By: Tad James, Ph.D. with Lorraine Flores and Jack Schober
Crown House Publishing, Bancyfelin, Carmarthen, Wales
Copyright: 2000

Reviewed by Judith E. Pearson, Ph.D.

Hypnosis: A Comprehensive Guide, is an excellent overview of Milton Erickson's methods, as well as those of David Elman and George Estabrooks. Tad James shows his readers how to develop an eclectic approach to hypnosis by combining elements of these three hypnotic styles and tells us that through hypnosis we can heal illness, create the future of our dreams, and control destiny.

Having studied hypnosis from its earliest beginnings, he provides an impressive bibliography of 246 books, some dating back to the 1800s. He offers a respectable history of hypnosis, summarizing the contributions of notables such as Mesmer, Braid, Esdaile, Liebault, Breuer, Pavlov, Hull, Erickson, Estabrooks, Elman, and LeCron.

James gives advice on history-taking, and "pre-talk" and suggestibility tests, as well as guidance on recognizing trance depth. Drawing from LeCron's work, he describes six stages of trance, from light to deep. He provides a script designed to take the client through the six stages of hypnosis and test each stage with challenges consisting of eye closure, arm catalepsy, age regression, automatic movement, hallucinations, and amnesia.

The chapter on metaphors is an elegant series of embedded metaphors about how to pay attention to the client and sharpen the power of observation, and mind-body healing. The book discusses several deepening methods such as counting and fractionation. James does a very good treatment of post-hypnotic suggestions as well.

Hypnosis: A Comprehensive Guide features an analysis of three prominent methods of hypnotherapy:

* Indirect, permissive methods, as practiced by Milton Erickson
* Direct-authoritarian methods, as practiced by George Estabrooks
* Client-centered methods, as practiced by David Elman

James presents a thorough discussion of each approach, with sample scripts. He recommends that readers practice and experiment with these three styles and develop their own individual, eclectic approach. He advocates combining hypnotherapy with Time Line Therapy(r) and NLP.

Tad James, Ph.D. made his mark on NLP when he and Wyatt Woodsmall co-authored the groundbreaking book, Time Line Therapy, in 1988 (Meta Publications). Today he teaches Time Line Therapy(r) to thousands of people each year. He is President of the American Board of Hypnotherapy and Advanced Neuro-Dynamics, a leading NLP training firm. He heads the American Institute of Hypnotherapy and American Pacific University, a Hawaiian-based institute for hypnosis, psychology and esoteric studies. He is one of the world's most influential NLP trainers and a respected authority on hypnosis.

Hypnosis: A Comprehensive Guide takes a complex subject and makes it simple. The descriptions of language patterns and scripts are particularly illustrative and well-done. The chapter on metaphors is truly artistic. James proves himself an erudite historian of clinical hypnotherapy.

Although I like this highly readable book, it is not the best-organized I have ever read, in terms of chapter sequencing. Moreover, the word "comprehensive," in the title overstates the case. Nevertheless, where Hypnosis: A Comprehensive Guide makes a truly unique contribution is in describing, comparing, and contrasting the work of three great hypnotherapists. The analysis of Erickson's work is thorough, and the portrayals of the work Elman and Estabrooks are succinct and accurate. James shows us the rich precision of hypnotic language and the subtle nuances that make hypnotherapy engaging and convincing. He demystifies hypnosis and makes the process easy to comprehend. Hypnosis: A Comprehensive Guide is one you will want for your library.

To purchase Hypnosis: A Comprehensive Guide contact:
Crown House Publishing Limited
Crown Buildings
Bancyfelin, Carmarthen SA33 5ND, U.K.
Phone: +44 (0) 1267 21 1880
Facsimile: +44 (0) 1267 21 1882
Email: bshine@crownhouse.co.uk
Website: www.crownhouse.co.uk

Judith E. Pearson, Ph.D. is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Executive Director with the National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists. She is an NLP Master Practioner/Trainer. She maintains a counseling practice in Springfield Virginia.
Her web site is www.engagethepower.com.

Posted by Ron Klein at 1:27 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

By: Judith E. Pearson, Ph.D.

Potential clients ask, "What is your success rate?" To me, knowing my success rate means tracking clients and maintaining statistics on them over time. In a solo practice, that is just not feasible, even though I do encourage client feedback when our sessions together have come to an end. I know that my programs for smoking cessation and weight control have high success rates, because the results are immediately available, and I see many clients in those two programs. In fact, a minimum weight reduction of 12 pounds is built right into the structure of my Motivational Strategies weight reduction program!

Usually, when new clients ask about my success rate, they are usually asking about my success rate for their particular problem. I see such a wide variety of people in my practice that trying to keep statistics for every type of problem would be a momentous task indeed, and would not yield data that could be considered "scientifically significant."

