This classic work is the definitive introduction to the many uses of hypnosis in medicine, psychology, and dentistry. This book is designed to introduce hypnosis to the general public and to help health care professionals safely and confidently use hypnosis. This book provides valuable background information as well as practical instruction on hypnotic techniques. Offers a wide variety of proven induction techniques and includes easy-to-follow instructions for such proven approaches as the movie method, clenched fist induction, the coin technique, the confusion technique, and many others. Also contains practical information on what to look for in a patient's words and actions to verify that a trance has been induced. Up-to-date, concise, yet comprehensive...this [book] is a state-of-the-art presentation of what we know and how we practice hypnosis today. I now have a quality single-source reference which I can recommend with assurance to colleagues, students, and interested lay persons --Melvin A. Gravitz, Ph.D., Past President, American Society of Clinical Hypnosis A work of this importance surfaces only once in a blue moon. As a comprehensive introduction to hypnosis for the professional, one would have to look hard to find an equal...really good reading...outstanding. Written in plain, non-technical English. One of those few books that will stay within arm's reach. --Hypnotherapy Today A rich storehouse of information...practical word-by-word induction techniques not only for inducing hypnosis, but also for treating various clinical conditions...truly a 'tour de force.' --William S. Koger, M.D., Author of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis Dr. Pratt is a licensed clinical psychologist and for the past decade has served as Chairman of Psychology, Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California. He is a Fellow and Certified/Approved Consultant of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and Past President of the San Diego Society for Clinical Hypnosis. He has been in private practice for over thirty years specializing in hypnosis, psychotherapy, mind/body techniques and performance enhancement. He is adjunct faculty of the University of California, San Diego. His other books include Instant Emotional Healing: Acupressure for the Emotions and Hyper-Performance: Release Your Business Potential. Dr. Pratt has helped Olympic Medalists, Academy Award and Grammy winners as well as individuals and groups to achieve their goals. He has been a repeat guest on Larry King Live. Dr. Wood is a clinical psychologist and a Diplomate in Clinical Psychology, American Board of Professional Psychology. He received his Ph.D. in 1976 from the California School of Professional Psychology. In 2005, Dr. Wood retired from the U.S. Naval Reserves, with the rank of Captain, having served, both on active duty and in the Reserves, for 34 years. Currently, Dr. Wood is in private practice in Coronado, CA. Dr. Wood is also a consultant to the Virtual Reality Medical Center where he has participated in studies exploring the utilization of Virtual Reality systems to treat combat-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury. He has authored/co-authored over 25 articles discussing health psychology, the utilization of hypnosis to facilitate surgery and the application of virtual reality to treat combat-related PTSD. Dr. Alman has been in private practice in Southern California since 1979 with a clinical specialty in weight loss. He is currently working with Kaiser Permanente, which uses his Keep It Off Program as part of their strategy for bringing proven weight loss solutions to healthcare providers around the world. Dr. Alman has presented at Harvard Medical School, the University of California, the University of Paris and studied with Milton Erickson, M.D. a pioneer in mind/body healing. His book Self-Hypnosis: The Complete Manual for Health and Self-Change is published in 14 languages worldwide. His additional books include Keep it Off and Self Care Secrets. He consults with Apple Computers, the NFL, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Sony Pictures and Sprint.