Trancework: An Introduction to the Practice of Clinical Hypnosis, Second Edition (Hardcover)

by Michael Yapko (Author) "A few years ago, a local high school student called me and asked whether I would be willing to speak to his psychology class about..." (more)
Key Phrases: doing trancework, various trance phenomena, previous trance experiences, Milton Erickson, San Diego, Jay Haley (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"...a must for every health professional who uses or wants to learn to use the powerful tool of hypnosis." -- Jordan I. Zarren, MSW, DAHB, DCSW, Past-President, American Society of Clinical Hypnosis

"...a state of the art sourcebook that spans the depth and breadth of the hypnotic tradition." -- Maggie Philips, Ph.D., co-author of Healing the Divided Self: Clinical and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy for Posttraumatic and Dissociative Conditions

"Clinicians, students, and researchers will undoubtedly find this the best single book they can read on the topic of hypnosis." -- Stephen R. Lankton, MSW, DAHB

"Dr. Yapko's new edition of Trancework...goes considerably beyond previous editions in giving a wealth of clinical options..." -- Etzel Cardena, Ph.D., President, The Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis

Yapko has made the best text on hypnosis even better. His commitment to sound science, clarity of reason and pragmatic applications is communicated with a passion in this new edition of Trancework. The freshness of information and skills, built on the wisdom of former editions, make this a state-of-the-art book for every therapist who wants to be (and shouldnt we all be?) a state-of-the-art practitioner. - George W. Burns, clinical psychologist, Author, 101 Healing Stories and Standing Without Shoes

[Yapko] has captured and made explicit in this volume many of the details and fine points of how effective therapy can occur when hypnosis is used as a core component of the intervention. In this way, the author achieves one of his central goals: to convey the 'artistry' of hypnosis to the reader. -- From the foreword by Steven J. Lynn, Ph.D., Binghamton University
Clinicians, students, and researchers in hypnosis will undoubtedly find this the best single book they can read on the topic of hypnosis. -- Stephen R. Lankton, MSW, DAHB, Founding Editor,Ericksonian Monographs, Co-author, The Answer Within and Tales of Enchantment
I recommend Trancework wholeheartedly to all who are interested professionally in hypnosis. It is a thought-provoking and very practical text that will stimulate its readers as it engages them. -- Professor Peter W. Sheehan, AO, Vice-Chancellor, Australian Catholic University, Co-author, Hypnosis and Experience, and Hypnosis, Memory,and Behavior in Criminal Investigation
Yapko finds the balance in Trancework. The mix of theory and practice is right: section one helps readers understand contemporary concepts and findings, with enough links to practical matters to keep readers grounded; section two helps readers apply specific hypnotic techniques in the context of therapy, with appropriate references to theoretical issues in hypnosis and beyond. The mix of simplicity and sophistication is right: readers new to hypnosis will be engaged by the clarity of exposition; those experienced in hypnosis will be impressed by the depth of knowledge that is conveyed. Trancework will be a major resource for those with therapeutic knowledge and skills who wish to integrate evidence-based proficiency in hypnosis into their interactions with clients. -- Kevin M. McConkey, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Co-author, Hypnosis, Memory, and Behavior in Criminal Investigation
Yapko has made the best text on hypnosis even better. His commitment to sound science, clarity of reason and pragmatic applications is communicated with a passion in this new edition of Trancework. The freshness of information and skills, built on the wisdom of former editions, make this a state-of-the-art book for every therapist who wants to be (and shouldn't we all be?) a state-of-the-art practitioner. -- George W. Burns, B.A. (Hons.), clinical psychologist, Author, 101 Healing Stories and Standing Without Shoes
Michael Yapko delivers a state of the art sourcebook that spans the depth and breadth of the hypnotic tradition. Up to date chapters on neuroscience and social psychology, as well as on the practical applications of hypnosis, provide beginning and seasoned practitioners alike with creative ways to design and implement effective interventions. If you want to add a book to your library that is destined to be a classic, Trancework is a safe bet! -- Maggie Phillips, Ph.D., Co-author, Healing the Divided Self: Clinical and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy for Posttraumatic and Dissociative Conditions
Dr. Yapko's new edition of Trancework provides an informed, thoughtful, and practical overview of clinical hypnosis. It goes considerably beyond previous editions in giving a wealth of clinical options, with helpful discussions of their advantages and disadvantages. I cannot think of a single-authored book that provides a better thorough introduction to clinical hypnosis. -- Etzel Cardeña, Ph.D., President, The Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, Past President, Society of Psychological Hypnosis, and Professor, University of Texas-Pan American
Of the many excellent books Dr. Yapko has authored, both for health professionals and the general public, Trancework is the most detailed and comprehensive. This book is a must for every health professional who uses or wants to learn to use the powerful tool of hypnosis to help patients and clients. I highly recommend Trancework and will personally refer to it often in my own work. -- Jordan I. Zarren, MSW, DAHB, DCSW, Past President: American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, Diplomate: American Hypnosis Board for Clinical Social Work & National Association of Social Workers; Co-Author: Brief Cognitive Hypnosis: Facilitating the Change of Dysfunctional Behavior --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description
In this most lucid, comprehensive text, Dr. Yapko clearly describes what hypnosis is and why it works. And most importantly, he teaches that a broad range of hypnotic methods and techniques will greatly enhance the effectiveness of a preferred mode of therapy. Also featured are six excerpted trance scripts covering emotional and pain management and self-care; an entire transcript, with commentary, of a moving session with a terminally ill woman; numerous easy-access information tables; and 10 inspiring mini-interviews with such leading figures as Haley, Hilgard, and Seligman.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 480 pages
• Publisher: Brunner/Mazel; 2 edition (January 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876305680
• ISBN-13: 978-0876305683
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #359,180 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #28 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Medical > Alternative Medicine > Hypnotherapy
  #42 in	Books > Science > Medicine > Alternative & Holistic > Hypnotherapy
  #94 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Psychology & Counseling > Hypnosis

