Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist residing near San Diego, California. He is internationally recognized for his work in clinical hypnosis, brief psychotherapy, and the strategic treatment of depression, routinely teaching to professional audiences all over the world. The author of more than a dozen books, including the leading hypnosis text Trancework (4th edition), he is the recipient of lifetime achievement awards from the International Society of Hypnosis, the American Psychological Association’s Society of Psychological Hypnosis (Division 30), and the Milton H. Erickson Foundation for his innovative contributions in advancing the fields of hypnosis and psychotherapy.
Learning the fundamentals of modern clinical hypnosis is as simple as reading this update to a classic text. Michael Yapko has a gifted ability to comprehensively present building blocks that will edify the novice and serve as important reminders for the experienced practitioner. Essentials of Hypnosis Second Edition is an essential primer of essential concepts. Dr. Yapko has done a great service by providing new, modern understandings in this new edition. -- Jeffrey K. Zeig, PhD, The Milton H. Erickson Foundation Only Michael Yapko could integrate all the complex facets of the world of hypnosis so completely in one volume. His knowledge is evident in every sentence, accurately selected with incisive precision and mindful creativity. This is a book every expert should have on his or her desk for quick and insightful reference and inspiration. -- Consuelo C. Casula,, President of the European Society of Hypnosis Yapko is hypnosis. His accumulated knowledge, research, insights and experience are distilled in Essentials of Hypnosis: one easily readable and essentially practical volume. Curious or convinced, you owe it to you - and your clients - to read and apply this entrancing clinical wisdom. --George Burns, Adjunct Professor of Psychology, Cairnmillar Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Author, 101 Healing Stories and Happiness, Healing, Enhancement Michael Yapko is among a handful of the best writers and clinical practitioners of hypnosis in the world. With this volume he has somehow surpassed his series of previous books on hypnosis to provide his ultimate work to date. Based on strong theory and science, this remarkable achievement provides page after page of remarkable, practical, and deeply insightful advice about how to apply hypnosis clinically. Yapko's writing is so compelling and easy to read, it might be easy to overlook that this work will be one of the most influential and innovative that has been produced on teaching even the most experienced clinicians to use this approach with their patients. -- David R Patterson, PhD, ABPP; Author, Clinical Hypnosis for Pain Control Whether beginning to learn Hypnosis or continuing and reviewing, refreshing and renewing, learning the essentials from Michael Yapko enriches and informs like no other. This volume not only continues to provide essential critical and foundational concepts and a framework with which to grow, but also provides ongoing nurturance with wise and thoughtful responses to old and new questions that arise while we help people help themselves. --Daniel P. Kohen, MD., FAAP, FASCH, ABMH, Co-Director, National Pediatric Hypnosis Training Institute; Director, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Professor, Departments of Pediatrics and Family Medicine & Community Health, University of Minnesota (Retired) Michael Yapko's latest contribution to the hypnosis field succeeds as another must have for one's resource library. This perfect primer distills Hypnosis to the exquisitely crisp essentials, without compromising any relevant topic. Easy-to-read and clear explanations offer all the basics for the novice. The numerous practical applications will also appeal to seasoned clinicians seeking to refresh or add additional approaches and strategies to their work with their clients. This revised guide is a great companion to his comprehensive text, Trancework. --Pamela Kaiser, PhD, CPNP, Former Associate Clinical Professor, Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, Medical School; Co-Founder and Co-Director, National Pediatric Hypnosis Training Institute Dr. Yapko's second edition is an important addition to every clinician's bookshelf! Dr. Yapko reduces challenging concepts to their essential elements, inviting curiosity and reducing hypnosis to its essential elements. I heartily recommend this text for any medical or mental health clinician with an interest in hypnosis. --Dan Handel, MD, Chief, Palliative Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center