Handbook of Hypnotic Inductions [Hardcover]

Sonja Benson (Author), George Gafner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2000 | ISBN-10: 039370324X | ISBN-13: 978-0393703245 | Edition: 1

This useful resource provides over two dozen detailed scripts for inducing trance, deepening, realerting, and debriefing. It covers beginning to advanced hypnotic inductions in four main categories: conversational inductions, embedded-meaning inductions, confusional inductions, and directive inductions.

A separate chapter provides inductions appropriate for use with children.The Handbook of Hypnotic Inductions includes numerous clinical vignettes and addresses treatment of depression, anxiety disorders (including PTSD), chronic pain, adjustment disorders, and other problems commonly seen in the office setting. It teaches vital principles and concepts in hypnosis, such as hypnotic language, seeding, amnesia, ideomotor signaling, and Ericksonian utilization. Rich in metaphor and therapeutic stories, this book includes helpful notes for practice and the creation of individually tailored inductions. Without a good induction, there can be no good hypnotherapy. With this ready-to-use manual, therapists can build their confidence and creativity and ensure good hypnotic experiences for their clients.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sonja Benson, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and works in the Employee Assistance Program at Progressive Casualty Insurance Corporation. She is certified in hypnosis by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. She resides in Phoenix. Gafner and Benson coauthored Handbook of Hypnotic Inductions (Norton, 2000).

George Gafner, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., is director of the hypnosis training program and director of the family therapy training program at the Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Tucson. He is the author of Clinical Applications of Hypnosis and co-author (with Sonja Benson) of Handbook of Hypnotic Inductions and Hypnotic Techniques: For Standard Psychotherapy and Formal Hypnosis.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; 1 edition (April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039370324X
• ISBN-13: 978-0393703245
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #161,706 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Brilliant!, May 14, 2000

By 

P. M. Carlesimo "Surf Peter" (Carlisle, Cumbria United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Handbook of Hypnotic Inductions (Hardcover)

This book is first class. All practising hypnotherapists, psychologists and psychiatrists, whether training or fully qualified, should own a copy of this book. Seriously, George Gafner and Sonja Benson provide a catalogue of detailed inductions that can be applied to virtually any patient. Not only are the scripts a great time saver in creating and using inductions, they are material that spark off and inspire the imagination for creating further inductions (you are only limited by your imagination). There are numerous inductions - and the inductions for children are particularly interesting. Apart from the book focusing on inductions, the authors draw on their own professional experiences when treating their patients, which is also another plus for this book. In the text, George Gafner and Sonja Benson also provide general information about psychology that will be of immeasurable assistance to the therpaist who is in training and will act as a refresher for the professional practitioner - as well as an inspiration. There are many books written about the subject of hypnotherapy, many disappointing, but as a professional practitioner I can say that this book does live up to its title. Every therapist should own a copy and have it ready to hand. So what are you waiting for? Go get it!

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Handbook of Hypnotic Inductions, March 13, 2001

By 

Lee M. Darrow (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handbook of Hypnotic Inductions (Hardcover)

The encyclopedic nature of this text shows a careful and complete overview of the field in addition to the practical applications gleaned from years of actual use of these methods. This book a must-have for the practitioner looking to enhance their therapeutic techniques.

Unlike another reviewer, who obviously has never used hypnosis in his practice, hypnosis in therapy, whether as a primary or adjunctive modality, has been proven to be a HIGHLY interpersonal therapy and, when used correctly, a highly effective modality as well in my practice and in those of others as well. That reviewer would do well to do a better review of the literature before pronouncing hypnosis as "snake-oil." Highly recommended.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent manual ... if you know what you're reading., April 13, 2003

By 

alexandersfraser "alexandersfraser" (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handbook of Hypnotic Inductions (Hardcover)

When we take into consideration what this book is supposed to be, that is, a guide to deeper and more productive inductions, the Handbook fills this niche very well.

Those who purchase this book expecting to pour over case after case of imperical data proving the efficacy of hypnotherapy are obviously incapable of reading editorial reviews. This book is not intended to be a scientific journal of double blind tests and control experiments. Indeed, neither the authors nor any reviewer claim such. As has been made clear, this Handbook is merely meant to augment the therapist's own style and present alternatives to techniques for patients that prove to be resistant or not as highly suggestible as others.

For imperical data, consult the New England Journal. For those who have actually studied hypnosis and wish to help their clients break through barriers they thought unachievable, the Handbook is a valuable asset.