Exceedingly clear, concise, and comprehensive, this volume sets forth the essential fundamentals of both the practice and theoretical underpinnings of clinical hypnosis. It will acquaint readers with a field that is dynamic, diverse, and constantly evolving, and one that offers superb therapeutic tools widely applicable in many clinical contexts. The book is designed as a basic text for graduate and undergraduate courses in clinical hypnosis as well as an information?packed refresher for practicing mental health professionals who wish to explore this provocative discipline. A valuable feature of the book is the comprehensive reference section at the end of each chapter for readers whose interest has been piqued for further exploration. Among the topics Essentials of Hypnosis addresses are: Myths and misconceptions, Prominent paradigms of hypnosis, Varied applications, Human suggestibility, and how to perform tests, How the mind processes hypnotic communication, Susceptibility, Psychological and physical characteristics of the hypnotic state, Environmental and physical variables, Patterns of hypnotic communication, Techniques for traditional and naturalistic inductions, Classical hypnotic phenomena and their inductions Self?hypnosis, Therapeutic utilization of the hypnotic trance?script, Clinical implications of memory, Suggestibility and repressed memory controversy, Overcoming resistance, Pitfalls to avoid, Ethical guidelines. Throughout Essentials of Hypnosis emphasizes the use of hypnotic processes as agents of effective communication and change. Lucid and thought provoking, it offers an integral prelude to the fascinating principles and practice of clinical hypnosis.
Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist residing in Fallbrook, California. He is internationally recognized for his work in clinical hypnosis and outcome-focused psychotherapy, routinely teaching to professional audiences all over the world. He has been invited to present his innovative ideas and methods to colleagues in over 30 countries across six continents, and all over the United States.
Dr. Yapko has had a special interest which spans more than three decades in the intricacies of brief therapy, the clinical applications of hypnosis, and treating the disorder of major depression. He is the author of ten books and editor of three others, as well as numerous book chapters, and articles on the subjects of the brief therapy of depression and the use of clinical hypnosis in strategic psychotherapies.
Dr. Yapko is a member of the American Psychological Association, a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, a member of the International Society of Hypnosis, and a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. He is a recipient of The Pierre Janet Award of Clinical Excellence, a lifetime achievement award from the International Society of Hypnosis, and The Milton H. Erickson Award of Scientific Excellence for Writing in Hypnosis from the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis. He is also a recipient of The Milton H. Erickson Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Psychotherapy.
On the personal side, Dr. Yapko is happily married to his wife, Diane, a pediatric speech-language pathologist. Together, they enjoy hiking in the Great Outdoors in their spare time.