I tell clients It makes more sense to me to spend my time seeing clients, marketing my services, and improving my skills, than keeping statistics. I can tell you that most of my clients report good results, refer their friends and family to me, return for additional services, and send me letters and cards year after year thanking me for my help.

Over several years of practice, I've noticed that certain clients do amazingly well with hypnotherapy and NLP, in coaching and in counseling. I've noticed that these clients employ strategies that increase the probabilities of success. In observing these clients, I've narrowed those strategies down into three categories. I want to share these success strategies with you, so that you too, can get the most from your sessions at Motivational Strategies, Incorporated and maximize your success! Here's what my most successful clients do:

1. They acquire "sophistication" about hypnotherapy and NLP. They read books or visit web sites on these topics. They talk to friends who have experienced hypnotherapy or NLP. The information they find makes them "informed consumers " of my services, so that they have positive expectations about the process. They come to their first session with relevant questions. It's easier for me to guide them right into the change process, because they already know what to expect.

2. They are not passive participants. They understand that while hypnotherapy and NLP can put them into a highly motivated, positive state, they still have to TAKE ACTION to make a difference in their lives. Taking action means taking the "next step." It might mean enrolling in a class, sending out that resume, developing that business plan, making the phone call, joining a fitness center, or having a heart-to-heart conversation with a loved one. What happens in my office is important, but what you do out there in the "real world" really counts!

3. They take the business of personal change seriously; they are not just "window shopping." They know that change often takes place over several sessions and are willing to attend multiple sessions. They keep their appointments, pay their bills, and call me promptly if they need to reschedule. These small courtesies allow us to deal directly with the personal change process, rather than having to work through missed appointments, late payments, and administrative details that get in the way of a good working relationship.

That's it. Follow these three strategies, and you too, will get maximum results with Motivational Strategies, Inc.

Dr. Judith E. Pearson, owner of Motivational Strategies, Inc., is a licensed counselor and coach practicing in Springfield, Virginia. She specializes in Solution-Oriented Counseling, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and Hypnotherapy. She is also a freelance writer and speaker. Learn more about her services at:

www.engagethepower.com.

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By: Lynn Grodzki, LCSW, MCC (Master Certified Coach)

In last month's newsletter, I discussed the 2006 industry-wide survey from Psychotherapy Finances (www.psychotherapyfinances.com), showing that incomes of clinicians are declining and not keeping pace with inflation.

This month, I highlight another finding of the same survey: Despite declining incomes, practice expenses are still high. This validates what I teach, that a therapy business is an expensive business to own and operate.

"If we keep doing what we're doing, we're going to keep getting what we're getting." Stephen R. Covey

Whether you are a sole proprietor or part of a group practice, whether you work from home or out of a separate office, your expenses will be a substantial percentage of your gross income, and that makes this an expensive business to run. It may not seem that way when you have a small practice, because there is relatively little start-up expense, especially with a home office. But when you look at your expenses as a percentage of gross income, you see the true picture.

The 2006 survey reports that expenses of those in solo practices run an average of 30 - 40 % of their total income. Expenses for those in group practices average between 30 - 45%. This is considered a high percentage, in business terms.

To be profitable in private practice you need to keep your income high and your expenses low. Overall, this means you must minimize your reliance on managed care, and sliding scale clients; attract and retain self-pay clients; and manage your expenses carefully so that you can keep as much of your income as possible.

"Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship." Ben Franklin
Let's look at two basic strategies that help to keep clinical expenses low:

1) Get organized.

You need to continually track your income, payments, outstanding debt, and expenses. Have a system that allows you to see this data at all times. If you are not using a computer to do this, you are in business the hard way. The survey shows that therapists are technophobic, and only 55% of those in solo practice use a computer for billing. This is one area where getting comfortable with technology can make a difference to a therapist's bottom line.

One therapist I coached found that just getting her files in order, made it possible to eliminate $10,000 in debt she carried - unpaid bills from existing clients. Before getting organized, she knew she had some outstanding receivables, but didn't know how much or who really owed her for what. After compiling her records, she was able to present clients with a statement and work out a payment plan.

2) Adopt a consumer model of payment - such as taking credit cards.

The survey shows that accepting credit cards is a growing trend for clinicians. Over half of all group practices accept plastic, but only 23% of solo practices take them. Although you lose a little of your fee due to a percentage you pay to the card company (usually 1.75-3%), you gain flexibility, eliminate outstanding receivables, and have a way to encourage immediate payment.

One therapist gets credit card information from each new client as part of the intake packet. His contract explains that the card will be used for missed session payments. This way, the therapist and client can be assured that the billing can continue in a regular way, even when the flow of sessions gets disrupted.

"I don't look to jump over 7-foot bars: I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over." Warren Buffett
Want other ideas to increase profit and reduce expenses? Check the statements that are true for you in the area of "Profit Drains" or "Profit Gains".

