Product reviews for Therapy with Tough Clients

When searching the bookshelves it is evident that there is virtually no literature available devoted to exploring the tricky subject of handling challenging clients, especially from a hypnotherapy perspective. Not afraid to meet this difficult aspect of the therapeutic relationship head on, George Gafner has written a thought-provoking book that admirably fills this glaring void. Espousing a refreshing pluralistic approach to therapy he explores working with overt and covert resistance, whilst openly discussing the often taboo subject of the therapist's personal cognitive and emotional reactions.

One of the many highlights of this engaging book is that approaches are illustrated through on-going case studies, which are constructively dissected, affording the reader the opportunity to fully get to grips with every nuance. Ostensibly based around PTSD, there is much to learn for those not versed in the treatment of trauma as each approach is adaptable to any client that presents a challenge to the therapeutic process.

Gaffner is an expert in therapeutic story telling and therefore this book is unashamedly based around metaphor. That said, other aspects of hypnotherapy, including the use of paradox, are effectively demonstrated in situ in the abundant therapy transcripts. The author also includes informative discussions on the potentials and pitfalls of using cultural metaphors, whilst overviewing hypnotic language and hypnotic phenomena for those new to hypnotherapy. With therapists from every background in mind, the author discusses how approaches can be applied both hypnotically and non-hypnotically. He also explores their application in a diverse range of settings, from couples therapy to those working with people held in correctional facilities.

This is a well-rounded book that holds something for everyone, irrespective of their therapeutic background.