Training Trances: Multi-Level Communication in Therapy and Training (Paperback)

by John Overdurf (Author), Julie Silverthorn (Author), Tad James (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Training Trances is about how to therapeutically communicate with the unconscious mind. The authors present their own unique integration of Ericksonian techniques, traditional models of hypnotherapy, and recent research in related areas. Numerous new patterns modeled from the work of Milton H. Erickson, M.D. are clearly explained and demonstrated. The use of trance in training design, to unconsciously install the skills being taught to the participants, is also covered.

The book developed from transcripts of a four day workshop, and the design of the book parallels the design chosen for the training itself. Individual exercises or those done in groups of two or three are offered so that the reader may practice the techniques and learn the skills.

There are numerous "live" demonstrations, inductions, and double inductions which create for the reader a real "feel" of how hypnosis is done and which are also a rich source for linguistic analysis for the advanced reader.

Written with insight and humor, this book's most unique twist is its use of multi-level communication and hypnotic language to create a "training trance" for the readers as they journey through the text. Some hypnotic references are obvious and explicit -- those which are not obvious will create enjoyable "ah-ha!" experiences for the reader as they are discovered.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Metamorphous Press; 3rd edition (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555520693
• ISBN-13: 978-1555520694
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #384,279 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

113 of 115 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST training manual for Ericksonian Hypnotherapy!, February 20, 2001

By	J. Storm (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This was BY FAR the best book I have ever found on Ericksonian (permissive) technique. I was doubtful about the other reviewers who said you can experience and learn in trance with this book, but IT IS TRUE! The trances are automatic, requiring no effort whatsoever on your part, and they do remarkably help you absorb and assimilate the material much more rapidly. I'm an enthusiastic believer!

Overdurf and Silverthorn simplify what some regard as the most mysterious and "difficult" hypnotic styles to master and use (Ericksonian), but after this book you will find an amazing sense of confidence in your ability to immediately utilize naturally structured trace inductions, metaphor (and their improvisation), catalepsy (AMAZING! I did it in five minutes with autosuggestion), posthypnotic suggestion, and even self-hypnosis, explicit and step-by-step instructions on how to structure and conduct the hypnotic interview, extensive information on amnesia and and other traditional hypnotic phenomena, all written in a very readable, friendly, readily-understandable style. There is nothing dry and clinical about this book, but there is a wealth of PRACTICAL techniques and protocols that cannot be found in other manuals.

It does draw heavily on some basic ideas from NLP (neurolinguistic programming), but even if you are completely unfamiliar with NLP, this book still has a lot to offer. Much of the NLP material you will need is summarized in an appendix of the book. My entire model of hypnotherapy has been revolutionized thanks to "Training Trances"!

I have been studying and practicing hypnosis for 16 years, and have only been working with NLP and Ericksonian Hypnosis for the past two. This is the ONE book I wish I had read first! Excellent!

62 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best, September 29, 2002

By	Karl (England, Great Britain) - See all my reviews

Although this book is described on the cover as being about Ericksonian hypnosis and the use of hypnosis in training, this isn't entirely true. The book does NOT demonstrate or explain how to use hypnosis in training 'in general'.

What the authors have created is an almost unique and very useful resource which teaches Ericksonian hypnosis by using hypnotic techniques within the text. This definitely works, in fact almost 'too' well - for a couple of months after reading this book I began to go into a trance no matter what book I was reading [more of a trance than usual :) ] !

Much of the book, a rich mixture of demonstration, explanation and exercises, is based on the authors' own training workshops and I personally found that this came across to very good effect.

I wouldn't suggest that any book could make you an expert in a subject like hypnosis, but this strikes me as an excellent basic text for anyone wanting to study Erickson's techniques.

Having said that, some readers may find the book a little narrow in its scope, in which case I'd ALSO recommend "Hypnosis: A Comprehensive Guide", by Flores, Schober and James (ISBN 1899836454), another practical guide which contrasts the Ericksonian approach with two other styles of hypnosis, IN ADDITION to this book.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More Information, December 15, 2002

By	"davids12345" (Miami, U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

From the Publisher:
==================

Training Trances is about how to therapeutically communicate with the unconscious mind. The authors present their own unique integration of Ericksonian techniques, traditional models of hypnotherapy, and recent research in related areas, as well as the use of trance in training design, to unconsciously install the skills being taught. Includes individual/group exercises and numerous "live" demonstrations of inductions and double-inductions. Written with insight and humor, this book's most unique twist is its use of multi-level communication and hypnotic language to create a "training trance" for the readers as they journey through the text. Some hypnotic references are obvious and explicit--those which are not obvious will create enjoyable "ah-ha!" experiences for the reader as they are discovered.

Therapists and trainers will learn:

Milton Erickson's three most frequently used trance inductions

How to use catalepsy for changework and healing (including "Ambiguous Touch")

How to induce classic hypnotic phenomena i.e. Amnesia, Dissociation, and Deep Trance identification

How to structure the hypnotic interview

How to use metaphoric stories as "anchors" for change

Protocol for Post-Hypnotic Suggestion and amnesia

The transcripts of live demonstrations and inductions recreate for the reader the experience of hypnosis and are also a rich source for linguistic analysis by the advanced reader. This is an "unconcious-friendly" book which will prove invaluable for NLP and hypnotherapy trainers alike.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
===================

Foreword (vii)
Introduction (xi)

Chapter 1. Two Minds Defining Trances (1)
Chapter 2. What Do Driving And Garages Have To Do With Intention And Trance? (15)
Chapter 3. Structuring Trance Inductions, Naturally. (41)
Chapter 4. Dissociating Functions--Communicating Possibilities (61)
Chapter 5. Catalepsy: Giving Your Trancework A Healing Lift (81)
Chapter 6. Hypnotically Skillfull (103)
Chapter 7. The Hypnotic Interview: The Inner View of Trans-Formation (127)
Chapter 8. Posthypnotic Suggestion: How To Trans-fer The Learnings (149)
Chapter 9. Constructing Stories: What Is A Metaphor, Anyway? (165)
Chapter 10. Metaphorical Intervention: Is It Real Or Just A ...? (183)

End Notes (205)
Appendix (218)
Bibliography (228)
Index (232)