The Complete Idiot's Guide to Hypnosis, 2nd edition

"I think that one problem with this book is that it forces outcomes on people and reduces choice. For instance, the entire discussion of drinking. Yes, there are some people who will need to never drink again, because they are "true alcoholics". But for a majority of problem drinkers, total abstinence is not required (unlike hard drugs or smoking, where no real reason to continue, for example, based on health could be made, with drinking alcohol, especially red wine, real health benefits can be seen, and people in my view should have the option of having a beer or two or wine or two in a social setting, rather than being forced into lifelong, total abstinence from a drink that can save you from a heart attack).

She thus forces this outcome of total abstinence on everyone. I dislike this because it reduces choice. For instance, if you go to a hynotherapist in Britain, Canada, or Europe or Australia, moderation will be one potential outcome that you are given. The author falls into the trap typical of U.S. therapists, of thinking that only 12-step programs can work for people with alcohol problems. Whereas, even in the U.S., this view is being rejected. I think that the book is ok, but I would like to see this dogma removed in future. "
~ Written on 2008-05-22

"If the ready has *0* background in the subject at hand, then perhaps you could glean something from this book.

The author is long on "I fixed this problem in my practice" and short on "how this works." The focus is clearly on getting the reader to find a hypnotherapist to go to and so only offers enough basics to see that you don't go in blind.

There are a few worksheets on designing your own self-hypnosis scripts and one for getting an idea of how suggestible you might be. Don't get your hopes up though, the worksheets offer only the most basic "I do ____" "____ often" "I will stop doing _____." Wow. I couldn't figure that out. There's none of the subtlety that really makes hypnosis work. No ideas for creative metaphoring that makes the subconcious really respond.

The meager section on stage hypnosis is clearly only a scare tactic to see to it that the reader stays as far away from this branch as possible. All stage operators are dastardly and reckless. The few stories of stage volunteers are all negative. All victims to some careless act.

There is, however, a small bit of useful information in the way of historical factoids. There is included a brief glance at hypnosis' mottled history and a couple of stories that are interesting. The author is also good at letting the reader know to be wary of false memories and how easily they can be created. All in all, you could find better ways to spend 15 bucks."
~ Written on 2007-05-14

"The author's aproach is directive as opposed to a more cooperative Ericksonian approach, but the book is excellent, usefull, and informative."
~ Written on 2007-05-14

"Makes for a pleasant albeit bloated read. My impression is that most people would do well beginning with self-hypnosis and many would be fine sticking just to self-hypnosis. Temes' focus seems to be on wide coverage, i.e. showing all the things that hypnosis may help with.

Another book that gives wide coverage while sticking to self-hypnosis is Allman's and Lambrou's Self-Hypnosis: The Complete Manual for Health and Self-Change. But Allman and Lambrou seem to provide more substance.

I've enjoyed Leslie LeCron ("Self-Hypnosis: The Technique and its use in Daily Living" and "The Complete Guide to Hypnosis"). Self-talk, visualization, quiet sitting and common sense comprise a lot of self-hypnosis, so once you've realized that, your dependence on any hypnosis book will drop, but some writers do share useful techniques and focus. Hypnosis books tend to be inexpensive so you can try out a few to find the one(s) that connect best with you. For me, this book by Temes tends toward being too wide and not deep enough. Whereas I just have to pick up LeCron's "Self-Hypnosis" book and I. to my surprise, immediately involuntarily find myself breathing slower and deeper, as well as feeling calmer. But there's no magic, it's just that it's the book I got into self-hypnosis with and trust.

"
~ Written on 2005-07-19

"This book is superb for the average reader, because it tells so much about hypnosis. It does not seem to be intended to teach a lay person HOW to be a hypnotherapist, because for that one has to first be a qualified health professional, such as a psychologist or a physician. So, if one wants to learn a lot ABOUT hypnosis, read this book."
~ Written on 2004-05-31