Profit Drains:

I have no business plan or a weak business plan.
I don't have enough liquidity or cash on hand so I am always borrowing money.
I offer the wrong services to the right people.
I offer the right services to the wrong people.
I am in a location not conducive to getting or retaining clients.
I don't have a good accounting system for accurate tracking of finances.
I have too much credit card debt.
My income can't support my lifestyle.
I have poor communication with my clients regarding fees.
I spend too much time doing menial work and too little time earning money.
I have poor self care resulting in feeling burnt-out.

Profit Gains:

Every dollar I spend on my business contributes to furthering my profitability.
I have less paperwork come across my desk since I automated my systems.
I only work with serious clients.
I reduced my debt and high interest payments.
I pay attention to details of finances.
I collect fees as soon as possible to eliminate accounts receivables.
I put profitability ahead of comfort or appearance.
I have a good accounting system in place to be able to see my finances and budget to date at a glance.
I am a skilled manager of my practice.
I made a list of my expenses and cut them by 50%.
I leverage my time and efforts to get the most money for the least time.
I surround myself with bright people dedicated to my success.
I have multiple profit centers.
I think expansively and build a practice to last well into the future.
I spend 90% of my time delivering service and generating referrals, 10% of my time doing all else.

Fieldwork: Look at ways you can plug your most serious "Profit Drains". Then find several items on "Profit Gains" you can adopt to increase your profitability.

More next time,

Email: lynn@privatepracticesuccess.com

See the website for additional articles, and information about individual coaching, and upcoming classes.

www.privatepracticesuccess.com

(c) Copyright 2005 by Lynn Grodzki, all rights reserved. 910 La Grande Rd. Silver Spring, MD. 20903.

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By: Judith E. Pearson, Ph.D.

To me, counseling and coaching is about helping people not only solve some problems of daily living, but about helping people get more out of living. Do you want a life that is rich, meaningful, and fulfilling? Do you want to take charge of your choices and live life "on purpose" with a sense of direction? If so, then it might help you to take some quiet time to answer some really big questions.

I believe that answering the big questions makes for an "examined life" that can lead to "conscious living." By living "consciously" you choose your values and beliefs and live by those that serve you best. In this way, you are walking your true to path to personal integrity and fulfillment. With conscious living, you can be the "master of your fate" rather than a hapless victims of circumstance, navigating through life without a map, a compass, or a destination.

The questions below will help you define what's really important to you, and may even help you decide what is lacking, and where improvement is needed. Spend some time with the questions below and write out the answers. Talk your answers over with a trusted friend or loved one, if your comfortable with that approach.

1. What is your life purpose? Are you here just to exist and then die, or have you chosen to live your life doing something that you consider important? How does your being here make a difference and what are you here to accomplish? Your purpose gives your life a sense of direction. Are you living your purpose?

2. What is your passion? Your purpose should align with your passion-something that always holds your interest; something of which you never tire. Are you living your life in a way that allows you to pursue your passion?

3. When you meet life's challenges, what is the source of your strength? Do you know how to access that strength when you want it?

4. Do you know how to comfort yourself and be a friend to yourself at all times, no matter what? When life becomes difficult to bear, what is your source of comfort? Is your source of comfort a healthy one? Is your source of comfort one that you find satisfying and fulfilling?

5. What are you doing to establish and maintain loving relationships with the people closest to you? Are you satisfied with your closest relationships? Are you satisfied with your behavior in those relationships? If you aren't happy with your relationships, how could you improve them?

6. How well do you manage stress? How do your coping skills rate when it comes to the stress of daily living? If your rating is low, how could you boost your abilities in stress management?

7. Do you have good health practices? Do you get good nutrition, adequate exercise and sleep? If not, what changes could you make?

8. Is your work satisfying? Are you pursuing work that allows you to use your talents, and expand your skills and knowledge? Do you enjoy coming to work each day? If not, what would you rather be doing, and how could you get there?

9. Are you satisfied with your spiritual path? Does your spirituality give a larger, coherent perspective on living that strengthens you and inspires you? If not, what would make a difference for you in this regard?

10. What do you do to have a sense of inner peace? Do you have a practice or ritual that brings you moments of peace? Do you know how to access a peaceful frame of mind that can provide insulation from the chatter and noise and bustle of the world around you?

These questions can help you evaluate where your life is working and where it isn't.

Dr. Judith E. Pearson, owner of Motivational Strategies, Inc., is a licensed psychotherapist, counselor and coach practicing in Springfield, Virginia. She specializes in Solution-Oriented Counseling, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and Hypnotherapy. She is also a freelance writer and speaker. Learn more about her services at www.engagethepower.com.

Posted by Ron Klein at 2:28 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

If you think you are too small to make a difference,
you never tried to sleep in a room with a misquito.

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