"Handbook of Hypnotic Suggestions and Metaphors," edited by D. Corydon Hammond, Ph.D.

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Permalink Reply by Robert M Dunscomb on March 9, 2009 at 7:00am

I second the motion, Don. The "Big Red Book" is probably the most referenced volume in my hypnosis library. One of its best features is the multiplicity of ideas by various contributors on the same issues, so you're likely to find something you can use almost every time.

This book is big and heavy, all to the good, and not exactly cheap, alas. Years ago, as part of my certification class, our instructor let me borrow her copy and it did not take long for me to realize that I really really needed my own. It has been a great investment.

Robert

Permalink Reply by James Hazlerig - HypnosisAustin on March 9, 2009 at 12:44pm

Thanks for posting this review. I'll have to keep my eye out for that book.

Permalink Reply by Marianne Zaugg, PhD on March 9, 2009 at 5:14pm

Yes indeed, it is worth all its money - a recommended reference book to have on your desk. To adapt to each individual case and to improvise as needed. I got my first copy back when it first was published.

Permalink Reply by Saul Rosenfeld on March 11, 2009 at 2:28pm

I'm happy to see that you added the all-important caveat: "To adapt to each individual case and to improvise as needed";
because I'm afraid that many (most?) practitioners will prefer to take the easy way out and merely choose to recite those suggestions word for word as if it's some "magical" formula that Hammond is providing them for a few bucks.
Call me cynical if you must- but one of the reasons I felt compelled to write MY book was to help combat this pervasive attitude of lazily adhering to "scripts" rather than expending the extra effort necessary to tailor suggestions individually.
I never expected to win any popularity contests for daring to promote this view, but I could care less about annoying those who are only interested in expending the least amount of effort with their clients.

Permalink Reply by Lee Pelletier on November 11, 2009 at 4:20pm

I join those who praise this work. It is an extraordinary compilation of suggestions, metaphors and scripts. It brings forward the best thinking in hypnosis through its publication in 1990. The professionals cited have made major contributions to the field of hypnosis.

There are many who object to developing hypnotists using scripts as part of their process. I understand the concern, but one has to bear in mind that the scripts do provide a starting place for the novice and information for the experienced practitioner embarking on something new for a client. Properly used, scripts allow us all to stand on the shoulders of giants. With knowledge in hypnosis, as in the rest of life expanding so rapidly it is important to have solid foundational resources, and Hammond's book is nothing if not a solid foundational resource. When on a solid foundation, it is easy to build, to modify and to "see what happens when......"

Havens and Walters in their book "Hypnotherapy Scripts" suggest that their scripts be seen as "paint by numbers" so that practitioners can get the feel for the process, see how things blend in, and then use the ideas learned to develop their own "artistic" presence. The growing hypnotist will venture far beyond the guidelines provided, and as they do that, become hypnotherapists (except in those states, like New York where you are not allowed to use the term hypnotherapist, then you become consulting hypnotists.) Ultimately, as we have been saying in different ways, the more you work with clients in hypnosis the more effective you will become. Use whatever tools you need to become more secure and proficient. Test yourself by venturing beyond. Trust your own subconscious mind as you work with your clients, and see your effectiveness increase.

I would go so far as to say that any hypnotist that does not take the time to read and process scripts written by others is not developing their skill in hypnosis, because they are not learning from others. On the other hand, anyone who simply reads scripts to their clients without modification, adaptation and developing their own original material is not realizing their own unique potential as a helping professional.

Permalink Reply by amber lee poole on November 11, 2009 at 5:45pm

Hi there,

Thanx for the information on the book - i am searching for it right now! As a "newbie" to hypnotherapy it has been invaluable for me to start off by learning and growing through others scripts and now that I am flowing and learning more I find that a good 10 - 15mins of my sessions with my clients are me "ad-libbing" their dreams, goals, desires and wishes... but without a guideline i would have been completely lost!

Also, we are all living ever increasing busy lives and if i waited until i had been able to formulate and put together scripts for each of my clients i never would have started! Which would have meant many people would not have had any experience with me and hypnosis and the fantastic results they have had.

I agree that it is important for us to make each session and script individual to each client but you know, there are good and bad in every field and i'd rather just make sure that I do what i do best and hopefully word of mouth will help to keep people coming in my direction :) All we can ever do is "realise our own unique potential", or not :)

I purchased some scripts by Rick Collingwood, a very successful Hypnotherapist here in Australia, and they have been fantastic for me - i always use them as the starting point and just flow with what each client wants specifically. I am grateful for the ability to learn from the best and am so pleased that these experienced therapists allow us to learn from them....

Thanx again for the reference to the book - can't wait!

Amber xo

Permalink Reply by Hugh Cole on November 11, 2009 at 6:10pm

Hi Amber..
Hammond's book is Amazing. I have been using it for about 2 years now. While I understand it is not cheap to many people, in comparaison to other Script books available... It is an absolute bargin, WEll worth not only the read, but the ultimate ownership.


Hugh Cole
The Pretty Goodest Hypnotist on the Planet

Permalink Reply by Shirley R. Patterson on November 11, 2009 at 6:25pm

I also purchased this book. It is worth the money to invest in it.

Shirley

Permalink Reply by Lee Pelletier on November 12, 2009 at 7:53am

I should have mentioned, the book is available for $58.13 at www.amazon.com. That is a tremendous value. It is available from a vvariety of used book sources as well. Honestly, if I could find a "well used" copy from the estate of a deceased or retired hypnotist/hypnotherapist, I would do so in a heartbeat--it would be great fun to read the comments of someone who used it in their practice, and pick up on the notes they put in the margins to remind themselves how to make a given script, suggestion or metaphor more useful to a client.

Permalink Reply by Joshua Kurtenbach on April 15, 2011 at 6:46am

I have to agree with everyone here, this book is a priceless resource. The cost may be a little high, but it is well worth it. There is an absolute wealth of information on formation of suggestions and metaphors along with many many scripts that can be customized to each individual case.

Permalink Reply by Trevor Eivers on October 14, 2011 at 10:37am

I would like to say that this book is great and I have used many of the scripts from it, all be tailored to the

way I talk. The only down part is that some scripts are a mixed bag but my favourite script in the book is the

'seeing and appreciating the world anew' - its a lovely script and can be used for many many treatments !

Permalink Reply by Barry Neale yesterday

HI

I highly recommend this book. My copy is well worn and it is worth every penny

barry