Hypnosis: The Induction of Conviction, Third Ed.

John C. Hughes, D.C.
The National Guild of Hypnotists (2009)
ISBN 9781885846150
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (10/09)

This book is a practical guide for beginning and seasoned practitioners as well as for curious lay people wanting more information to understand hypnosis. Dr. John Hughes, a well-known expert in the field of clinical hypnosis, offers a brief history, myths and misconceptions, theories, and how hypnosis works.  But, most importantly Hughes gives guidance and advice to the practitioner.  He covers areas such as: suggestibility tests, how to hypnotize and awaken a client, and guidelines for smoking cessation, pain management and painless childbirth. He even adds a chapter on marketing tools for the practitioner.

I specifically found interest in the section on self-hypnosis. Many hypnotherapists encourage their clients to perform self-hypnosis and Hughes details self-induction as an effective tool to curb habits (smoking, drinking, overeating, etc.), deal with negative emotions (fear, anger, depression, etc.), overcome health issues (colds, lethargy, pain), and sexual concerns (impotence, low urge, frigidity, etc.).  Encouraging the client to do self-hypnosis will bring greater results to the overall sessions with the practitioner.

As a certified practitioner of hypnosis, I personally found “Hypnosis: The Induction of Conviction” a very valuable book.  I feel this book should be added to every curriculum for hypnosis study because it gives a concise, yet extremely informative overview of the necessary elements.  Hughes gives the practitioner assurance that with practical knowledge and desire to help the client, hypnosis could be a key factor in successful clinical psychotherapy. Of the volumes of reference books I have on hypnosis, I am adamant in saying that “Hypnosis: The Induction of Conviction” by John C. Hughes is the best on the market today.  It is a must have for every practitioner of hypnotherapy.

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