“Mastering the Power of Self-Hypnosis” by C Roy Hunter proved to be both interesting & informative. Roy Hunter's style is easy to follow, written by someone of great experience in the field of Hypnosis who obviously feels great passion for this subject & its use.
It is a book suitable for all levels, from students just starting out to practitioners with more experience. The language is kept simple & as free from jargon as possible, in doing so, although some academics may question some of the theoretical explanations & his occasional choice of words, the overall meaning comes across very clearly & effectively.
The book really does what it says, structured to guide the reader through the various stages, using his own cases as examples where appropriate.
The first section prepares the reader for what to expect from the book, making it clear that, providing one is prepared to put in the effort & follow the instructions & exercises, it is possible to make real changes in thoughts, feelings & behaviour.
This is followed by a thoughtful discussion of what Hypnosis is & is not & what Hypnosis can help one achieve, with Roy's interpretation of some of the theory & science of Hypnosis.
The section on the history & development of Hypnosis is very thorough & goes on to provide some insight into the present status of Hypnosis & its use in therapy today.
The chapter on self-hypnosis may at first seem brief, but as one moves through the successive sections it becomes apparent that there is ample information & instruction on the subject of self-hypnosis.
These sections continue, in a clear & practical manner, to offer straightforward ideas to train & enhance our ability to use our minds much more powerfully & effectively. The reader is guide through various issues, such as smoking cessation, weight control & performance enhancement in sports, business & social circumstances, with clear instructions & relevant case studies to illustrate where necessary.
Finally, there are various scripts & charts, as well as advice on seeking professional help. Furthermore, the book comes with an audio C.D. to help with relaxation & stress relief.
In conclusion, I found the book well worth reading, at times stimulating & thought provoking. Although offering help for most issues, it does not claim to be all one would ever need to use Hypnosis. The book would most benefit people looking to use self-hypnosis to help with personal change, but contains plenty to interest clinicians using hypnosis.