Customer Reviews

Finding True Magic: Transpersonal Hypnotherapy / NLP

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No other author (that I have read or studied) in this field brings such passion and consciousness to the how to of hypnotherapy as Jack Elias. When I first started with this manual of technique I was pushed back a little by his "process" and then shortly realized that he was literally attempting to move me to an altered state while writing of his purposes and concepts. I could feel the compression of wisdom and mind wrenching and concept blowing sentences that brought whole realms of my own belief systems to the fore to be examined in an instant. Often, I would have to read and reread whole paragraphs and then put the book down and breathe deeply as minirealizations of the Truth of Elias's monologue seeped in. I found my self celebrating "eurekas" often.

Elias teaches that "exploring attaining . . .wholeness and inner peace" is an integral part of his manual for practitioners because he believes that success with clients is directly related to the depth and experience of the therapist's own contemplation and conscious inner life.

So the process of the practitioner becoming more "awake", if you will, is easily woven into the teaching and training process of this manual. Detailed scripts are integrated into the discussions of various areas. Elias breaks the training in the manual into phases. First is a basic introduction to hypnosis and the nature of the egoic mind. Second is an illumination of Regression/Past Life Therapy with discussion on accessing the Higher Self or True Self, coverage of the Vedic traditions of India and its view of Shakti and the power of illusion in an interplay of the psyche that Elias calls "egoic minding" and the awakening from egoic trance. He also includes a model of the psyche that correlates the Neuro Linguistic Programming model of the Psyche with the Five Skandhas of Buddhism.

The manual continues with a great piece on subpersonalities and trance work and an effective (though brief) work on "Shame and the Addictive Personality".

Elias gives a whole section to archetypes, which can minimally play a very helpful role for the hypnotherapist seeking to do a thorough assessment of the client and develop a very "whole" case plan. This section has extensive scripts and commentary on accessing archetypes and utilizing them for the hypnotherapeutic processes.

Finally, the manual deals with shadow work, entity attachment and releasing, couples and group hypnosis, and developing a practice.

Practitioners that want to get themselves out of their "box".
into deeper unfolding of themselves, and even more effective healing with their clients should make this manual a must.

What is True Magic? Sogyal Rinpoche says the Tibetan mystic, Terton Sogyal, was not really impressed by someone who could turn the floor into the ceiling or fire into water. A real miracle happens, he said, if someone can liberate just one negative emotion. Most of us would be happy to liberate just one negative emotion for ourselves, and, if we are in one of the many helping professions, for others. Jack Elias' book, Finding True Magic, makes that kind of miracle accessible for professionals and for those seeking personal growth. True Magic, in Elias' perspective, can be found in the basic goodness of each individual. Grounded in uncompromising and unsentimental faith in innate basic goodness, he assembles a wealth of practical techniques that make the magic of healing profoundly inspiring and understandable. He makes simple observations and then explains how they transform and empower the therapeutic process and personal growth. Finding True Magic is a resource for therapists, a guide for individuals, and the manual for a comprehensive hypnotherapy training course. Elias writes in the genre of Daniel Goleman, Jon Kabat-Zinn and Mark Epstein: brilliant, passionate thinkers with a genius for interpreting and applying Eastern thought for the benefit of Westerners in the helping professions and those seeking to bring illumination to the dilemmas of their personal lives. He draws upon the experience of continuous study during his entire adult life with some of the major teachers of Eastern philosophy who have come to the West. These teachings have been deepened and integrated by his own meditation practice and in 10 years as a counselor, hypnotherapist and teacher. A radical key to Elias' therapy is his "de-hypnosis" approach. He assumes that therapy's goal should be to wake us up from unnecessary limiting trances, not simply to make ourselves more comfortable. For example, he states "Hypnotic processes are redundant...because we are always already in trance," and, "We think we live in the world, but we live in our minds." It seems so simple once you hear it, but recognizing that people are already in trance, that their problem is their trance, and that your job is to help them wake up from the trance, radically alters and empowers therapy. Elias takes this notion one quantum step further by declaring that the greatest limiting delusion, the most powerful trance distortion we experience, is the sense of being a separate fearful self. This false self trance, this "egoic minding process" as he calls it, is the cause of all suffering. Challenging this sacred territory of "who we think we are" is the quickest, most powerful way to dissolve problems and suffering, in Elias' approach. The goal of therapy is not simply to achieve relief of symptoms, but to dismantle this trance of fearful,isolated selfhood. Finding True Magic is an exposition of insights and techniques designed to de-hypnotize us from the tricks, delusions and resulting confusion of this inherently violent and fearful egoic process, freeing up the spontaneous energies and intelligence of healthy change, enjoyment and successful living. Some of the most immediately useful elements are 18 original scripts that can be used by students and therapists in traditional trance work or by individuals as a basis for healing meditation or journaling. Script topics range from self hypnosis for deep, healing relaxation to regression and past life therapy, resolving inner conflicts, pain relief, exploring the human relationship to archetypal energies, and more. Each script reflects the use of relaxation, healing imagery, and application of newly discovered inner resources that lead to ecologically sound, lasting solutions. The solutions and newly recognized resources which emerge spontaneously from the unconscious can be claimed as evidence of the individual's own inner strength and healing power. Solutions - and the ability to generate creative healing solutions - become permanent resources for future growth. Text, instructions, examples and scripts incorporate and teach the arts of hypnotic communication: trance induction techniques, deep relaxation, pacing and leading, neuro-linguistic processes, vivid use of metaphor, imagery and more. The whole approach relies on the natural way the mind perceives, interprets, stores, processes and retrieves sensory information to quickly resolve problems such as phobias, trauma relief, motivation and performance enhancement. The goal of all these techniques is to accomplish brief therapy that is based in natural mind/body healing capacities that are powerful, deep and transformative. Finding True Magic is a resource that makes this liberating kind of work possible for therapists of a variety of persuasions. It provides unforgettable insights about the role of the helper and illuminates the path of personal growth. Gifted writers somehow infuse their work with their own voices. Elias' voice is clear, touching and compelling in these pages, enlivening the text with passion for the material and revealing the depth of his own rigorous honesty and contemplation of the ideas he presents. Direct, articulate and poetic, his writing invites the reader - whether experienced therapist or lay person - to embark upon a journey toward awakening. Finding True Magic evokes fresh new understandings and insights with each re-reading.