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is what it says, August 12, 2006

By	J. Barr (Westerville, OH USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Trancework: An Introduction to the Practice of Clinical Hypnosis (Hardcover)

I've studied hypnosis with Stepp, Bandler, and Dobson and read just about every book by Bateson, Haley, Watzlawick,Zeig, Hilgard,Rossi, and Weitzenhoffer as well as the collected works of Milton Erickson....I wish I had found this book early on. It's a great foundation book that everyone who studies and uses hypnosis as a tool should have in their library. Yapko is obviously influenced by the Erickson approach to hypnosis but this doesn't prevent him from providing the alternatives and how they might be appropriately used depending on how the client presents. If you are new to hypnosis YOU NEED TO BUY THIS BOOK.

I am not a psychotherapist,psychologist,or psychiatrist(and for some people that's enough for you to completely discount this review) but I use hypnosis as a tool in my practice as a performance counselor and I'm a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists. I've received a lot of prejudice and discrimination from members of clinical groups in the past... Although Yapko writes for a clinical audience I found nothing in the book demeaning to those of us who are hypnotists practicing in environments other than healthcare.

It's always great to find a book which is what it claims to be...in this case "An Introduction to the Practice of Clinical Hypnosis." If you are new, this book will give you a strong start. I'd recommend reading it before any training in hypnosis...and then reading it again.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary range and depth of consideration of the topic, February 10, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Trancework: An Introduction to the Practice of Clinical Hypnosis (Hardcover)

I am a psychologist in private practice and am quite experienced with hypnosis. In fact, I do trainings in the subject locally. I have been using Dr. Yapko's excellent text, Trancework, in my clinical courses for years, and was eagerly awaiting the new and updated edition ever since I received an announcement from the publisher that it was in press. I had high expectations, and not only did Dr. Yapko meet them, he exceeded them. This new edition is unbelievably thorough, well referenced with almost up-to-the-minute research findings, and comprehensive in its review of the field. Dr. Yapko has added new chapters on the cognitive neuroscience of hypnosis and effective treatment planning, as well as many new sections on important clinical issues. His approach is so sensible and practical! The endorsements from many key people in the field certainly lend support to my opinion. I also love the mini-interviews with key figures in the field as well as all the structured exercises and points to discuss in each chapter. They make the book both enjoyable to read and valuable to use as a guide to developing hypnotic skills. But most of all, Dr. Yapko's ability to give clarity to the concepts and issues of the field while providing step-by-step structures for integrating hypnosis into clinical practice is nothing short of brilliant. One of the chapters is his transcript of a session with a woman only 42 years old who is dying of cancer and wants hypnosis for pain management. It's quite intense. I ordered the DVD from Dr. Yapko's website, www.yapko.com, and watching it is a very moving experience. It was especially helpful to read along in the book as I watched in order to better understand some of the subtleties of Dr. Yapko's interventions. If there's a weakness in Trancework, I have no idea what it would be. I simply cannot say enough good things about this book. It is superb!

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A sweeping, accessible overview of the hypnotic process., July 16, 2005

By	Richard A. Voit "Rick Voit, Ph.D." (Brunswick, ME USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Trancework: An Introduction to the Practice of Clinical Hypnosis (Hardcover)

Rick Voit, Ph.D. Co-author: Hypnosis in Clinical Practice: Steps for Mastering Hypnotherapy. (Routledge)

Trancework is a wonderful achievement in presenting a thorough conceptual framework and understanding of trance states, hypnotic communication and the rationale for technique. Through its clear language, thorough review of research, and the introduction of powerful and novel teaching formats, Yapko carefully carries the reader from this well-established framework into very practical applications for psychotherapy. Its progressive building of concepts and logical applications results in a comprehensive discussion of how hypnosis and hypnotic language serve as natural extensions of the therapeutic process to basic skills and clear-cut guidelines for the integration of hypnosis into practice.
This book certainly provides the reader with many practical ideas for hypnotic language, induction procedures and clinical treatment planning. Yet, this reviewer believes the book's strength lies in how effectively it lays the groundwork for why these methods make sense. His sections on the concepts behind trance and hypnosis, human suggestibility and responsiveness, brain function, and various contexts in which hypnosis is practiced give the reader a depth of understanding that fully restore this meaning to an extent that few other texts achieve.
This is a book with few if any weaknesses. If anything, it may have attempted to do too much and yet, should any of its elements be removed, it would not be the complete work that it is. Yapko's thorough examination of the myths surrounding hypnosis and how they reflect misinterpretations of the process involved serve to illuminate the alternative truths involved. He most effectively dispels myths about hypnosis by examining ways in which responsiveness and suggestibility create the potentials through which we induce trance. This assignment of responsibility and further discussion of normal hypnotic phenomena allow the reader to grasp the purpose of techniques as means of utilizing, not manufacturing, trance behavior. In short, it successfully replaces the mindset of "doing hypnosis" with one of "being hypnotic."
Unlike many other introductory books, Trancework carefully and clearly examines those conditions and characteristics in people and in the therapeutic setting that lay the groundwork for hypnotic communication. I would recommend this book for students of hypnosis at any level of training. For the serious beginner, there is probably no more comprehensive and user-friendly text available. It has been my experience that many professionals who have completed advanced levels of training have not gained a comprehension of the hypnotic process sufficient to comfortably apply their skill with any range or effectiveness. In Trancework, these readers will discover an opportunity to expand their knowledge base while increasing the breadth of their hypnosis skills.
Because of its clarity and scope, this book would be of great interest to someone seriously curious about hypnosis.