1976, this title looks closely at the current nature of controls in hypnosis research at the time and tries to assess what they contributed to our knowledge of hypnosis. Specifically, the book analyses the contributions to our understanding of hypnotic phenomena offered by the application of six contemporary methodologies, or paradigms, of hypnosis. The primary concern is with those paradigms that are experimental, rather than clinical, in orientation, and which had emerged over the previous decade as coherent programmatic collections of procedural strategies, all of them associated with distinct and important views of how hypnotic behaviour can best be explained.

Are you struggling with your weight and tired of feeling so heavy and out of control with food all the time? Are you an emotional eater feeling desperate and stuck with a bunch of bad habits? Do you feel like you know what you should be doing to lose the weight, but find it hard to follow through day after day? If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then award-winning hypnotist Erika Flint's second book Lighter is right for you. Lighter incorporates insights from helping hundreds of clients finally lose the weight with leading-edge hypno-sis techniques, and makes it easy to implement with 31 tools to get you started feeling lighter right away. This book serves as a reference guide you'll return to over and over to keep you on the path of emotional light-ness and weight loss without the struggle. Written in a loving and compassionate voice, readers will appreciate the authors obvious love for her clients and how she helps them achieve lightness in their own life with power-ful tools that work with the mind and body - not against them. Harness the power of your heart and mind and achieve lasting weight loss without the struggle.

Maternity services and choices for labour and birth are fast evolving. Hypnobirth involves preparation for childbirth using tried and tested hypnotherapy techniques in harmony with midwifery best practices and increasing numbers of women are turning to the technique. Written by two experienced practitioners, this is the first evidence-based practice book for medical professionals on this subject. Chapters include coverage of: What hypnosis is and the history of hypnobirth The power of the mind and the effect of language Relaxation and breathing techniques The neocortex and hormones Birth partners, relationships, women's advocates and primary supporters Throughout the book the authors provide health professionals working in clinical midwifery practice with information and evidence-based findings to support the use of hypnobirth. The book includes case studies, scripts and reflective questions to encourage a deeper understanding of the techniques and issues and to engage and inspire the reader. Hypnobirth is essential reading for midwives, obstetricians, student midwives, doulas and any practitioner involved in preparing and supporting pregnant women for labour.

Hypnosis is now being used by doctors, dentists and therapists to help cure or relieve a wide range of illnesses, personality problems and emotional and psychological conditions.

It has been used to treat phobias and many nervous symptoms; the help people give up smoking, alcohol and drugs; to overcome shyness, stammering, uncontrollable blushing, nail biting and certain allergies; to curb weight problems (both obesity and anorexia); to help overcome impotence, frigidity and other sexual difficulties; in dentistry as a substitute to local anaesthetics and to counter needle-phobia, tooth-grinding and excessive salivation; to alleviate pain and insomnia; to achieve relaxation in pregnancy and childbirth; and also in the treatment of behaviour problems and in crime detection.

Originally published in 1981, in this book, the late Dr David Waxman a medically qualified therapist who had practised hypnosis for over twenty years at the time of writing and who had lectured on the subject throughout the world explains exactly what hypnosis is; gives a concise history of its practice; discusses the scientific theories about it and how it is used today; and describes what it can and cannot do and when and how it is best used. "

This book integrates cognitive therapy with hypnotherapy and provides principles and illustrations of hypnotic routines that can be used in changing cognitive self-statements, cognitive processing distortions, and tacit cognitive structures. It extends the imagery work previously used in cognitive therapy into a complete and comprehensive hypnotherapeutic approach to help people change negative and self-defeating cognitions into more positive and adaptive ones. Dr. Dowd demonstrates the use of cognitive hypnotherapy in treating various disorders, in reconstructing memories, and in helping normally healthy individuals overcome blocks to more effective performance.

Modern hypnosis can be traced back to the 18th century and during this period mesmerism, as it was then known, was a healing practice which spread throughout Europe and North America. Since then hypnosis has been treated primarily as a psychological phenomenon and theories about hypnosis are grounded in mainstream psychology and its related disciplines. Most recently it has been subject to extensive clinical trials to investigate its therapeutic effectiveness. In their comprehensive introduction to this invaluable collection the editors trace the historical development of hypnosis, providing an excellent review of the theories that have tried to explain how hypnosis works and reflecting on the cultural and scientific attitudes and practices that prevailed at various times. They have selected the most important previously published papers that reveal how a scientific approach to understanding hypnosis as a psychological phenomenon has emerged over the last 70 years. They have also included a selection of reports on clinical applications and on legal and forensic issues. As such this volume will prove an invaluable reference resource for researchers and students already in the field and new scholars interested in learning more about hypnosis.

First published in 1994. Some episodes of depression can even be prevented, but the greater focus in this book is on responding to the experience of depression that is already present in the afflicted individual. This book represents an effort to make the extremely complex and subjective experience of depression one that can be better understood and more effectively treated. It does not represent a school of therapy in a singular way. Rather, it promotes the recognition of the diversity of human experience such that an emphasis on anyone approach will seem obviously self-limiting.

First published in 1986. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

DO YOU WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT? HAVE YOU TRIED DIETS AND FAILED? DO YOU WANT A COMPLETELY NEW APPROACH? A Gastric Band is a radical, surgical operation that reduces the available space in the stomach. Paul McKenna's Hypnotic Gastric Band is a psychological procedure that can help to convince the unconscious mind that a gastric band has been fitted, so the body behaves exactly as if it were physically present. HOW DOES IT WORK? Along with the book, the system contains a free audio hypnosis session and video download instructions to provide complete support for physical and psychological change whilst you lose weight. There's no physical surgery, no scarring and no forbidden foods. Just follow all the instructions and let Paul help you lose weight.

Today, hypnotism is recognized as an effective therapeutic tool and its importance is growing. This book shows how hypnotism reached its present status of acceptance, through two centuries of pioneering effort by several fascinating personalities. Special emphasis is placed on the life and work of Dr. Milton H. Erickson, the foremost mid-20th century exponent of hypnotism and the acknowledged father of modern hypnotherapy. This is the first book to provide a thorough narrative and biographical account of hypnotism's progress from 1775 to the present day. In addition to the history of hypnotism from its shamanistic origins to the modern clinical applications of today, this book looks forward to still greater advances in the use of hypnosis for the relieving and blocking of pain, and in enhancing the human immune system.

Straightforward and concise, Clinical Hypnotherapy: A Transpersonal Approach, covers all the bases of hypnotherapy. Learn about altered states of consciousness and the four levels of mind that the great modern mystic, Edgar Cayce, utilized in his readings. Includes information on induction; trance depth; client interview; suggestion; regression; the collective unconscious; the superconscious mind; and past life memories. An ideal body, mind, spirit oriented text for the student of hypnotherapy, or those considering hypnotherapy for themselves. The author has written two other books in holistic health. He lives in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.