Hypnosis for Behavioral Health

Clinical hypnosis has been proven through decades of rigorous research and practice to be an effective intervention in a wide range of mental, behavioral, and physical health issues. This highly practical text demystifies clinical hypnosis by providing step-by-step guidance for using its techniques to enhance the repertoire of practitioners in other psychotherapeutic modalities. It offers mental health providers with no formal training in hypnosis the requisite guidance and information they need to learn and confidently apply strategies to help their clients initiate constructive, health-oriented change in their lives.

Chapters progress from initial assessment through the development of treatment plans and actual hypnotic techniques with clients. The author shows how to apply hypnosis to such clinical issues as anxiety, stress, somatic disorders, pain, and unwanted habits. In addition, the author shows clinicians how they can broaden their practice beyond mental or physical health parameters of treatment by applying hypnosis in areas of personal growth and wellness (motivation, athletic performance, conflict resolution). The text also covers ethical and professional issues related to clinical hypnosis, which does not require special licensure when it is integrated into a psychotherapeutic practice.

• Offers clinicians who have no or little background in clinical hypnosis clear, accessible information on how to safely and effectively use basic techniques with clients
• Helps psychotherapists expand their practice by providing effective interventions with behavioral health issues that are also eligible for insurance reimbursement
• Includes sample guided scripts for specific problems as well as experiential exercises and treatment plans
• Provides case histories drawn from the author's clinical work and those of the "father" of clinical hypnosis, Milton Erickson
• Instructs therapists on the use of hypnosis for clinical and personal growth and wellness issues