More than an excellent explanation of hypnotherapy and NLP techniques, Finding True Magic is an invaluable manual for truly living an awake and ecstatic life, a guide to achieving moment by moment magic throughout one's life.

Jack Elias' therapeutic approach goes far beyond the more superficial levels of popular hypnosis, by dealing with deeper core issues and emphasizing the healing of each person as a whole.

His work is based on the sometimes startling realization that we already walk around in trance, hypnotized by our beliefs and our habitual ways of thinking. Reading this book initiates a mystical process that involves waking up from our limiting thoughts, experiencing the joy, peace, and purity that comprise our inherent magical state, and opening to new choices and new resources in order to honor and respect ourselves and others.

The simple yet profound techniques and ideas found in this book lead to transformations that are indeed truly magical. Finding True Magic is a gift to all humanity.

This book is unique and there is no other hypnotherapy book that is quite like this one. I do recommend it as additional resource and believe that every hypnotherapist can benefit from reading it.

It is loaded with scripts and different techniques from NLP, Ericksonian hypnosis, working with archetypes and similar. It also does incorporate some eastern terminology and worldview which may be a rather foreign territory for western hypnotherapists who were not involved in Eastern studies and may go over their heads as they may not relate to it.

Nevertheless there are a lot of good scripts of transpersonal nature, where the client is guided to access his deeper wisdom and engage in learnings and transformations which are appropriate for the client. For this purpose scripts use quite a bit of indirect (Ericksonian) hypnotic language patterns.

We found this a delightful book for several reasons. First,the text is very succinctly written, with almost an outline format in many sections to aid in reader's comprehension. Secondly, the author blends a mixture of Eastern & Western philosophical perspectives that promote a growing realization that healing can be quicker, less expensive, and more personal than a more traditional medical system has projected. Thirdly, we also feel that reading Jack's book makes us better prepared to work with a wider variety of clientele, which certainly will be to their and our benefit. Fourth, there is a wide breadth of topics covered here - lots of information requiring more than one reading, leading to the desire to discuss same with others in discussion groups if not attend a formal training program with Mr. Elias. Finding True Magic brings together many perspectives into a coherent and usable approach. It aims to find a person's healing, not just fix one's symptoms.

Finding True Magic is a unique and thorough text. However, it is much more than a book of techniques. Jack Elias integrates hypnosis and NLP with spiritual perspectives and principles from Eastern thought, and forms an approach which transcends both, and can take you to the core of your identity: you can find your True Self , and the magic that this brings.
This book can be used for personal development, and also by therapists and healers in their work with individuals and groups.
Anyone who works systematically through the book, will find that any concerns over the ethics and morality of hypnosis or NLP, vanish. As NLP Practitioners, we especially value Jack's transpersonal insights into making the healing process a deep and far reaching one. His processes can not only lead to healing, but also growth; verdant and lush growth, far beyond our own limiting beliefs about ourselves. His work is challenging without a doubt. Allow yourself to wonder just how
many of your beliefs about yourself and the world are truly limiting your potential and you will be sure to get the most from this magical book.
We will use this book and Jack Elias' `Finding True Magic' course to enrich our NLP practice with the high level of transpersonal hypnotherapy skills we are sure he will offer.

Finding True Magic is an exceptional resource for therapists, a guide for individuals, and the textbook for a comprehensive hypnotherapy training course. The second edition of this fine text is elegant; the author's perspectives and techniques clear and accessible.

Jack Elias writes in the genre of Daniel Goleman, Jon Kabat-Zinn and Mark Epstein: brilliant, passionate thinkers with a genius for interpreting and applying Eastern thought for the benefit of Westerners in the helping professions and those seeking to bring illumination to the dilemmas of their personal lives. He draws upon the experience of continuous study during his entire adult life with some of the major teachers of Eastern philosophy who have come to the West. These teachings have been deepened and integrated by his own meditation practice and in 18 years as a counselor, hypnotherapist, and teacher.

Gifted writers somehow infuse their work with their own voices. Elias' voice is clear, touching and compelling in these pages, enlivening the text with passion for the material and revealing the depth of his own rigorous honesty and contemplation of the ideas he presents. Direct, articulate and poetic, his writing invites the reader - whether experienced therapist or lay person - to embark upon a journey toward awakening.

True Magic, in Elias' perspective, can be found in the basic goodness of each individual. Grounded in uncompromising, and unsentimental faith in the presence and function of innate basic goodness, he assembles a wealth of practical techniques that make the magic of healing profoundly inspiring and understandable. He makes simple observations and then describes how they can profoundly transform and empower the therapeutic process and personal growth. For example, he states "Hypnotic processes are redundant...because we are always already in trance," and, "we think we live in the world, but we live in our minds." He then proceeds to give the reader a working understanding of these points.

Elias emphasizes that therapy and self inquiry must be based on the assumption that even problem behaviors, attitudes or emotional pain have behind them an innate pure intent of achieving wholeness and balance. The role of the therapist - and the intent of the book - are to redirect awareness and energy to dissolve habitual patterns fueled by negative emotions that maintain physical, mental and emotional pain. The therapist is the facilitator of a natural healing process rather than a controller "doing" hypnosis to a client in trance.

Some of the most immediately useful elements are a wide variety of original scripts that can be used by students and therapists in traditional trance work or by individuals as a basis for healing meditation or journaling. Each script reflects the use of relaxation, healing imagery, and application of newly discovered inner resources that lead to ecologically sound, lasting solutions. The solutions and newly recognized resources which emerge spontaneously from the unconscious can be claimed as evidence of the individual's own inner strength and healing power. Solutions -and the ability to generate creative healing solutions - become permanent resources for future growth. Script topics range from self hypnosis for deep, healing relaxation, to regression and past life therapy, resolving inner conflicts, pain relief, exploring the human relationship to archetypal energies, and many others..

All of the work - text, instructions, examples and scripts incorporate and teach the arts of hypnotic communication: trance induction techniques, deep relaxation, pacing and leading, neuro-linguistic processes, vivid use of metaphor, imagery and more. The whole approach relies on the natural way the mind perceives, interprets, stores, processes and retrieves sensory information to quickly resolve problems such as phobias, trauma relief, motivation and performance enhancement.

The goal of all these techniques is to accomplish brief therapy that is based in natural mind/body healing capacities that are powerful, deep and transformative. Finding True Magic is a resource that makes this liberating kind of work possible for therapists of a variety of persuasions. It provides unforgettable insights about the role of the helper and illuminates the path of personal growth.

I am honored to share my views of the power found within the pages of Finding True Magic. I have read this book from cover to cover, and continue to turn to it daily, drawing strength, wisdom, grace and guidance from the lessons contained within. Additionally, I enrolled and graduated from the Transpersonal Hypnotherapy/NLP Certification Program at the Institute of Therapeutic Learning, which is taught by the author, Jack Elias.

I am now a Transpersonal Clinical Hypnotherapist, and extend the acquired knowledge, read and taught from Finding True Magic, to my clients. Finding True Magic truly depicts the gift one receives by reading and putting into practice the comprehensible techniques.

The author masterfully guides the reader through a series of basic techniques. He then allows the reader to examine the nature and games of the ego, (which he refers to as "Egoic Minding"). Once equipped with this insight, the author guides the reader to an even deeper level of understanding which allows the reader, to explore and access the unending power within. I could go on but, I invite you to read this exemplary resource in which you can explore the priceless treasure of Finding True Magic within yourself. In my humble opinion, Finding True Magic is an essential resource to the awakening of our own spiritual, emotional and physical healing process.

In addition to Finding True Magic within myself, I have successfully extended these learning's to my clients, friends and family. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a seeker of truth and integrity. The words channeled through this author are touched by the nectar of pure grace.

I was hoping and excited to have a book that relates to my philosophy in life and use it in therapy as well. Unfortunately due to the choppy style of writing, I could not get immersed into this book. If you are looking for a hypnosis manual, I would recommend Professional Hypnotism Manual by John Kappas or Monsters and Magical Sticks: THere is No Such Thing As Hypnosis by Steven Heller.

There's a lot here and Elias certainly knows his stuff. If you haven't experienced the foundational hypnosis work of Dave Elman, you'll have a hard time finding a better advocate than Jack Elias.

When it comes to the transpersonal part, Elias certainly throws his hodgepodge of Vedantic Spirituality, Tibetan Buddhist mental constructs, Psychosynthesis, Astrology, Archetypal psychology, past life regression and a little bit of NLP into the mix. The actual hypnosis work is technically excellent and well explained. I just don't find the philosophical underpinnings particularly well tied together.

Having worked with hypnotherapy for 20 years I can say that Elias know his stuff. If you want your hypnosis with a new age slant, here it is. If you want Buddhist based practices look elsewhere. This is directive hypnosis not mindfulness meditation.